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Lion Links: 1/12/24

Duncan McGuire aims to impress at USMNT training camp, Orlando Pride trade for Morgan Gautrat, NWSL Draft tonight, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Welcome to Friday! I don’t have many plans for the three-day weekend, which is nice in its own right. My gallery wall is all set up and I’m going to take some time just enjoying the space before I start revamping the kitchen next. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to both the Orlando Pride’s Messiah Bright and Orlando City’s Jack Lynn. Both forwards will be celebrating turning 24 today.

Duncan McGuire Aims to Impress at USMNT Camp

Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire is with the United States Men’s National Team for its January camp ahead of a friendly against Slovenia on Jan. 20. The camp is taking place in the Lions’ backyard at Osceola Heritage Park, with USMNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter citing Orlando City’s facilities and the nice weather as reasons why it’s a great place to train. Berhalter also gave praise to McGuire for his strong rookie season in Orlando and his movement in the final third. It’s an important camp for McGuire, as he has a solid chance at making the roster for this summer’s Olympics and he spoke on what he hopes to gain while with the USMNT this month.

“I’m trying to leave a good impression to the coaches of my abilities and what I can do,” McGuire said. “I’m definitely trying to learn as much as possible and be open to criticism and learn as much as I can, because there are a lot of guys here that are more experienced than me, and there’s a lot of knowledge I can gain from them. So I’m just trying to learn as much as possible this next week.”

Orlando Pride Trade For Morgan Gautraut

The Orlando Pride traded away an international roster spot to the Kansas City Current in exchange for veteran American midfielder Morgan Gautrat (née Brian) and $50,000 in Allocation Money. Gautrat, who was selected with the first overall pick in the 2015 NWSL Draft by the Houston Dash, joins the Pride after a year in Kansas City that was marred by injuries. The two-time Women’s World Cup winner joins the Pride with a year remaining on her contract, making it a fairly low-risk move for the Pride. Orlando acquired an international roster spot in December from the Utah Royals in exchange for goalkeeper Carly Nelson and $65,000 in Allocation Money. So in a roundabout way, the Pride functionally traded away Carly Nelson and $15,000 in Allocation Money for Morgan Gautrat this off-season.

NWSL Draft Takes Place Tonight

The 2024 NWSL Draft is tonight at 8 p.m. and, unlike previous years, there isn’t a consensus on which player will be picked first. Both CBS Sports‘ mock draft and the one by Top Drawer Soccer have the Pride selecting Clemson right back Makenna Morris with the ninth overall pick. While the Pride have made an effort this off-season to retain their back line, I think Morris could give Orlando a bit of an edge when attacking. Stanford’s Kennedy Wesley is another versatile defender who the Pride could select there, although I could also see them adding one of the top attackers should one be there. Last year, the Pride were able to select Messiah Bright in the second round, so the Pride’s 22nd overall pick is worth keeping an eye out for as well.

Noami Girma and Olivia Moultrie Win U.S. Soccer Awards

San Diego Wave center back Naomi Girma became the first defender to be voted U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. The 23-year-old helped the Wave win the NWSL Shield last season and was named 2023 NWSL Defender of the Year. Although the United States Women’s National Team had an earlier exit from last year’s World Cup, Girma was a consistent part of a defense that allowed just one goal in four games.

Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie was voted as Young Female Player of the Year after a decent year as one of the country’s most promising players. She made her debut for the USWNT’s senior team in December and contributed two goals and three assists for the Thorns this past season.

Union Re-Sign Kai Wagner & More MLS Transfer News

Left back Kai Wagner will be staying with the Philadelphia Union after signing a new deal with the club through the 2026 season, with an option for 2027 as well. Wagner became a free agent after five years with the Union, but has chosen to stay in MLS despite interest from European clubs.

There were other notable moves by MLS clubs as well. The Vancouver Whitecaps signed winger Fafa Picault, FC Cincinnati secured Corey Baird’s signature, and the Seattle Sounders added center back Nathan for some defensive depth. Atlanta United officially signed defender Stian Gregersen from Bordeaux and loaned midfielder Franco Ibarra to Rosario Central in Argentina for 2024. Real Salt Lake also officially acquired 17-year-old winger Fidel Barajas from the Charleston Battery.

