Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/10/23
NWSL announces new broadcasting partners, CF Montreal and Hernan Losada part ways, MLS and NWSL award winners, and much more.

It’s Friday, which means it’s practically already the weekend. I’m starting to get a little more accustomed to things after daylight savings time came to a close, but I do miss being able to walk outside in the sun after work. Thankfully, it’s not as severe here in Florida compared to the sunsets up north though. I plan on taking full advantage this weekend with some plant shopping while knocking out a few errands. But enough about me. Let’s get to the links.
NWSL Unveils New Broadcasting Deal
There will be new ways to watch the Orlando Pride in 2024 after the NWSL announced a four-year contract with CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video, and Scripps Sports to broadcast 118 of next year’s games. There will now be a game on Prime Video on Friday nights to kick off each weekend’s slate of matches, while Scripps’ ION network will be home to a double-header each Saturday night. CBS will have a minimum of 18 games throughout the regular season, along with a quarterfinal, semifinal, and the NWSL Championship match. ESPN will have 17 regular-season games, two quarterfinals, and a semifinal shown across its networks, with each match also streaming live on ESPN+. There is also mention of a domestic direct-to-consumer package distributed by the league for the remaining games.
All in all, I’m not a huge fan of the Frankenstein-like coverage split across the four partners, although I do like the idea of a weekly Friday night game and Saturday night double-header to help sell the consistent feel of primetime matches. Other notable things from the league’s announcement are that the partners committed to cross-marketing each other’s broadcasts, the playoffs will expand thanks to the addition of the Utah Royals and Bay FC, and ION will air the NWSL Draft in January.
Hernan Losada and CF Montreal Go Their Separate Ways
The MLS coaching carousel continues to turn, as CF Montreal parted ways with Hernan Losada. Montreal finished 10th in the Eastern Conference standings in Losada’s first and only year with the club after joining last December. Assistant coach Sebastián Setti will not be with the team moving forward either. While I wouldn’t call Montreal’s season successful by any means, the Canadian club won 10 home games this year and was only two points away from sneaking into the playoffs. Considering the amount of turnover during the off-season, injuries to Romell Quioto and Mason Toye, and how Victor Wanyama was the only Designated Player on the roster, I think Losada did a decent job with the cards he was dealt. I’m curious to see if another MLS team takes a chance on him heading into 2024.
Roman Burki Named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year
St. Louis City’s Roman Burki received the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award, beating out Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and FC Cincinnati’s Roman Celentano. Burki is the first player to win the award while with an expansion side since Zach Thornton did it with the Chicago Fire 25 years ago. In his first year in the league, Burki recorded 123 saves, eight clean sheets, and 17 wins to help his team finish atop the Western Conference. Gallese and Celentano tied for second in the voting, each garnering 4.8% of the votes.
Cincinnati Duo Claim MLS Save and Goal of the Year
This year’s MLS Goal of the Year and Save of the Year went to a pair of teammates, as Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta and the aforementioned Celentano received the honors, respectively. While it stings a bit that Duncan McGuire didn’t win Goal of the Year for his Decision Day strike from distance, it’s easy to see why Acosta’s solo effort won the fan voting. The MVP candidate weaved his way past defenders from the midfield into Charlotte FC’s box and comfortably beat Kristijan Kahlina.
Celentano won Save of the Year for swatting away Steven Moreira’s header at point-blank range on a set piece in stoppage time, preserving Cincinnati’s lead in a 3-2 win over the rival Columbus Crew. It was a heroic moment at home for the 23-year-old and one of his many highlights during a stellar season.
Jenna Nighswonger Wins NWSL Rookie of the Year
NJ/NY Gotham FC’s Jenna Nighswonger was named NWSL Rookie of the Year, winning the award over Orlando Pride forward Messiah Bright and Angel City FC’s Alyssa Thompson. Nighswonger impressed on both sides of the ball, contributing three goals, 35 won tackles, and 18 interceptions across 20 appearances. The former Florida State Seminole was drafted with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft and was also named to the 2023 Best XI Second Team earlier this week.
USMNT Roster Announced for Nations League Quarterfinals
United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Gregg Berhalter called up 24 players for the training camp in preparation of the team’s pair of games against Trinidad & Tobago in the Concacaf Nations League. Only four of the players called up were not part of the team’s in last month’s camp. Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah are notable absentees due to injuries. Atlanta United center back Miles Robinson was the only MLS player called up, with all other players coming to camp from Europe. The USMNT will host Trinidad & Tobago in Austin on Nov. 16 before the away leg on Nov. 20. The winner of this series will qualify for both the Concacaf Nations League semifinals and the 2024 Copa America.
Free Kicks
- Enjoy these sights and sounds from the watch party for Orlando City’s playoff win over Nashville SC earlier this week.
- Crystal Dunn announced that she will not be returning to the Portland Thorns next season, making her a notable player to keep an eye out for during this off-season’s free agency.
- In the Europa League, Liverpool fell 3-2 to Toulouse, Slavia Prague beat AS Roma 2-0, and Brighton beat Ajax 2-0 on the road.
