Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/8/23
Orlando City to debut U.S. Open Cup documentary, Lions shift focus to Charlotte FC, Moorhouse grabs first clean sheet, and more.

Welcome to Monday, Mane Landers. It’s the start of the work week and a rare Monday post from myself. The Pride grabbed a win this weekend, but both the men’s teams failed to grab a point. Perhaps they will kick their work week off on the right foot in preparation for a Tuesday night U.S. Open Cup match. For those of you who missed the matches, be sure to check out all the recaps on our website. Now let’s see what is happening around the soccer world in today’s links!
Orlando City to Debut Documentary
With the Lions soon to join in on the 2023 U.S. Open Cup festivities, the club will debut a documentary titled For Our City. It follows the journey of Orlando City’s first-ever MLS era trophy from last season with never-before-seen content and interviews with many of the key figures along the six-game streak.
“2022 was a historic season for our club, our fans, and our community, and we’re so excited to kick off the defense of our championship with the debut of this incredible documentary,” Orlando City SC President of Business Operations Jarrod Dillon said. “A lot of hard work went into winning the Open Cup trophy on the field, and a lot of hard work went into putting this film together off the field. Thank you to everyone who had a hand in this production, especially to Luiz, Oscar, and the soccer operations group for trusting us with access and opportunity to bring this project to life.”
Orlando City Shifts Focus to Charlotte FC
Reigning U.S. Open Cup champions Orlando City played all of its tournament matches at home last year. The Lions enter the Round of 32 Tuesday night. It is a quick turnaround from a league defeat against CF Montreal, but the Lions are quickly shifting focus to their cup match against Charlotte FC. Orlando City left back Kyle Smith hopes to take the positives from the first half of the Montreal match and put the rest behind as soon as possible to turn the page for Charlotte.
“Yeah, we have to put this game behind us and take the positives from this game, which is the first half because we played very well. We were dangerous and good. I don’t think they had many chances at all in the first half, so you have to take the positives and have a short memory so we can get a result on Tuesday.”
Anna Moorhouse Earns First Clean Sheet of Season
The Orlando Pride won a second consecutive match by defeating Racing Louisville. on Saturday night. For Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, the 1-0 victory also served as her first clean sheet of the season. Orlando Pride defender Megan Montefusco is elated with the milestone and back line chemistry.
“It felt amazing to finally get a clean sheet. We’ve been working toward that for a long time, so it felt right to finally get that tonight. We’re building our relationships too. I feel really good next to Emily [Madril]. Obviously, me and Haley [McCutcheon] go way back, I think we’re just solid and then Anna [Moorhouse] came up huge as she does. Just a great team performance and our back line is just really coming together. It’s exciting for us.”
MLS Matchday 11 Roundup
There were quite a few storylines to follow this weekend around MLS. One of the most hyped would be that of Josef Martínez taking on Atlanta United for the first time. While the striker had yet to find the net this season, that streak came to an end in the 59th and 75th minutes, as he grabbed a brace for Inter Miami. Martínez is now the fastest player in MLS history to 100 regular-season goals.
Elsewhere, Nashville SC’s Hany Mukhtar scored a hat trick against the Chicago Fire. No player has more goal contributions in MLS than Mukhtar since the start of the 2022 season. New England Revolution Head Coach Bruce Arena bested a fellow former USMNT coach in Bob Bradley, as Toronto FC fell, 2-0. The Revs were able to get the win without the services of Giacomo Vrioni or Dylan Borrero in the starting lineup, with Jozy Altidore making his BMO Field return. Another club missing stars was Austin FC. The Verde and Black snatched a late 2-2 draw at the Portland Timbers even without their star, Sebastián Driussi, who picked up a midweek groin strain.
Free Kicks
- San Diego could be in the running for an MLS expansion team.
- LA Galaxy captain Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez held nothing back when asked about the club’s early-season poor form.
- Philadelphia Union Head Coach Jim Curtin called his team’s victory “one of the ugliest games I’ve seen of the season.”
- Burnley manager Vincent Kompany has signed a new contract that will keep him at Turf Moor until at least 2028.
- Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag said he has “no concerns” about David de Gea despite the goalkeeper’s error against West Ham United.
- Arsenal is still in the Premier League title race with a 2-0 victory at Newcastle United.
- Here is everything you need to know about how and which Premier League clubs will be qualifying for European tournaments.
- Real Madrid president Florentino Perez intends for Carlo Ancelotti to remain the head coach after winning the Copa del Rey title.
- Celtic clinched a second consecutive Scottish Premiership with a 2-0 victory away to Hearts.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you enjoy your week and are off to a great start. And, don’t forget about the midweek Orlando City action. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/17/25
Oscar Pareja signs new contract with Orlando City, Orlando Pride prepare for the Washington Spirit, Orlando’s youth teams win, and more.

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I can’t believe we’re already into the back half of April and Easter is right around the corner. There’s plenty of soccer to enjoy between now and then and we also have the draw for the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 32 this morning at 9:15. MLS teams are finally joining the fray, so we’ll see where the chips fall for Orlando City. Let’s get to the links!
