Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/26/23

How’s it going, Mane Landers? We’re less than a month away from Orlando City’s season opener and I’m really looking forward to it. In the meantime, I’ve been reading some books and watching The Last of Us. I’m usually not the biggest fan of horror or suspense, but it’s been hard for me not to enjoy the show so far. Anyway, let’s dive into today’s links!
Rodrigo Schlegel Signs a New Deal
Orlando City signed center back Rodrigo Schlegel to a new contract that will keep him in the City Beautiful through the 2024 season, with options for 2025 and 2026 as well. This news comes only a little over a year since Schlegel signed a two-year contract following the 2021 season. He joined Orlando on loan before the 2020 season and became a folk hero of sorts after stepping up as a goalkeeper in Orlando’s first MLS playoff appearance and scoring a late equalizer in the team’s U.S. Open Cup campaign last year. However, those moments shouldn’t overshadow how important he’s been to Orlando’s defense. It’s nice to see that a fan favorite like Schlegel will be sticking around for years to come.
So happy to have you here, Rodri 💜 pic.twitter.com/JmLSRg5DYL
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) January 25, 2023
USMNT Loses to Serbia in Friendly
The United States Men’s National Team fell 2-1 to Serbia in its first match of 2023. Seven players made their debuts for the USMNT in this match. Although the team lost, there were some positives. In his first appearance for the USMNT, FC Cincinnati’s Brandon Vazquez scored in the first half thanks in part to a great ball into the box by fellow debutant Julian Gressel.
🇺🇸 1-0 🇷🇸
First cap. First goal + first assist for @Brvndonv + @JulianGressel.
pic.twitter.com/QZ0CFLc7l0— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 26, 2023
Goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina made his USMNT debut as well and came up with three saves. However, the defense struggled as a whole. Serbia scored at the end of the first half off of a free kick and then scored again at the start of the second half to take the lead. Cade Cowell had some good chances to pull the Yanks level, but they ultimately weren’t able to find an equalizer. The USMNT will now need to dust itself off and get ready for another friendly on Saturday against Colombia.
Grant Wahl Will Posthumously Receive Award
The late Grant Wahl will be honored as the recipient of this year’s Colin Jose Media Award at the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony on May 6 in Frisco, TX. The award is given to journalists who have made long-term contributions to soccer in the U.S. Wahl worked for Sports Illustrated for 25 years, covering soccer and growing the popularity of the sport. An advocate for social justice, Wahl’s reporting delved into both the results on the field and the cultural impact of soccer off of it. A tribute was placed at the USMNT’s match last night, with the number on the jersey representing the 11 combined men’s and women’s World Cups he covered.
For Grant. 💙 https://t.co/fejtF24Mxc pic.twitter.com/NlN1FDz37N
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) January 26, 2023
Damion Lowe Headed to Philadelphia
Inter Miami traded center back Damion Lowe to the Philadelphia Union in exchange for $225,000 in General Allocation Money, a first-round pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, and forward Shanyder Borgelin’s rights. Lowe started in 28 games to help Miami reach the playoffs last season. It’s an interesting trade by the Union considering they already have Jacob Glesnes and Jack Elliott, but the depth will be important with so many tournaments for the Union this year. As for Miami, it’s a fairly nice haul for the defender. Borgelin played for Inter Miami II in the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season and led the team with 14 goals.
Free Kicks
- Enjoy some highlights from Orlando’s training camping in Bradenton as the Lions get ready for the 2023 season.
First full day out at training camp and feeling good ☀️@orlandohealth | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/PY5pL3knud
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) January 25, 2023
- Former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini, who was selected in the 2022 MLS Expansion Draft by St. Louis City, converted a penalty in his new club’s preseason match against the Union. The game ended in a draw.
The late equalizer we needed!@Nicholas_gioacc from the spot 🎯 pic.twitter.com/2OFRIOGqAC
— St Louis CITY SC (@stlCITYsc) January 25, 2023
- The Chicago Red Stars signed Brazilian defensive midfielder Julia Bianchi to a two-year contract.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that it signed American defender Kelley O’Hara back in November, but now it is finally official.
- Giovanni Reyna scored another late winner for Borussia Dortmund. It wasn’t as spectacular as the one he scored this past weekend, but it gave Dortmund an important win.
