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Lion Links: 2/25/23

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Today is the day that we have all been waiting for! MLS action is back. Orlando City invites the New York Red Bulls to town tonight at 7:30 p.m. If you haven’t had this date circled on your calendar for weeks, 1) Do you live under a rock? 2) Welcome to The Mane Land, where we bring all the news related to soccer in The City Beautiful.

But seriously, we’re ecstatic that league play is back underway. Personally, the nervousness is minimal and the anticipation is maximal. I can’t wait to see how this new roster of Lions will hold up against the rest of the league.

But before I go on and on about how hyped I am, let’s all wish a couple happy birthdays to Orlando Pride midfielder Mikayla Cluff and OCB winger Gonzalo Agustoni-Chagas. Now, let’s dive right into the links!

Orlando City Opens 2023 Season At Home

The Lions of Orlando City begin their 2023 campaign at home tonight with 10 new players for 2023, which is the most additions in a primary transfer window for the club since the 2018-2019 off-season. The team is undefeated in home openers through eight seasons in MLS, having won twice and drawn six times on opening day. Most notably, the Lions have not given up a goal in their first match of the season since 2019. As the New York Red Bulls come to town, the Lions will look to build upon their successful previous season that saw the club make yet another playoff run and lift the U.S. Open Cup.

Lions Announce 29-Man First-Team Roster

Luiz Muzzi and the Wilf family have done their fair share of refreshing the Orlando City roster since the 2021 transfer window takeover. While some faces remain the same, such as Peruvian international goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and captain Mauricio Pereyra, there are plenty of new Lions to acquaint yourself with. Newcomers sure to make an instant impact include midfielder and Designated Player Martin Ojeda, MLS U22 initiative forward Ramiro Enrique, and 2023 MLS SuperDraft pick and MAC Hermann Trophy winner Duncan McGuire. Let us know in the comments below which new Lion you are most excited to see take the field on opening day. We’ll have our own roster story later this morning, so stay tuned.

MLS Is Back

If you are trying to get your MLS soccer fix beyond your Orlando City Lions, there are plenty of other matches to watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Over 60,000 fans are expected for the start of Charlotte FC’s second year in MLS as North Carolina side hosts the New England Revolution. Orlando City rival Inter Miami will look to show off its new striker — and former Atlanta United player — Josef Martinez against CF Montréal. Newcomer St. Louis City will finally see what the team is made of as the expansion side takes on Austin FC. Meanwhile, an early Eastern Conference match-up of favorites Philadelphia Union and the Columbus Crew will surely be worth a look. These are just a few of many matches that we’ll have our eyes on as we welcome back the start of MLS league play.

Last-Minute MLS Roster Decisions

Plenty of teams were still tweaking that roster compliance knob on Friday to either become roster compliant or to ensure they have what it takes to lift the MLS Cup trophy at the end of the season. The league’s third all-time leading scorer Kei Kamara was traded to the Chicago Fire in a last-minute deal with CF Montréal. Chicago is sending Montréal $250,000 in General Allocation Money across two seasons, plus additional performance-based incentives. Charlotte FC has signed three 2023 MLS SuperDraft picks — midfielders Nick Scardina, Andrew Privett, and forward Patrick Agyemang — through 2023. Toronto FC has signed academy defender Kobe Franklin to a Homegrown contract through 2024. The San Jose Earthquakes have signed 2023 MLS SuperDraft pick Daniel Munie to a first-team contract. Meanwhile, Minnesota United FC and defender Alan Benítez have mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

Free Kicks

  • Still trying to decide what number to put on your 2023 “The Wall” kit? We’ve got you covered with all players and jersey numbers here.

Micah Burton and Keyrol Figueroa scored to lead the U-17 USMNT to a 2-0 win over Canada Friday night in the U-17 Concacaf Championships. The Baby Nats will face Mexico in the final Sunday at 5 p.m.


If that isn’t enough to get you hyped on soccer and today’s match, I don’t know what is. Remember that it’s opening day downtown. Give yourself a little bit of extra time to get to the stadium and give the game day staff a little bit of extra grace as they work out the kinks. Soccer is back and this should be a fun day and experience for all.

