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Lion Links: 3/15/23

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s a pretty big day. Not only does Orlando City play Tigres in one of the biggest matches in club history, but season three of Ted Lasso is out! I hope you plan on enjoying today’s links alongside some biscuits with your boss, because today is going to be a doozy. Today is also Orlando captain Mauricio Pereyra’s birthday! We’ll have to wait for tonight to see if the birthday boy can lead the Lions to victory. Until then, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Takes on Tigres Tonight

After a scoreless draw in Mexico during the first leg, Orlando City hosts Tigres tonight at 8:15 p.m. in the Concacaf Champions League. Although the Lions will have the home crowd on their side, the Liga MX club is no stranger to Exploria Stadium. Tigres won three Champions League games there during the team’s championship campaign in 2020. Orlando will need another strong game from goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who came up with nine saves in the first match. Due to the away-goals rule, if Tigres scores just once, then Orlando will need to win outright in order to advance. Make sure to check back later today for our preview of tonight’s important match.

Orlando Pride Sign Mikayla Cluff to New Contract

Midfielder Mikayla Cluff has signed a new three-year deal with the Orlando Pride that lasts through the 2025 NWSL season. She was already under contract for the upcoming season, but now the club won’t have to worry about re-signing her later this year. The 24-year-old appeared in 18 of the Pride’s 22 matches last season, scoring twice. Drafted by the Pride in the second round of the 2021 NWSL Draft, Cluff is a young player with plenty of upside as Orlando continues to rebuild.

Orlando City B 2023 Schedule Revealed

The schedule for the upcoming MLS NEXT Pro season is out and the action kicks off next weekend. Orlando City B will open its season on the road against Philadelphia Union II on March 26 at 3 p.m. The first home match for OCB will take place just five days later, when Huntsville City FC (Nashville SC’s affiliate) comes to town on March 31. The 28-match season will end on Sept. 24, with OCB hosting FC Cincinnati 2.

There are also changes to the playoff format this year. Seven teams from each conference will make the postseason, with the top seed of each conference receiving a bye. The second and third seeds of each conference will then choose which opponent it wants to face in the conference quarterfinals. I’m a pretty big fan of that idea. It should give the top teams some more agency in their playoff path, while also putting a chip on the shoulder of the teams chosen.

Austin FC Eliminated From Champions League

In its second leg against Haiti’s Violette AC, Austin FC came up short at home in a 2-0 win. Austin needed at least three goals after losing 3-0 in the first leg, and the return of Sebastian Driussi certainly helped. Driussi scored twice in the second half, but Violette stopped the bleeding at Q2 Stadium to reach the quarterfinals. It’s one of the biggest upsets in tournament history and part of what makes Concacaf special. The Haitian club will take on whichever team advances between Tauro FC and Club Leon.

While Austin fell short, the Philadelphia Union soared. After a scoreless first leg, the Union put El Salvador’s Alianza FC to the sword. The Union won 4-0 at Subaru Park, with former Lion Andres Perea scoring a brace late in the match. A red card to Alexis Renderos in the 40th minute reduced Alianza to 10 men and the Union took full advantage.

U.S. Will Play Mexico in New Event

The United States Men’s National Team will face Mexico on April 19 in Glendale, AZ in the inaugural Continental Clásico. The new annual event will pit the U.S. against a top team from the Americas, starting with its biggest rival. The U.S. will aim for its fourth straight win against Mexico on home soil after beating Mexico three times in 2021. Since this match takes place outside of an international window, it will be interesting to see which Americans will be called up.

2026 World Cup Will Feature Groups of Four

FIFA announced that the 2026 World Cup will have 12 groups of four rather than 16 groups of three. The decision was made to mitigate the chance of collusion while guaranteeing each team got to play at least three games. However, now there will be a whopping 104 matches over the course of nearly 40 days. The top two teams from each will still qualify for the knockout stage, but this time alongside eight third-placed teams. While I’m glad about the size of the groups, I’m not a huge fan of 32 teams in the knockout stage. Sure, it makes for an easy bracket, but I’d rather just see the top eight group winners get a bye than see third-place teams advance.