GIO REYNA SCORES A STOPPAGE TIME WINNER FOR BORUSSIA DORTMUND!!! 😤
WHAT A WEEK FOR THE 20-YEAR-OLD! pic.twitter.com/Mqd2QPnhU5
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 25, 2023
- American midfielder Djordje Mihailovic scored his first goal for AZ Alkmaar in a 4-1 win against Go Ahead Eagles. I’m not sure if Mihailovic forgot he can use his feet.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Djordje Mihailovic
Go Ahaead Eagles: 0-2 :AZ Alkmaar#GAEAZ pic.twitter.com/KYZZ46dHVc— ' Burak | #Eredivisie 🇹🇷🇳🇱 (@hollandaligleri) January 25, 2023
- Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 win on the road against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semifinals. The second leg will take place on Wednesday at Old Trafford.
- FC Barcelona snapped Real Sociedad’s nine-game winning streak in a 1-0 victory in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
- In the UEFA Nations League semifinals this summer, Italy will face Spain and the Netherlands will take on Croatia.
- The Super Cup, a match played between the winners of the Champions League and Europa League, will no longer take place in Russia this August. Instead, the match will be played in Athens.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a great Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/28/25
Lions defeat Atlanta United, Pride bounce back against Angel City FC, OCB falls to New York Red Bulls II, and more.

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I will cover high school volleyball and soccer later this week. Let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B forward Thalles, who turns 20 today. Our beloved Lions finally won a match this month, the Pride bounced back with a win, and OCB lost over the weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Defeat Atlanta United at Home
Orlando City snapped its three-game winless streak and extended its unbeaten streak to seven games, beating rival Atlanta United 3-0 Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium. Luis Muriel, Alex Freeman, and Marco Pasalic scored for the Lions. With Pasalic’s goal and assist in Saturday’s match against Atlanta, he added his name to the club record books by becoming the fourth player in club history to have seven goal contributions in his first 10 matches.
Orlando set a club record early in the match for the most consecutive shutout minutes. By the end of the match, Orlando had not conceded a goal in 436 minutes. The Lions’ last goal conceded was to Christian Ramirez in the 14th minute against the LA Galaxy last month. Orlando City will be on the road Saturday to take on the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field.
Pride Rally to Defeat Angel City FC at Home
The Orlando Pride completed the comeback, overcoming a 2-0 deficit late in the second half and defeating Angel City FC 3-2 Friday at Inter&Co Stadium. In the final 20 minutes, Marta and Barbra Banda scored to tie the match after Orlando trailed 2-0. Orlando also got an own goal in stoppage time from Angel City FC defender M.A. Vignola and escaped with a win at home. The Pride bounced back after a defeat to the Washington Spirit the previous week. With the Kansas City Current losing to the North Carolina Courage over the weekend, the Pride are tied with the Current atop the NWSL table. After the match, Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines shared his thoughts on his team’s resiliency to overturn a 2-0 deficit and fight back for the win at home.
The Pride will travel to the Pacific Northwest to face the Portland Thorns in their next match Saturday at Providence Park.
Orlando City B Falls at Home to New York Red Bulls II
Orlando City B started slowly and dug too deep a hole to climb out of on Sunday night in a 4-2 loss to New York Red Bulls II at Osceola County Stadium. The Young Lions trailed 2-0 early in the first half. Jhon Solis pulled one back for OCB before Red Bulls II added another goal to make it 3-1 just before halftime. In the second half, Justin Ellis scored to pull the Young Lions within one again before Ibrahim Kasule converted a penalty kick goal in stoppage time to seal the win against OCB. New York Red Bulls II moves to second in the Eastern Conference with 13 points, while Orlando City B has lost back-to-back matches and is in fifth with 11 points. OCB will be on the road Friday to take on Chicago Fire II at SeatGeek Stadium.
NWSL Announces Plans to Launch a Second Division Women’s League
The National Women’s Soccer League has submitted an application to the U.S. Soccer Federation to launch a second-division soccer league in 2026, the league announced on Friday. The plan for this new league is to focus on furthering player development and building a pipeline between the NWSL and the second division league, similar to Major League Soccer and MLS NEXT Pro. Eight clubs are reportedly set for the league’s inaugural season, including the Orlando Pride. Joining Orlando in committing to the league are Bay FC, the Kansas City Current, the North Carolina Courage, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Racing Louisville, the Seattle Reign, and the Washington Spirit. The Division 2 clubs would play in the same stadiums as their parent clubs. The season format would be a round robin, featuring 14 matches, home and away, and will include playoffs with two semifinals and a championship match.
Free Kicks
- MLSsoccer.com featured an interview with Orlando City forward Marco Pasalic. He gave insight into adjusting to a new team in a new league, his soccer journey, working in construction with his brother, and learning Spanish.
- MLSsoccer.com also praised Orlando City defender Alex Freeman for his stellar form in April scoring three goals and adding an assist, while highlighting his versatility and athleticism on defense and in midfield.