Oscar Pareja Signs New Contract
Orlando City and Head Coach Oscar Pareja have agreed to a new three-year contract that will keep him in the City Beautiful through 2028. Pareja was hired as Orlando’s fourth head coach in its MLS era back in December of 2019 and he’s led the Lions to the playoffs in all five seasons he’s been at the helm. Under Pareja, the Lions won the U.S. Open Cup in 2022, set club records in points and wins in 2023, and reached the Eastern Conference final for the first time last year. This year was the final one on the contract he signed in December of 2023, so it’s nice to know Pareja will be sticking around in the future.
Orlando Pride Prepare for the Washington Spirit
The Orlando Pride will look to make it five wins in a row when they host the Washington Spirit on Saturday in another rematch of last year’s final. While this is the first match between Orlando and Washington this season, the two clashed in the NWSL Challenge Cup on March 7 and the Spirit lifted the trophy after a penalty shootout. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how the team has grown since that game and has benefitted from depth and consistency carried over from last year.
Orlando City Youth Teams Win in Bradenton
Orlando City’s U-18 team won in the Generation Adidas Cup’s round of 16, beating St. Louis City 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals. The Young Lions remain unbeaten in that age group and will take on a Real Salt Lake team that also won its group and just beat Toronto FC in a penalty shootout following a scoreless draw.
Orlando’s U-16 squad didn’t qualify for the Championship bracket, but still advanced in the Premier bracket. After a 1-1 draw with Toronto, Orlando prevailed in the ensuing penalty shootout and will play Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.
UEFA Champions League Semifinals Are Set
The quarterfinals for this year’s UEFA Champions League are over and only four teams remain in the tournament. Arsenal secured its spot in the semifinals after an impressive 2-1 road win against Real Madrid that included two assists from Mikel Merino. The Spanish club couldn’t muster its usual magic in the tournament and forward Kylian Mbappe exited in the second half due to injury. In Italy, Inter Milan held on for a 2-2 draw against Bayern to advance on aggregate, with defender Benjamin Pavard scoring a crucial goal for Inter against his old team. The semifinals will take place at the end of the month and will feature Arsenal taking on Paris Saint-Germain and Inter going up against Barcelona.
Free Kicks
- Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of former FC Cincinnati player Aaron Boupendza, who died after falling from the 11th floor of a building in China.
- The Chicago Fire are reportedly strongly interested in signing star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer. If any Western Conference teams could join the hunt for him, that would be great.
- LA Galaxy midfielder Diego Fagundez won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his equalizing free kick against the Houston Dynamo in his 400th league appearance.
- As part of the league’s annual Earth Day celebrations, MLS unveiled this year’s One Planet kit. This one is themed after carbon neutrality efforts and includes a tree ring design.
- Manchester City announced that Australian forward Mary Fowler tore her ACL in the team’s FA Cup semifinal loss to Manchester United.
- Here’s everything you need to know ahead of today’s second legs in the Europa League quarterfinals. With storylines ranging from goalkeeper Andre Onana’s possible redemption to Bodo/Glimt’s Cinderella run, it should be a fun day of soccer.
- Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee will miss the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links 4/16/25
Orlando Pride on top, OCB falls to Inter Miami II, USMNT eyes Gold Cup, and more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I know I’ve said it before, but I love that I can always find soccer to watch. Whether it’s UEFA Champions League or the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, or anything in between, I love it. I’m willing to bet you love it too. Speaking of love, we want to wish a very happy birthday to Orlando City Designated Player Luis Muriel. Let’s get to the links.
All the Rankings
With the win over the Seattle Reign, the Orlando Pride stayed perfect on the season. It was enough for the Pride to remain on top of the standings and also at the top of numerous power rankings. All for XI kept the Pride at No. 1 with a shoutout to Anna Moorhouse, SI.com did the same, while noting Summer Yates’ injury, and Goal.com completed the sweep. The Pride also landed at No. 8 in Opta’s global power rankings for women’s clubs. Strangely, the Kansas City Current were two spots above on that particular list.
OCB Falls to Inter Miami II
Orlando City B traveled to IMG Academy to take on Inter Miami II Tuesday night. The Young Lions went down early on the road, but were able to equalize thanks to a goal from Tahir Reid-Brown. Unfortunately, Inter Miami scored two more goals before a penalty in second-half stoppage time gave OCB a slight lifeline. It was not enough as the team fell 3-2 to their in-state foes.
Generation Adidas Cup Matchups
Orlando City Academy’s U-18 squad won Group J in the Generation Adidas Cup. Now the team will face St. Louis City SC 2 in the Round of 16. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the younger generations of players in Orlando City’s system, here is your opportunity.
