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Lion Links: 4/27/23

Orlando City’s transfer window grade, U.S. Open Cup’s third round concludes, Brenner transferred to Udinese, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a pretty busy week for me, but I’ve also had reason to celebrate since my car is officially paid off! It’s a pretty good feeling and I’m looking forward to using some of that money for a few more trips to Exploria Stadium each season. But enough about me, let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world.

Orlando City Earns Decent Grade for Transfer Window

With the primary transfer window over and done with, MLSsoccer.com‘s Jonathan Sigal handed out grades for how each MLS team fared. Orlando City was one of 15 teams to receive a B grade. Acquiring Martin Ojeda as a Designated Player and drafting Duncan McGuire has already paid dividends for Orlando, as those two have a combined five goals and three assists this season. Keeping Pedro Gallese in purple was also a crucial move for the Lions. However, fullbacks Joao Moutinho and Ruan are no longer in Orlando and their replacements are still finding their footing. St. Louis City and LAFC received top marks for their moves, while CF Montreal, Sporting Kansas City, and the New York Red Bulls received the lowest grades.

U.S. Open Cup’s Third Round Wraps Up

The final matches of the U.S. Open Cup’s third round were packed with drama in the south. In Florida, Miami FC scored early and Inter Miami struck late in a thrilling contest that needed more than 90 minutes to decide a winner. After an own goal from DeAndre Yedlin in extra time, Inter Miami found another equalizer to send the game into penalty kicks. Former Lion Kamal Miller converted the winning spot kick as Inter Miami advanced. Orlando’s other rivals weren’t so fortunate. Atlanta fell 2-1 to Memphis 901 FC, which scored off of a penalty kick in stoppage time and won with another goal in extra time. It was the earliest the Five Stripes have been eliminated from the tournament. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rowdies lost 1-0 to the visiting Houston Dynamo.

Other MLS clubs survived by close margins, with FC Cincinnati, D.C. United, Nashville SC, and the Columbus Crew all beating their lower-division opponents in 1-0 results. Orlando City joins the fray in the next round, with the draw for that set to take place today at 2 p.m.

Brenner Officially Transferred to Serie A’s Udinese

In a move that was first reported earlier this month by CBS‘s Roger Gonzalez, FC Cincinnati has officially transferred Brazilian forward Brenner to Udinese for a reported transfer fee of $10 million. That fee would be a club record for Cincinnati, which acquired Brenner from São Paulo FC in 2021. Brenner has scored 27 goals in 72 appearances across all competitions for Cincy, including six game-winning goals. The 23-year-old’s last match with Cincinnati before heading to Italy will be on July 1 at TQL Stadium.

Manchester City Takes Control of EPL Title Race

In a pivotal English Premier League match, Manchester City beat Arsenal 4-1 to put itself in the driver’s seat of the title race. Kevin De Bruyne had two goals in the match, with Erling Haaland assisting on both before he scored in stoppage time. Although Arsenal still sits atop the table, Manchester City is now just two points behind with two games in hand.

Liverpool won 2-1 against West Ham to keep hope alive that it can claim a spot in next year’s Champions League or Europa League. Chelsea’s woes continued in a 2-0 defeat to Brentford. The Blues have lost all five games with Frank Lampard at the helm so far. Near the bottom of the table, Nottingham Forest beat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 to climb out of the relegation zone for now. There are more matches today, including a showdown between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