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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: 2/28/25

MLS shares Orlando City’s club profile, Orlando Pride reveal new kit, Orlando City B signs Thalles and Riyon Tori, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Welcome to the final day of February, Mane Landers! This month has flown by for me, and I’m looking forward to a March that will include much more Orlando soccer, thanks to the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B seasons kicking off. I have a fairly busy weekend lined up but am hoping to catch the Lions on Saturday when they host Toronto FC. Let’s jump into today’s links!

Orlando City’s Club Profile

The club profiles for each MLS team were provided, giving the public a nice look at how each team’s roster is built for the 2025 season. Orlando City is one of 14 clubs that opted for the Designated Player model, with Martin Ojeda, Luis Muriel, and Marco Pasalic as its Designated Players. Ramiro Enrique and Nicolas Rodriguez occupy two of the three MLS U22 Initiative Player slots, while seven Lions are Targeted Allocation Money players. Center back Robin Jansson, who was listed as a TAM Player in last year’s profile, is not a TAM Player this time around. These snapshots are a pretty handy way of keeping track of where the club’s roster stands, as it also includes contract lengths, options, and unavailable players.

Orlando Pride Unveil New Kit

For their 10th season in the NWSL, the Orlando Pride revealed the “Decennial Kit” as their new primary jersey heading into the 2025 season. I’m a pretty big fan of the purple pattern, and the blue trim is a nice nod to the club’s past. I also like the iridescence on the badge, even if it feels like the kind of showy thing you can only do after winning the double. While I don’t mind the badge being in the center too much, I hate the Nike logo being right above it, as it creates a sandwiched look. The star representing the club’s first NWSL Championship is obviously a welcome addition though, and the jock tag wordmark is quietly one of the best parts of the kit. All in all, I like it, and there’s a decent chance it’ll wind up on my gift list this year.

Orlando City B Adds Thalles and Riyon Tori

With the MLS NEXT Pro season only a week away, Orlando City B made a pair of moves by adding forward Thalles on loan and signing Riyon Tori to a one-year contract. Thalles joins the club on loan through 2025 from Botafogo-SP in Brazil’s second division. Hopefully the 19-year-old can shine with the Young Lions after doing well in Brazil, and his loan includes an option to buy. As for Tori, he was selected by the Lions over a year ago in the third round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. The midfielder returned to college at Charlotte after being drafted and received First-Team All-AAC and Second-Team All-East Region honors last year.

Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad

Americans will clash in the EFL Championship on Saturday when former Lion Daryl Dike and West Brom travel to take on Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United. There’s also FA Cup action to look forward to, as Ethan Horvath could start in goal for Cardiff City when it plays Aston Villa today. Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, and Chris Richards are also expected to be in action in the tournament.

Other interesting things to keep an eye on this weekend include Naomi Girma possibly making her Chelsea debut, Giovanni Reyna’s uncertain role with Borussia Dortmund, and whether or not Damion Downs can score when Cologne plays Karlsruher.

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That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a great Friday and rest of your weekend!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 2/27/25

Getting to know Ramiro Enrique, USWNT loses to Japan, Concacaf Champions Cup results, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I haven’t done too much this week beyond working, but I did manage to put together a cat tree that my cat has already sent crashing into a wall twice so far. Pet ownership has been a joy, I must say. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Learning More About Ramiro Enrique

Orlando City put a spotlight on forward Ramiro Enrique with a nice video showcasing what he brings to the team for the 2025 season. Along with interviews from Enrique and Head Coach Oscar Pareja, the video includes highlights of his some of his biggest moments as a Lion so far. The 23-year-old spoke on how his father, World Cup winner Hector Enrique, is a major inspiration for him and how he’s both a scorer and Orlando’s first line of defense. Pareja praised both Enrique’s natural talent and his commitment to improving himself moving forward. It’s a pretty well-produced video and I’m looking forward to seeing the profiles for other Lions as well throughout the season.

USWNT Falls to Japan in SheBelieves Cup

The United States Women’s National Team lost its final game of the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, falling 2-1 to Japan in San Diego. Japan took an early lead, but Ally Sentnor tied things up soon after with her second goal of the tournament. Toko Koga then scored for Japan in the 50th minute and the U.S. was unable to find the back of the net again against Japan’s solid defense. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams did not play in the match despite a strong showing against Australia on Sunday. It’s the USWNT’s first loss under Head Coach Emma Hayes and its first time losing the tournament since England won it in 2019.

In what was effectively the third-place match, Colombia beat Australia 2-1 to finish the tournament on a high note. Australia’s Hayley Raso equalized things in the second half, but Catalina Usme gave Colombia its winner a few minutes later.