U.S. Eyes Gold Cup
We’re about two months out from the start of the Concacaf Gold Cup and it feels like a must-win for the USMNT given recent results. Winning an eighth Gold Cup title will not come easily. Naturally, all eyes fall on Christian Pulisic to lead the squad, though not everyone thinks he should be the pick for captain. Tyler Adams is looking for more belief from his teammates heading into the competition.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City dropped two spots in MLSsoccer.com’s power rankings thanks to the 0-0 draw with the New York Red Bulls. Fortunately, they’re still above the Red Bulls for whatever that is worth.
- The Women’s UEFA Champions League is down to four clubs. Here is your preview for the semi-finals.
- Orlando City did not make the Week 8 Moments of the Matchday. That’s not really surprising given there weren’t really any “moments” to speak of in the match.
- New York Red Bulls midfielder Omar Valencia was fined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for violating the simulation-embellishment policy against Orlando City.
- French Ligue 1 clubs on Tuesday voted to break their television deal with DAZN. There is no stated plan for next season.
- USWNT and Lyon midfielder Lindsey Heaps is heaps happy that her USWNT teammates Emily Fox and Jenna Nighswonger have joined her in Europe.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 4/15/25
Pride players nominated for weekly awards, Americans in midweek action, UEFA Champions League preview, and more.

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It was a solid weekend for the two Orlando teams in action, as Orlando City played to a hard-fought scoreless draw against the New York Red Bulls, while the Orlando Pride knocked off the Seattle Reign 1-0 on the road. We have plenty of things to talk through today, so let’s dive right in.
Orlando Pride Players Up for Weekly Awards
A pair of Orlando Pride players have been nominated for weekly awards due to their efforts in the team’s 1-0 win over the Seattle Reign on Saturday. We start with Anna Moorhouse, who was actually nominated for two awards, as she is up for both the NWSL Save of the Week and Player of the Week! Moorhouse stonewalled Reign winger Maddie Dahlien in the 81st minute during a 1-v-1 situation to preserve the Pride’s slender 1-0 lead on the road.
She also racked up five saves on the night, kept a clean sheet, and was hugely instrumental in the Pride winning a fourth straight game to start off the 2025 season.
Summer Yates, meanwhile, has been nominated for the Assist of the Week for her pinpoint pass to Barbra Banda for the game’s winning goal. In the 41st minute, she hit a stepover, glided past Madison Curry on the left side of the box, and played a great cross to Banda in the six-yard box, who made no mistake with the finish.
Make sure you go vote for our nominees!
Americans in Midweek Action
There are lots of American players taking part in games during the working week, so let’s check in on what we have to look forward to. Gio Reyna and Borussia Dortmund have the unenviable task of trying to overturn a 4-0 first-leg deficit against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League today. Chris Richards, Matt Turner, and Crystal Palace travel to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Wednesday. Thursday has Tanner Tessman and Lyon on the road against Manchester United in the Europa League, while Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis hit the road to take on Jagiellonia Białystok in the Conference League. Things wrap up with some American vs. American violence on Friday when former Lion Daryl Dike and West Bromwich Albion travel to play Haji Wright and Coventry City in the EFL Championship.
UEFA Champions League Preview
The UEFA Champions League returns this week, with the second leg quarterfinal matches set to take place today and tomorrow. Aston Villa will need to actually come out and attack Paris Saint-Germain in Birmingham today, as the Premier League side comes into the match facing a 3-1 aggregate deficit. Borussia Dortmund has a mountain the size of Everest to climb to overturn a 4-0 deficit against a Barcelona team that looked absolutely lethal on the counterattack last week. Real Madrid also finds itself in a big 3-0 hole against Arsenal, and Los Blancos need to look much more dangerous going forward if they want to have a chance against a Gunners team that will surely look to defend and protect what they earned in the first leg. Bayern Munich is in the best position of the teams that trail after the first leg, as Inter Milan’s aggregate lead is only 2-1. That means Bayern can be fairly flexible approaching the second leg, although the Germans will need to do a much better job at finishing chances than they did last week.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
With the end of most European seasons creeping closer and closer, the transfer rumor mill is starting to spin with increasing intensity, so let’s take a look at some of today’s notable stories. We start with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who has 19 goals in all competitions this season and could fetch a price in the range of 100 million euros if he is sold this summer. Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is likely to leave Southampton this summer after the Saints were relegated this year. Speaking of Manchester United, Red Devils striker Rasmus Hojlund is said to be attracting interest from both Juventus and Inter Milan, and he could be on the move this summer.
Free Kicks
- Barbra Banda and Marta received their trophies for making the 2024 FIFPRO World XI.
- Orlando City’s U-18 team enjoyed a successful campaign in group play at the Generation Adidas Cup, earning a spot in the Championship Bracket.
- The Orlando Pride rightly remained the no.1 team in ESPN.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Despite dominating the New York Red Bulls while playing most of the second half with 10 men, Orlando City somehow dropped a place below those same Red Bulls in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- Chelsea spent the most on agent fees out of all Premier League clubs for a second consecutive year, as they dished out a whopping £60 million to agents for transfers.
That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!
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