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  • Enjoy these photos of high-flying Lions as they get ready for this weekend’s home match against the LA Galaxy.
  • In the Concacaf Champions League semifinals, the Philadelphia Union and LAFC played to a 1-1 draw at Subaru Park. A handball on Kellyn Acosta gave the Union a late penalty kick, which Daniel Gazdag buried. Acosta responded in stoppage time by pouncing on a loose ball and making a nice run into the box to score a crucial away goal. The second leg is on Tuesday at BMO Stadium.
  • AC Milan is reportedly interested in signing American midfielder Tyler Adams, who is currently injured while Leeds United fights to avoid relegation.
  • Charlotte FC forward Karol Swiderski won Goal of the Matchday for his game-winning strike against the Columbus Crew.
  • St. Louis City named Diego Gigliani as its president and general manager. Gigliani has spent the past 10 years with City Football Group and will join the MLS club this summer.
  • Inter Milan booked its spot in the Coppa Italia final after beating Juventus 1-0. Federico Dimarco scored the game’s only goal. In next month’s final, Inter will take on whichever club advances between Fiorentina and Cremonese.
  • Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas could make her return from injury in Barcelona’s Champions League semifinal match today against Chelsea. Barcelona won 1-0 in the first leg, and Chelsea will be without English defender Lucy Bronze due to a knee injury.
  • Sheffield United secured promotion to the English Premier League after a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.
  • Fortuna Dusseldorf, which plays in Germany’s second division, has plans to make home games free for fans next season.

That’s all I have for you today. I’ve been enjoying the flurry of sports this week and am looking forward to seeing Orlando’s soccer teams in action this weekend as well.

Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/17/25

Orlando City falls apart at home, Orlando Pride players in action abroad, Charlotte will host 2026 MLS All-Star Game, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Sometimes the Cardiac Cats are fun to watch, and other times they really do just stomp your heart into pieces. We’re unfortunately in the aftermath of the latter after Orlando City’s rough defeat last night. The good news is that the Lions can’t lose today as well. Let’s jump right into today’s links.

Orlando City Beaten by New York City FC

The Lions’ summer struggles continued with a disappointing 2-1 loss at home to New York City FC. Robin Jansson scored his first goal of the season, but Orlando collapsed late at home yet again, suffering from an own goal and a winner from Alonso Martinez in stoppage time. Orlando City is now winless in its past four games and has not won at home since May 24. There’s not much time to shake off this loss, as the Lions are back in action on Saturday for a tough road match against the New England Revolution.

Keeping Up With the Pride Players Abroad

Marta came off the bench and provided a pair of assists in Brazil’s dominant 6-0 win over Bolivia in the Copa America Femenina’s group stage. Kerolin had a hat trick and the result keeps Brazil at the top of its group for the time being. The Brazilians will be back in action on Tuesday to face Paraguay.

The CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals kick off on Friday with a great matchup between Zambia and Nigeria. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji have each scored three goals this tournament and both were named to the Best XI of the group stage. Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse likely won’t play, but England takes on Sweden today in the Women’s European Championship quarterfinals.

Charlotte Will Host 2026 MLS All-Star Game

MLS announced that Charlotte will serve as the host of the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, the 30th in the league’s history. Charlotte FC joined the league in 2022 and this will be the first time the event is held in Charlotte. It’s always nice to see a smaller market receive its day in the sun, and Charlotte has really embraced soccer over the years. But if Sir Minty doesn’t take part in the skills challenge next year, then what are we even doing?

D.C. United Hires Rene Weiler

Rene Weiler is officially the next head coach of D.C. United and will take over once he receives a U.S. work permit. The 51-year-old brings plenty of European experience to the nation’s capital and won the Swiss Cup with Servette FC last year. He replaces Troy Lesesne, who was fired by the club after its exit from the U.S. Open Cup earlier this month. It’s a new era for one of the league’s older clubs, and it will be interesting to see how aggressive D.C. will be to bring in talent during the upcoming transfer window.

Free Kicks

  • Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has reportedly agreed to terms with Inter Miami and could be with the club in time for the Leagues Cup. He also reportedly won’t need to take up a Designated Player spot this year, because of course.

That’s all I have for you this time around, Mane Landers. Stay hydrated and have a great Thursday!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/16/25

Orlando City faces NYCFC, Marco Pasalic is an All-Star, OCB’s Jhon Solis transfers out, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s matchday in the City Beautiful as Orlando City hosts New York City FC in a crucial Eastern Conference bout. I know I’m in the minority, but I love Wednesday matches since I’m off work on Thursdays. That being said, if you have the opportunity, you should definitely head down to the match tonight. For now, let’s get to the links.