Bay FC Scouting Director Resigns Amid Backlash

Graeme Abel, who was hired as Bay FC’s director of domestic scouting last week, has resigned from his position. This decision comes after backlash from his hiring due to reported allegations of abuse by former players from his time as the University of Oregon’s women’s soccer coach. A report last April detailed allegations of verbal abuse that included threatening to revoke scholarships, having players kicked off the team, and throwing objects, with players stating that they dealt with suicidal ideation while playing there.

Concacaf Champions Cup Results

Real Salt Lake was eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup after losing 2-1 at home to Costa Rican club Herediano. The MLS side took the lead in the first half, but Herediano leveled things in the second half and sealed victory with a late penalty kick. FC Cincinnati took care of business at home in a 1-1 draw against Honduran club Motagua, with Kevin Denkey scoring in his third straight game for his new team. The Seattle Sounders also reached the next round, beating Guatemala’s Antigua GFC 3-1. Cincinnati will face Tigres in the round of 16, while the Sounders will take on Cruz Azul. The first round wraps up tonight when the Vancouver Whitecaps host Saprissa for the final spot in the round of 16, which kicks off on Tuesday.

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  • The Orlando Pride will unveil their new home jersey for the 2025 season today and I’m pretty excited to see what they’ve come up with. I’m also looking forward to seeing the team sport a shiny new star after winning last year, as teased by Marta.

A very ✨ golden ✨ addition

Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-02-26T00:03:16.959Z
  • The Pride gave a shoutout to coaches Seb Hines, Giles Barnes, and Yolanda Thomas this Black History Month.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Thursday and rest of your week!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 2/26/25

Tsukada out for the season, OCB adds a striker, the SheBelieves Cup finishes tonight, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I hope you’re recovering from the season opener. I find it best to look for the positives or just pretend none of it ever happened. I’m certain one of those two is a healthy way to process your feelings. The good news is that the season is underway, the Orlando Pride are close to starting their new campaign, and we get to watch the USWNT play tonight. See? It isn’t all bad. Let’s get to the links, but first, let’s wish Pride midfielder Morgan Gautrat a happy birthday.

Tsukada Out for the Season

Yutaro Tsukada has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list for Orlando City following successful surgery on his left ACL. The young midfielder sustained the injury in the preseason match against CF Montreal. While we expected this news, it doesn’t make it any easier for Tsukada, the club, or any of us. It’s another blow to the depth of Orlando City in a season that has only just begun. We wish Tsukada a full and speedy recovery.

OCB Striker Signing

When I said I wanted Orlando City to sign a new striker, I should have been more specific. The club acquired the SuperDraft Priority to forward Dyson Clapier from Sporting Kansas City. In return, Sporting Kansas City gets Orlando City’s natural second-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. Following the acquisition, Clapier was signed to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through 2025, with a club option in 2026.

SheBelieves Cup Finishes Tonight

The USWNT will need a victory against Japan tonight to win the 2025 SheBelieves Cup. Japan holds the advantage thanks to a plus-seven goal differential as compared to the plus-three goal differential of the U.S. The match is set for 7:30 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. There are on air and streaming options available to watch the match. If the USWNT can pull out the victory, it will be the sixth SheBelieves title in a row. Emily Sams got the start and went the full 90 minutes against Australia on Sunday. Hopefully, the Orlando Pride defender will see more action this evening.

Ream is a Believer

With the 2026 World Cup coming up next year, the USMNT wants to make a big splash. Longtime U.S. defender Tim Ream says that Mauricio Pochettino is the right man to do the job. Ream will certainly be an integral part of the next World Cup squad, and he asserts that Pochettino will evolve the USMNT to the next level.

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  • Casey Krueger’s time with the USWNT appears to be done. Emma Hayes is going younger.
  • The MLS Disciplinary Committee suspended and fined Chicago Fire midfielder Brian Gutiérrez for one match.

MLS Disciplinary Committee suspends Chicago Fire midfielder Brian Gutiérrez for one match and issued an undisclosed fine for violent conduct at Columbus on Saturday. He will miss this weekend’s match vs D.C. United.

Steven Goff (@stevengoff.bsky.social) 2025-02-25T21:11:38.395Z
  • Gutierrez wasn’t the only player fined by DisCo. The only thing I’m certain of is that the fine wasn’t big enough.
  • Congratulations to Chris and Alyssa Mueller on the birth of their new baby.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the match this weekend. As for today, go USA!

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