- Real Salt Lake has added former Sporting Kansas City winger and captain Johnny Russell to its roster for the 2025 season.
- Inter Miami has waived midfielder Julian Gressel as he is reportedly set to join Minnesota United.
- Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time to win the Copa del Rey for the 32nd time. It’s the third time Barcelona has beaten Real Madrid this season.
- Ipswich Town became the final Premier League club to be relegated after a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday.
- Wrexham sealed promotion for the third consecutive season, moving to the EFL Championship after beating Charlton Athletic 3-0 on Saturday.
- Liverpool dominated Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 on Sunday to win the Premier League title and become champions of England, tying Manchester United’s record for 20 league championship titles.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/25/25
Orlando City gets ready for Atlanta United, Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira promoted, NWSL MVP candidates, and more.

Happy Friday! Today starts three straight days of Orlando soccer to enjoy, so make sure to plan your weekend accordingly. It was a fairly fast week for me, and I was able to read three books somehow. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a very happy 21st birthday to Orlando City winger Nicolas Rodriguez!
Orlando City Gets Ready for Rivalry Match
The Lions are back in action Saturday night against rival Atlanta United in what should be one of the more interesting matchups of the weekend. Both teams are looking for answers on offense heading into this match, as Orlando is coming off of three straight scoreless draws and Atlanta hasn’t won since March. Taking on a rival at home could be just what’s needed for the Lions to jumpstart their attack and return to the form they had earlier this season. Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke on how it’s an important game to win for Orlando, as well as how the offense needs to exercise some calmness to finish its chances.
Orlando City Promotes Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira
Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira were both promoted by Orlando City, with Moreira taking over as the club’s general manager and sporting director and Muzzi becoming senior advisor to ownership, global soccer ventures. It’s a natural step up for Moreira, who joined the club in 2018 and has helped build a competitive roster that’s made the playoffs for the past five seasons. Muzzi’s new role is a bit of a mouthful, but he’ll be taking on an advisory role focused on the growth of the club while working closely with ownership.
“I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as Orlando City Soccer Club’s EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager for seven seasons, and I am excited to continue my journey with the club in this new role,” said Luiz Muzzi. “I look forward to working alongside the Wilf family and the leadership team to help shape the future of the club and its continued success, both on and off the field, and I know Orlando City’s Soccer Operations will be in great hands under Ricardo’s leadership.”
Orlando Pride Players in the NWSL MVP Hunt
Now that we’re over a month into the NWSL season, ESPN‘s Jeff Kassouf highlighted the league’s early MVP candidates, and there are a couple of familiar faces in his rankings. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda is predictably in the mix in sixth on the list, as she has three goals and an assist to her name so far. But a surprise inclusion is midfielder Haley McCutcheon, who has impressed on both sides of the ball to earn ninth place in the rankings. While I think the MVP race will ultimately be between scorers like Banda, Temwa Chawinga, Ashley Hatch, and Debinha, it’s pretty great to see McCutcheon receive deserved praise for her performance this year.
MLS Transfer News Roundup
The transfer deadline may be over for MLS clubs, but deals that crossed the finish line are still coming in. The Columbus Crew added yet another forward by sending up to $1.2 million to the Houston Dynamo in exchange for Aliyu Ibrahim. The 23-year-old will maintain his U22 Initiative Player status in Columbus and recorded 12 goals and nine assists across 90 appearances for Houston. LAFC signed 26-year-old midfielder Ryan Raposo, who spent the past five seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps and was a free agent this year. St. Louis City also made things official with Simon Becher by making his loan move a permanent one so that he stays with the club.
Free Kicks
- Enjoy this intriguing article that shines a light on how MLS team administrators manage the chaos of the transfer window. I would devour a television series following these kinds of crises throughout the season.
- St. Petersburg is exploring demolishing Al Lang Stadium, the home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, to make room for an amphitheater. The proposed demolition would take place after 2028, so we’ll see if this comes to pass.
- Jamie Vardy is leaving Leicester City, ending a 13-year tenure there that will be remembered for winning the English Premier League title in 2016.
- Here’s everything you need to know before the second legs of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals on Sunday. Chelsea will take on Barcelona before Lyon and Arsenal square off, with both English clubs trailing after the first legs.
- Real Sociedad announced that Head Coach Imanol Alguacil will step down following this season. Alguacil was hired in December of 2018 and led the team to victory in the 2020 Copa del Rey.
- Manchester United will take part in the inaugural women’s seven-a-side tournament next month, joining Bayern Munich, Ajax, Benfica, and four other teams yet to be determined.