Lions Host the Pigeons

Orlando City welcomes New York City FC to Inter&Co Stadium tonight. The midweek match comes after a short turnaround following Saturday’s draw against CF Montreal. The Lions will need to get the offense back in gear to take all three points from NYCFC. Our own Ben Miller joined Hudson River Blue to answer questions for the opposition. Check back later today for our detailed preview of the match.

Pasalic is an All-Star

Marco Pasalic was named to the MLS All-Star squad by coach Nico Estévez. Pasalic joins Alex Freeman as the second Lion to represent Orlando City in the match. The MLS All-Stars will play a team of All-Stars from Liga MX. Pasalic is tied with Martin Ojeda for the team’s goal-scoring lead with 10. He also has four assists for the Lions. Pasalic is a worthy addition to the MLS All-Star Team, but it does beg the question why Ojeda didn’t also get an invitation.

So Long, Solis

Orlando City B has transferred midfielder Jhon Solis to Fortaleza C.E.I.F. of Liga BetPlay Dimayor — Colombia’s top tier. Solis made 70 appearances for the Young Lions since joining prior to the 2023 season. As a native of Medellín, Colombia, the 26-year-old is returning to his home country to continue his career. Solis wasn’t able to make the jump to Orlando City’s first team, but he was a consistent starter for OCB.

U.S. National Team News

Fresh off his appearances in the Concacaf Gold Cup, Patrick Agyemang has been transferred from Charlotte FC to Derby County in the English Championship. In sadder news, Aaron Long is out for the season after having surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles.

On the women’s side, USWNT coach Emma Hayes has great praise for Sam Coffey and her presence in the U.S. midfield.

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That will do it for today. Check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match, and don’t forget to follow The Mane Land on Bluesky to get match updates. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 7/15/25

Lions earn weekly recognition, United States Men’s National Team announces friendlies, talking points about the women’s Euros, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Good morning, everyone. I write to you all from the great state of South Carolina, as I continue my summer of frequent and widespread traveling. We have a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando City B’s Tristan Himes and get into today’s links!

Lions Earn Weekly Recognition

A pair of Orlando City players have earned some recognition for their contributions during the Lions’ 1-1 draw with CF Montreal on Saturday. First up is Martin Ojeda, who garnered a nomination for the MLS Goal of the Matchday for this pinpoint, low free kick he scored which gave Orlando a lead in the first half.

We also can’t forget about Alex Freeman, who got a shoutout as a well-performing young player due to another solid performance at right back. Here’s hoping both men keep up the good work!

USMNT Announces October Friendlies

The United States Men’s National Team has announced that it will play friendlies against Ecuador and Australia during the October international window. The USMNT will face Ecuador on Oct. 10 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, TX, before playing Australia at Dick’s Sporting Good Park in Commerce City, CO. Both opponents are ranked in the top 25 in the world, and have already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The games are exactly the sort of contests that the U.S. should be scheduling in the buildup to the tournament, and it’ll be interesting to see the performances of whatever roster Mauricio Pochettino chooses to deploy.

Women’s Euro Talking Points

The group stage of the women’s European Championship has come to an end, and there are plenty of things to talk about while we wait for the knockout stages to start later this week. Teams like Italy and Sweden have exceeded the expectations that many people had for them ahead of the tournament starting, while others like the Netherlands and Denmark had poor showings compared to what was expected of them. Alexia Putellas has unsurprisingly shone, and the quarterfinal matchup between France and Germany is the one that many people will have circled on their calendars.

Club World Cup Takeaways

Now that the Club World Cup has come to a conclusion, what did we learn from the tournament? For one, the quality of play was mostly good, as teams certainly took the competition seriously. Lessons need to be learned when it comes to pricing tickets appropriately and not kicking games off in the middle of the day during the heat of summer, but if the right adjustments are made, it could grow into a really fun competition to look forward to. Brazilian fans were one of the highlights of the tournament, while extremely low attendance numbers for some games were more of a blemish. Overall, the tournament is probably a net positive, but there are absolutely things that can and must be improved upon if it’s going to continue in this form.

Free Kicks

  • Martin Ojeda has now gone seven straight matches with a goal contribution, which is a new club record!

That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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