- Here’s a great article that delves into how former Pride defender Ali Krieger’s journey has led to her final match this Sunday in the NWSL Championship match.
- Diego Simeone signed a three-year contract extension with Atletico Madrid that will keep him managing the Spanish club through 2027.
- We end our links with some great news as Liverpool forward Luis Diaz’s father was released 12 days after being kidnapped by the National Liberation Army in Colombia.
That’s all I have for you today. If looking for a new book, Fourth Wing was pretty great and the sequel just dropped this week, so I’ll be sinking my teeth into that if I can get my hands on a copy while out and about. Have a fantastic Friday!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/30/25
Orlando City players called up, Orlando Pride sign Simone Jackson, USWNT gets ready to play China, and more.

Happy Friday! It’s been a bit of a brutal week, but we’ve made it through. Our reward is an exciting weekend of soccer to enjoy to close out the month. I’ll be spending most of the weekend working, but it should still be a nice next few days. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world.
Lions Called Up For International Duty
Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was predictably called up for Peru’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Peru is ninth in the standings and will take on Colombia June 6 before hosting Ecuador on June 10.
Defender David Brekalo was called up by Slovenian for a pair of friendlies against Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina. These matches will help prepare Slovenia for World Cup qualifying this fall against Sweden, Switzerland, and Kosovo.
A few Young Lions are also heading to Europe for the UEFA Friendship Cup in Switzerland. The U.S. will represent Concacaf at the U-18 tournament, and OCB players Justin Ellis, Colin Guske, and Jackson Platts were called up for it.
Orlando Pride Sign Simone Jackson
The Orlando Pride signed forward Simone Jackson to a contract through the 2028 season. Jackson played at the University of Southern California for four years, recording 22 goals and 13 assists in 75 games, and trained with the Pride during the preseason. Internationally, she’s represented the U.S. at various youth levels and scored a goal in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The 22-year-old gives Orlando some helpful depth up front and can develop her game learning from some of the best attackers in the sport as well.
USWNT Prepares For Friendly Against China
The United States Women’s National Team will take on China Saturday at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN in the first of two friendlies during this international window. Orlando Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kerry Abello were both called up to join a young roster as the team builds a foundation before the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Goalkeeper will continue to be a position to watch, as opportunity knocks for Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Mandy McGlynn, and Claudia Dickey to stake a claim as the team’s starter. Following this match, the USWNT will take on Jamaica in St. Louis on Tuesday before a pair of friendlies against Ireland later in June.
Denver’s NWSL Team Hires First General Manager
Denver’s NWSL team hired Curt Johnson to serve as the club’s first general manager. He will have the opportunity to build the team’s roster and staff from the ground up before the team takes the field as an expansion side in 2026. Johnson left the North Carolina Courage in December and was the chief soccer officer when the club dominated the league in 2018 and 2019. It looks like a solid hire in my opinion and I’m interested to see what kind of team he puts together in Denver.
Free Kicks
- Racing Louisville forward Kayla Fischer was suspended for an additional two games for pulling Madison Hammond down to the ground by her hair. As a result, she’ll miss Louisville’s game against the Pride on June 20.
- Washington Spirit Head Coach Jonatan Giraldez is reportedly in talks to manage OL Lyonnes.
- The Independent Review Panel rescinded the second yellow card Chicago Fire midfielder Dje D’Avilla received on May 25, meaning he’ll be available for the Fire’s game against Orlando on Saturday.
- AC Milan fired Sergio Conceicao after finishing eighth in the Serie A standings and losing in the Italian Cup final. The club has reportedly reached an agreement with Massimiliano Allegri for him to take over as manager.
- Angel Di Maria will return to his boyhood club of Rosario Central in Argentina’s top flight. The 37-year-old started his career at Rosario in 2005. He’ll still play for Benfica in the Club World Cup this summer.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/29/25
Orlando City loses rivalry game, MLS All-Star voting opens, Antonee Robinson undergoes knee surgery, and more.

Good morning, Mane Landers. The bad news is that Orlando City lost last night. There’s not much good news, unless you count how I probably lost some weight pacing around my apartment for a few hours annoyed at how the game went. But today is a new day, and with it comes the fact that there’s no soccer to fret over. Before we dive in, please join us in wishing Orlando Pride Head Coach and former Lion Seb Hines a happy birthday! OK, let’s get to the links!
Orlando City Falls in Atlanta
The Lions went on the road and lost 3-2 to Atlanta United in a frustrating result that snapped the team’s 12-game unbeaten streak in league play. A solid first half by the Lions was spoiled by a red card to Cesar Araujo late in the second, with Atlanta scoring twice while the Lions were a man down. Head Coach Oscar Pareja was sent off as well, and Orlando was deprived of a great chance to move up in the standings. Orlando will have to shake this off or use it as motivation as it gets set to host the Chicago Fire on Saturday. A much-needed break in the schedule is awaiting the Lions after that match following a busy May.