Now, pull on that shiny new purple jersey and head on down to the stadium. Vamos Orlando!

Lion Links

Lion Links: 2/18/25

Orlando City signs Joran Gerbet, two Lions reportedly heading out the door, Orlando Pride celebrate 10th year of play, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Tuesday and happy Orlando City matchweek everyone! The season opener is almost upon us, and I couldn’t be more excited to get back into Inter&Co Stadium with all of you wonderful people. I’ll keep this brief because we have a whole glut of news to get to this morning. Let’s dive into these links.

Orlando City Signs Joran Gerbet

Orlando City announced Monday that the team has signed Joran Gerbet through the 2025 MLS season, with options for the next three seasons. The central midfielder was the team’s first-round selection in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, and he’s done some good stuff during OCSC’s preseason preparations. The arrival of Eduard Atuesta means that Gerbet will be able to work his way into the team slowly without any undue pressure, although he’s shown enough during the preseason to expect him to start getting minutes from the bench much sooner rather than later. That will especially be the case if our next news item proves to be a reliable one.

Two Lions Reportedly on the Move

A pair of Lions could be on their way out the door very soon, as Tom Bogert is reporting that the Houston Dynamo are on the verge of signing Nico Lodeiro and Michael Halliday. He adds that the terms for Halliday’s signings are set, while the Lodeiro deal is likely to go through but is not quite done yet. There is no word yet on what Orlando will receive in return, but as Bogert doesn’t mention any players coming over in exchange, it’s likely that it’ll involve General Allocation Money, cash, a draft pick, an international slot, or some combination of those. We will bring you more on this story as it develops, so keep your eyes peeled.

Orlando Pride Celebrate 10th Year of Play

The 2025 season will be the 10th of the Orlando Pride’s existence, and the club will celebrate that fact for the duration of the upcoming campaign. Things will kick off on March 2 with the 10 Years of Pride Kickoff Party and continue from there with Pints With Pride, and the NWSL Challenge Cup. Pride Season Ticket Members will get a complimentary 2025 replica jersey as part of their STM package, and there will be numerous events hosted by the club throughout the season to celebrate the Pride’s 10th year.

Americans in Midweek Action

Plenty of Americans will take part in games during the working week, and UEFA Champions League play once again features heavily. Things start later today when Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan try to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit against Feyenoord. They’ll be followed by Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic as they try to likewise come back from a 2-1 first leg deficit against Bayern Munich. Wednesday sees Gio Reyna, Cole Campbell, and Borussia Dortmund host Sporting CP, which holds a commanding 3-0 lead after the first leg, while Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Juventus have a more precarious 2-1 lead against PSV Eindhoven and its quartet of injured Americans.

MLS Transfer Roundup

Monday saw some big transfers completed in Major League Soccer, so let’s get all caught up. FC Cincinnati set an MLS trade record by sending $12 million in cash, and $150,000 in incentives to the Portland Timbers in exchange for Evander, who joins FCC as a Designated Player. In order to replace the outgoing Brazilian, Portland signed David Da Costa from Ligue 1 side Lens. The fee is said to be in the region of $6 million and he’ll join the Timbers as a DP on a four-year deal. The Vancouver Whitecaps completed the signing of striker Daniel Rios on loan from Chivas de Guadalajara for the duration of the 2025 season, with the deal also including a purchase option. Finally, the Columbus Crew signed goalkeeper Patrick Schulte to a contract extension through the 2027 season with an additional option year for 2028.

Free Kicks

  • It’s matchweek and the boys are happy to be back.
  • In case you forgot, Seb Hines is still that dude.