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  • Orlando City left back Luca Petrasso could get called up by Canada for the Concacaf Nations League later this month.
  • The Lions fell four spots to 14th in the MLS power rankings after a 1-1 draw on the road to D.C. United. Orlando is just one of seven teams still undefeated this season.
  • Erling Haaland scored five goals in Manchester City’s 7-0 win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League. The Norwegian had a hat trick by the end of the first half as Manchester City cruised into the quarterfinals.
  • Former Pride player Carson Pickett signed a three-year deal with Racing Louisville. Pickett was traded to Louisville from the North Carolina Courage earlier this year.
  • Club America winger Alex Zendejas officially chose to represent the U.S. instead of Mexico.
  • Toronto FC confirmed that Lorenzo Insigne will miss three to four MLS games due to his groin injury.
  • We’ll end today’s links with a look at the Portland Thorns’ new jersey. I wish the design stretched below the sponsor logo, because it currently looks like a shirt an uncle who likes Guns N’ Roses would wear to a cookout.


That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful day and rest of your week!

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.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

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.

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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!

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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.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Jeremy Reper

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.

Sources: Minnesota United in advanced talks to acquire Julian Gressel from Inter Miami.Nothing done yet. Still details to figure out. Optimism something gets done, but not there yet.

Tom Bogert (@tombogert.bsky.social) 2025-04-24T00:25:26.971Z

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.

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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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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/23/25

The Orlando Pride drop, OCSC Academy awards, USMNT characters, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. This weekend we have the most convenient schedule, with the Orlando Pride playing Friday night, Orlando City on Saturday night, and Orlando City B on Sunday night. It’s nice knowing what I’ll be doing each night. Now, I just need all three teams to get back on the winning side of things. Until then, let’s get to the links.

Bad Pride, Good Pride

It might have been the dumbest way to lose a match against the Washington Spirit, but — actually nevermind, there is no “but” about it. We can, however, decide to move forward rather than dwell on it after today. Unsurprisingly, the Pride dropped in the all-knowing power rankings. All for XI only dropped the Pride one spot to No. 2 since everyone has a bad day now and again. The CBS power ranking dropped the team to No. 3. That was the “bad.” The “good” is that we can revisit the puppies that showed up at Inter&Co Stadium. The loss still hurts, but it’s hard to stay mad after looking at the puppies.

The (OCSC) Academy Awards

Assuming you read Lion Links on Monday morning (or listened to The Mane Land PawedCast this week) you know that the Orlando City SC Academy U-18 team won the Generation Adidas Cup. Now we know that three of the very young Lions — Gustavo Caraballo, Jackson Platts, and Justin Ellis — were named to the U18 Best XI. Additionally, Caraballo and Ellis earned MVP and Top Scorer awards, respectively. It was truly the bright spot of an otherwise forgettable weekend.

Pochettino Prepares

The USMNT did not do well in the Concacaf Nations League, falling to Panama and then Canada in the third place match. Now, U.S. Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has to prepare the team for the Gold Cup. Pochettino said that he needs the “right characters” on the squad, whether they are the most talented or not. He also spoke of the need for the players to fight for the badge and the flag. Former USMNT coach Bruce Arena said Pochettino may not be the right man for the job because he’s not an American. The USMNT’s next matches are friendlies against Turkiye and Switzerland on June 7 and June 10, respectively.

MLS Transfer News

The Columbus Crew are making moves. The club received $250,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) from the Houston Dynamo in exchange for a 2025 international roster slot. The club then sent DeJuan Jones to the San Jose Earthquakes for $425,000 in GAM and a 2025 international roster slot. Elsewhere, Sporting Kansas City acquired forward Santiago Muñoz on loan from Liga MX side Santos Laguna.

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That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the full slate of matches coming up.

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