- NBA Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd has joined Everton’s ownership group. I too would be looking for anything to take my mind off of the Dallas Mavericks’ season.
- Former Pride players Sydney Leroux and Ali Riley announced a weekly podcast, with the first episode set for Monday.
That’s all I have for you this time around. Mother’s Day is less than a month away, just as a warning. If the mothers in your life like romance books and you’re looking for a gift, I can’t recommend The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center enough. Have a great Friday!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/24/25
Orlando Pride prepare for Angel City FC, MLS deadline day deals, OCB slips in power rankings, and more.

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a few days since a rough weekend for Orlando City and the Orlando Pride. Time heals all wounds, but let’s also hope it heals offenses considering both teams were shut out. Let’s go ahead and manifest some good officiating this weekend as well while we’re at it. That might be a tall order, but I’m feeling optimistic. Let’s get to the links!
Orlando Pride Prepare for Angel City FC
The Orlando Pride will look to bounce back when they welcome Angel City FC to the City Beautiful for a home game Friday night. Orlando lost its first game of the year and first home game since 2023 last week against the Washington Spirit, falling 1-0. Angel City is also coming off of its first loss of the season, falling 4-0 at home to NJ/NY Gotham FC at home. Pride defender Kerry Abello spoke on how the Pride will need to create better chances compared to last week as they prepare to right the ship with a home victory.
Orlando City B Drops a Spot in Power Rankings
Although OCB fell from third to fourth in the latest MLS NEXT Pro power rankings, the Young Lions are solidly in the top five teams in the league. OCB was on a bye last weekend, so not moving too much in the rankings can be expected. While the Young Lions fell 3-2 in their last league game against Inter Miami II, spirits are likely high with the team due to the Orlando City U-18 team’s success in the Generation Adidas Cup. Let’s hope the Young Lions can ride that momentum into Sunday night’s match with New York Red Bulls II.
MLS Deadline Day Transfer News
The MLS transfer deadline day has come and gone and there were some notable moves to catch up on. Real Salt Lake’s deal with Boavista for forward Robert Bozenik reportedly collapsed, but the club still added striker William Agada from Sporting Kansas City in exchange for $500,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money and another $350,000 in GAM if he re-signs. Inter Miami traded winger Robert Taylor to Austin FC in exchange for up to $750,000 in GAM, with only $50,000 of that being conditional. Atlanta United traded winger Xande Silva to St. Louis City SC for up to $250,000 in GAM as well.
The Houston Dynamo also have a new forward, signing Toyosi Olusanya from Scottish club St. Mirren. The New England Revolution traded Noel Buck to the San Jose Earthquakes for up to $650,000 in cold, hard cash, reuniting the 20-year-old with Bruce Arena. Frankie Amaya is back in MLS, joining LAFC on loan from Toluca. As of this writing, Minnesota United are reportedly in hot pursuit of Miami’s Julian Gressel.
Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad
The race for a place in the English Premier League is heating up in the EFL Championship and Americans are right in the thick of it. Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United have already secured promotion, along with Burnley. Forward Haji Wright has scored 12 goals for Coventry City this season, and his club currently holds the final playoff spot. Midfielder Aidan Morris and Middlesbrough are three points behind, while former Lion Daryl Dike and West Brom will need to win their remaining two matches for a shot at sneaking in.
In Italy, Christian Pulisic started in AC Milan’s 3-0 victory over rival Inter to book a spot in the Italian Cup final on May 14. Fellow American Yunus Musah was an unused substitute. Catarina Macario scored twice and Mia Fishel added a goal as well in Chelsea’s 4-0 win against Crystal Palace, helping their team get ever closer to winning its sixth straight Women’s Super League title.
Free Kicks
- German legend Thomas Muller, who is set to leave Bayern Munich this summer, reportedly rejected an offer from FC Cincinnati and Fiorentina.
- Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his volleyed strike against Atlanta. Seeing Atlanta get scored on really makes the goal that much sweeter to watch.
- Marcus Rashford is reportedly aiming to join a Champions League team after this season. The 27-year-old is on loan with Aston Villa from Manchester United and should be an interesting name to keep an eye on this summer.
- Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace kept a few champagne bottles corked, as Liverpool would have won the league title if Arsenal lost. Liverpool now just needs a point when it faces Tottenham at home on Sunday.
- Real Madrid beat Getafe 1-0, but it came at the cost of injuries to both David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga. The Spanish club may now have a crisis at left back ahead of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
That’s it for today’s links! Make sure to stay hydrated out there as we get closer and closer to summer. Have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week.
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Orlando City B2 weeks ago
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