MLS All-Star Voting Begins
The voting for who will play in this year’s MLS All-Star Game is underway, and a few Lions may have a shot at being selected. Right back Alex Freeman’s case to be an All-Star is backed by statistics, as he’s done well creating chances for others and has three goals himself during his breakout season. Former MLS player Dax McCarty has Freeman on his list of players who deserve selection this year, along with midfielder Martin Ojeda. The 26-year-old Argentine’s eight goals so far are already twice as many goals as he had last season and he’s right up there with some of the league’s best playmakers. McCarty also gave honorable mentions to goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and winger Marco Pasalic. Voting will last through June 11 and the All-Star Game is set to take place on July 23 against Liga MX’s All-Stars in Austin.
Antonee Robinson Undergoes Surgery
Fulham announced that American left back Antonee Robinson underwent successful knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the English club’s next season. The 27-year-old started in 35 of Fulham’s 38 games this past season and did not take part in the Concacaf Nations League. He’ll miss out on this summer’s Gold Cup, but hopefully he has a smooth recovery and benefits from some time off the field before things start up again in Europe.
Chelsea Wins Europa Conference League
Chelsea beat Real Betis 4-1 to win the Europa Conference League, becoming the first club to win all five of UEFA’s men’s club competitions. Real Betis scored first, but Chelsea mounted a comeback and scored four goals in the second half to win. Cole Palmer had a pair of assists to spark the turnaround and Enzo Fernandez had a goal and an assist. It’s a brutal end to Real Betis’ tournament as its wait for its first major trophy continues. The Spanish club is at least bound for the Europa League regardless after placing sixth in the La Liga standings.
Free Kicks
- Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady was called up by the USMNT to replace Patrick Schulte, who is dealing with an oblique injury. Brady joins a crowded goalkeeping unit that includes Matt Turner, Zack Steffen, and Matt Freese.
- Welcome to Wrexham was renewed for a fifth season, and only time will tell if another happy ending is in store for the Welsh club when it plays in the EFL Championship.
- Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal is reportedly interested in signing Victor Osimhen from Napoli ahead of the Club World Cup.
- Lamine Yamal signed a contract extension with Barcelona through 2031. The 17-year-old has already made 106 appearances for the club and led La Liga with 13 assists this season.
That’s all I have for you today. This month of ups and downs as an Orlando soccer fan is almost over and there’s some international soccer to obsess over on the horizon. Have a wonderful Thursday!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/28/25
Orlando City set to face Atlanta, Banda and Sams recognized, USMNT news, and more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day against the rivals from Georgia. Lions against…a common clothing pattern? Needless to say, I’m always ready for a rivalry match, and tonight is no exception. Orlando City is in a good run of form, hopefully that holds true in Atlanta. For now, let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Heads North
Orlando City takes on rival Atlanta United tonight in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a place where a lot of people can watch soccer played on turf, making it a sub-standard venue. Just in case you are wondering, here is what the opposition feels Atlanta needs to do to win at home. The Lions climbed up to third in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings following the win over the Portland Timbers. We will have your match preview later today, and you can follow The Mane Land Bluesky account for match updates.
Banda and Sams Recognized
A first-half hat trick from Barbra Banda was enough to earn her a spot on the NWSL Team of the Week at CBS.com. Emily Sams also made the Best XI. In fact, there is still time to vote for Banda for NWSL Player of the Week for the aforementioned hat trick performance. You know what to do.
Orlando Pride Power
The Orlando Pride victory over the Utah Royals wasn’t a marquee matchup, but it still garnered plenty of attention. As such, the Pride held onto the third spot in the All for XI Power Rankings. The club was also third in the Goal.com Power Rankings heading into the international break. You know what I think about power rankings, but I’ll accept recognition for my club when it is presented.
Freeman and the USMNT
It didn’t take long after Orlando City defender Alex Freeman received an undervalued offer from Serie A club Parma for the rumors to start up. Freeman’s services are reportedly wanted by teams being promoted to the English Premier League. Perhaps this is a good time for Luiz Muzzi to sign the young defender to a new contract?
Several Americans made waves in Europe, with excellent performances last season from Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Antonee Robinson, and others. Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis face Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final today at 3 p.m.
Free Kicks
- Goalkeeper Mary Earps announced her retirement from international football, meaning the Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse will potentially have more opportunity for minutes.
- Kansas City Current owners Angie and Chris Long have acquired Danish club HB Køge. Good for them. I’m very content with the Wilfs focusing their attention on their Orlando clubs.
- Orlando City won’t have to face Brian Gutiérrez in the Chicago Fire FC match, as he will be serving a red card suspension. He was also fined for violent conduct in the match against New York City FC.
- St. Louis City SC parted ways with head coach Olof Mellberg after only 15 matches. St Louis City 2 coach David Critchley will take over as interim head coach.
- LAFC’s Carlos Vela announced his retirement from professional football, though he will remain with LAFC as the club’s first Black & Gold Ambassador.
- Wrexham is reportedly interested in CF Montreal striker Sunusi Ibrahim as the club heads into the EFL Championship.
- If I’m being honest, I don’t much care which Italian club the Pope supports, but I’m certain it’s a big deal in Vatican City. Besides, he’s probably all in for Chicago Fire FC. Oh well.
That will do it for today. Make sure you check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match. Vamos Orlando!
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