That’s all I have for you today. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 2/17/25

Lions draw in Tampa vs. Inter Miami in final preseason match, Pride sign Cori Dyke to a new contract and add Oihane Hernandez, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Hello, Mane Landers, and happy President’s Day! I hope you all are doing well down in Florida over the holiday weekend. I’ve been covering high school playoff basketball and hockey over the past week. Orlando City’s home opener is coming up Saturday, and like many of you, I look forward to seeing what the Lions can do during the 2025 MLS season. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Draw Inter Miami 2-2 in Final Preseason Match

In its final preseason match, Orlando City could not hold onto the lead and got out of Tampa with a 2-2 draw against rival Inter Miami Friday at Raymond James Stadium. The Lions were up 2-1 with goals from Martin Ojeda and Ramiro Enrique, but Fafa Picault scored the equalizer in stoppage time. Orlando finishes its 2025 preseason without a win for the first time in club history. The 2025 MLS season will kick off this weekend as Orlando City will face the Philadelphia Union on Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium.

Orlando Pride Add Defender Oihane Hernandez

On Friday, the Orlando Pride announced a new addition as the club signed defender Oihane Hernandez from Real Madrid Femenil for an undisclosed transfer fee. The contract is a two-year deal through the 2026 season with a mutual option for 2027. The 24-year-old right back played two seasons with Real Madrid Femenil, notching two assists in 31 appearances. Hernandez also brings international experience playing with the Spanish Women’s National Team and was part of the squad that won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Hernandez’s joins a growing right back position group, which includes Brianna Martinez and…

Orlando Pride Sign Cori Dyke to Contract Extension

The Orlando Pride extended the contract of defender Cori Dyke after a stellar rookie year last season. Dyke’s new contract is through the 2027 season. The 24-year-old defender made 26 appearances, started 21 matches, logged 1,095 minutes, and stepped up to play right back to help Orlando win the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship last season. It’s the third contract she has signed with the club in less than a year. Dyke’s role with the club for 2025 remains to be seen, but she has proven to be a versatile player.

MLS Transfer Roundup

We are four days away from kicking off of the 2025 MLS season, and there are still some notable transfer moves happening across the league. The Colorado Rapids have reportedly acquired midfielder Josh Atencio from the Seattle Sounders in exchange for $1.3 million in General Allocation Money plus add-ons. Atencio will be an MLS U22 Initiative player on the Rapids roster. Meanwhile, Brazilian side Botafogo is reportedly finalizing a deal to sign Santi Rodriguez from New York City FC.

Sources: Botafogo at final stages of deal to sign Santi Rodriguez from NYCFC. RodriVazquez95 1st reported.Reports in Brazil say the fee is a huge $17m.

Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-02-15T20:45:44.953Z

Toronto FC has signed forward Ola Brynhildsen on loan for the 2025 season from Danish side FC Midtjylland, which includes a purchase option. LAFC has transferred forward Cristian Olivera to Gremio in Brazil for a reported $4.5 million, which includes a sell-on fee. Lastly, Palmeiras is reportedly finalizing a deal with the Houston Dynamo to sign center back Micael for a club record fee.

🇧🇷🟢 BREAKING: Brazilian giants Palmeiras have agreed a deal in principle to sign center back Micael from the Houston Dynamo, per sources.Deal at final stages.Would be new club-record outbound transfer for Houston. Micael among MLS best CBs in MLS last season

Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-02-14T16:32:09.759Z

Free Kicks

  • Former Orlando Pride defender Carrie Lawrence has found a new role after retiring from professional soccer at the end of last season. She was named the director of global women’s soccer recruitment for Young Money APAA Sports.
  • Check out this article from Goal.com on how Orlando has established itself as a soccer city over the years.
  • Bay FC goalkeeper Katelyn Rowland announced her retirement from professional soccer after a 10-year career in which she won four NWSL championship titles.
  • Manchester United forward Amad Diallo suffered an ankle injury while training and will likely be out for the remainder of the season.  
  • New York City FC midfielder James Sands, who is on loan at St. Pauli, underwent surgery on Sunday to repair a serious right ankle injury he suffered during their match on Friday against Freiburg that will keep him sidelined indefinitely. No timetable is set for his return.
  • The U-17 U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Cuba 2-0 to wrap up Group F play and has qualified for the U-17 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in November in Qatar.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 2/14/25

Nico Lodeiro linked with Club Libertad, Emily Sams signs contract extension, Orlando City B signs Bernardo Rhein and Justin Ellis, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope your day is spent with plenty of chocolate and time with loved ones as we get ready for the final weekend before Orlando City’s season kicks off on Feb. 22. The Lions are taking on Inter Miami today at 7:30 p.m. in Tampa in a friendly that will be streamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Hopefully the Lions can close out their preseason schedule with a win. Let’s jump into today’s links!

Nico Lodeiro Linked With Paraguayan Club

Rumors were swirling Thursday morning that Orlando City midfielder Nico Lodeiro would join Paraguay’s Club Libertad, but the club’s president, Ruben Di Tore, provided some clarification on the radio. He confirmed the club’s interest in Lodeiro, but that the move would not be taking place this window and may happen in the summer.

In his first season in Orlando last year, Lodeiro played in every game and posted 11 assists and a goal. His performance triggered the 2025 option on his contract, which would conclude after this upcoming season. It would make sense for the club to transfer the 35-year-old before then, but it looks like we won’t see if that move comes to pass until the summer.

Emily Sams Signs Contract Extension

The Orlando Pride and defender Emily Sams have agreed to a contract extension that will last through the 2027 NWSL season. Sams was one of the best players in the league last year, earning the title of NWSL Defender of the Year and helping the Pride win both the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship. The 25-year-old was also recently called up by the United States Women’s National Team for the SheBelieves Cup later this month. NWSL stars leaving the league has been a major talking point this off-season, so it’s nice to see Sams extend her contract with Orlando by another year.

OCB Signs Bernardo Rhein and Justin Ellis

Orlando City B signed a pair of academy players, with midfielder Bernardo Rhein and forward Justin Ellis both joining on MLS NEXT Pro contracts. Both players are 17 years old and featured in Orlando’s friendly against CF Montreal on Feb. 8. Ellis appeared in 18 matches and scored two goals for OCB last season, while Rhein (who you may remember as Bernardo Goncalves) came off the bench six times for some valuable minutes. With Jack Lynn retired and Shak Mohammed possibly giving the first team some depth due to Duncan McGuire’s injury, Ellis should be an interesting player to keep an eye on this season. It’s great to see young players take the next step from the academy, and hopefully they can make the most of their playing time in 2025.

OCSC Showcasing Its Youth This Preseason

Ellis and Rhein aren’t the only academy players who have been taking the field for the Lions this preseason, as the club has used these matches to give opportunities to the club’s youth. Winger Gustavo Caraballo, who is just 16 years old, started in the club’s friendly against Atletico Mineiro last month in a special moment for both him and his family. The academy has grown in recent years and other players like Colin Guske and Alex Freeman could contribute to the first team this year. Orlando City Academy Director Javier Carillo spoke on the impact of the club’s pathway for young players to develop.

“We’re exposing players to individual fundamental skills to help them to compete and then to learn how to win games, and I think the fact that we have this clear pathway between first team, second team and Academy is allowing us to promote players and expose players at an early age to new challenges, where the players continue to reach new heights. And I think that’s what’s really making the big difference for us.”

USL Plans First Division League in 2027

The United Soccer League announced that it will launch a first division league in the U.S. that would operate separately from MLS. It plans to make the most of the sport’s growth in the U.S. due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with this new league of 12 or 14 teams intended to start in 2027. If this ends up happening and the league gets division one sanctioning from U.S. Soccer, it would give the USL a three-tier pyramid of soccer. USL President Paul McDonough, who was Orlando City’s general manager during the club’s transition from the USL to MLS, talked about this next step for the league.

“It’s a key moment for soccer in this country, and as we see where this game is going, we want to be a part of it,” McDonough said in an exclusive interview with The Athletic. “Taking this big initiative allows for the growth of the game throughout the country.”

I think it will be most interesting to see which existing USL teams would initially join this new league, and if promotion and relegation will actually happen. All of this coming on the heels of the antitrust lawsuit filed by the North American Soccer League is also intriguing. We’ll see how the USL’s quest for sanctioning goes.

Free Kicks

  • Marta made it clear that she’s staying well hydrated. I’m now wanting a version of Space Jam but with Marta and her bottle of secret stuff.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a lovely Valentine’s Day and rest of your weekend!

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