Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/15/24
Lions win preseason game, Orlando City’s assistant coaches named, new kit reveal is tonight, and more.

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s crazy to think that we’re less than a week away from the Lions taking on Cavalry FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The MLS season isn’t far away either, and it feels like the past few months have just flown by in terms of soccer. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world.
Orlando City Beats Houston Dynamo in Preseason Match
Orlando City’s solid preseason rolled on, with the Lions winning 1-0 at home against the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday. Martin Ojeda provided the game’s only goal after Facundo Torres found him in the box, and you can check it out and more in the highlights below.
Rodrigo Schlegel got the start alongside captain Robin Jansson in the center of Orlando’s defense and the Lions did well to secure a clean sheet against the Dynamo. Ramiro Enrique started up top, with Duncan McGuire coming on to replace him in the 74th minute. Orlando’s final preseason game will take place this Saturday against the Colorado Rapids.
Orlando City’s 2024 Assistant Coaching Staff Announced
Diego Torres and Martin Perelman were promoted and will serve as Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja’s first assistant coach and second assistant coach, respectively. Torres, who worked with Pareja at Club Tijuana in Liga MX, has been Pareja’s second assistant since joining in 2020. He will replace Josema Bazan, who parted ways with Orlando in December.
Perelman joins the first team’s coaching staff after spending the past two years as Orlando City B’s head coach in MLS NEXT Pro, guiding the team to a playoff appearance in 2023. OCB’s season kicks off next month, so it will be interesting to see who steps up as the team’s head coach after Perelman’s promotion. Fabian Bazan, who is Josema’s brother, will stay on as Orlando City’s strength and conditioning coach, and Cesar Baena will return as the team’s goalkeeping coach.
New Orlando City Kit Revealed Tonight
Orlando City’s launch of its new kit will take place tonight at Cheyenne Saloon at 6 p.m. as part of the club’s slate of events ahead of its 10th season in MLS. There have been leaks of the kit and the club’s emphasized that the event will celebrate the club’s history, including from when it was in the USL. A teased photo of the logo makes it clear the Lions of the past will be represented.
A pint glass will be available for the first 100 who buy a kit at tonight’s event, and there will be name and number pressing available as well. A display showcasing the club’s jersey history will also be there tonight. I’m looking forward to the jersey, although I’ll be sad to see the Sunshine kit go.
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Rolls On
Lazio came up with an important win in the Champions League’s knockout stage, beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in Rome. Bayern was reduced to 10 men after Dayot Upamecano was sent off in the second half, with Ciro Immobile converting the penalty kick for the game’s only goal. Of Bayern’s 16 shots, not a single one was put on target. The pressure is definitely on Thomas Tuchel and the German club will need to turn things around in the second leg if it wants to advance. In France, Paris Saint-Germain scored twice in the second half to beat Real Sociedad 2-0. Despite the score, Sociedad was formidable and it will be interesting to see how the second leg in Spain goes on March 5.
Free Kicks
- Houston Dynamo winger Nelson Quinones will miss the upcoming MLS season due to a knee injury while playing for Colombia in the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament.
- Angel City FC forward Jun Endo will miss the 2024 NWSL season after suffering an ACL injury in preseason training.
- Olivia Moultrie signed a contract extension with the Portland Thorns that will keep her there through 2026. The 18-year-old has made 46 regular-season appearances for the Thorns and was named 2023 U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year.
- Inter Miami’s Gerardo Martino and Nashville SC’s Gary Smith are a couple of MLS coaches who could find themselves in the hot seat early on this season.
- Lionel Scaloni, who coached Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, praised the growth of MLS and stated he would be open to coaching in the league in the future.
- D.C. United signed versatile defender Conner Antley from the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
- Multiple MLS teams unveiled their new kits for the upcoming season, with the Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls paying homage to their history. The Portland Timbers’ new jersey is probably my favorite of the bunch, although I wish the fir trees came towards the center a bit more.
- Barcelona’s women’s team drew 1-1 with Levante, ending an incredible 70-game win streak at home in Liga F.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/18/25
Eduard Atuesta earns recognition, Barbra Banda up for weekly award, NWSL storylines from Week 1, and more.

Good morning, and happy Tuesday to you all. I hope you’ve sufficiently recovered if you took part in any St. Patrick’s Day festivities yesterday, and if not, you have my deepest sympathies. It was a good weekend for Orlando’s three soccer teams as they combined to go undefeated. If the Orlando Pride could have lent some of the six goals the team scored to Orlando City and Orlando City B, we’d probably be toasting a nine-point weekend, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. Before we jump into today’s news, please join us in wishing a happy birthday to Orlando Pride vice-captain Kylie Nadaner! We’ve got a lot to talk about today, so let’s get into it.
Lion Earns Weekly Recognition
Eduard Atuesta played an important role in Orlando City’s 2-2 road draw with the New York Red Bulls, and that performance was rewarded with a starting place in the MLS Team of the Matchday. Not only did he have the primary assist on Marco Pasalic’s goal, but he also had the secondary assist on Martin Ojeda’s opener. Nic Josey awarded him a 7 out of 10 in his Player Grades piece, and it’s nice to see him getting some of that love on the larger stage as well. Here’s hoping for more of the same!
Barbra Banda Up for Weekly Honors
Continuing the trend of Orlando players earning recognition for the efforts over the weekend, Barbra Banda has been nominated for the NWSL Goal of the Week. The Zambian finds herself nominated for her second and the Pride’s sixth goal of the day. After picking up the ball about 30 yards from goal, Banda took a couple touches before firing the ball into the top corner to round off an absolute beatdown. It was a difficult piece of finishing that she made look like the simplest thing in the world, and its a deserving nominee.
NWSL Week 1 Storylines
The first week of the 2025 NWSL season is in the books and there’s a lot we need to catch up on. For one thing, the Pride are still pretty damn good. It’s anyone’s guess how good the Chicago Stars will be this year, but a 6-0 score is nothing to turn your nose up at, regardless of who it comes against. Not only did the NWSL have its 1,000th player make her debut, but that player also scored, as rookie Maggie Graham got a goal for the Houston Dash in the team’s 2-1 loss to the Washington Spirit. Finally, international players ran riot, with Banda scoring a brace and adding an assist, Temwa Chawinga netting for the Kansas City Current, and Gia Corley getting things going for the San Diego Wave after just five minutes.
Transfer Rumor Roundup
While most transfer windows aren’t open right now, there are still plenty of stories that we need to keep an eye on. First, Christian Pulisic’s value is said to have ballooned to around $71 million since joining AC Milan, with the Italian team eager to sign him to a new contract. Liverpool is said to be regularly speaking with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, as the Dutch fullback is reportedly looking to move away from the club in the summer. Finally, Arsenal and Chelsea are said to be ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram.
Free Kicks
- Alex Freeman got a shoutout for continuing to hold down the starting right back position for OCSC.
- Orlando City rose one spot to no.19 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
- The Orlando Pride unsurprisingly sit no.1 in ESPN.com’s NWSL power rankings.
- Michail Antonio has promised to return to the playing field after suffering near-fatal injuries in a car crash at the end of last year.
- Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers after sustaining an adductor injury in Inter Miami’s win over Atlanta United on Sunday.
That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/17/25
Lions draw on the road, Pride win NWSL season opener, OCB claims two points against Atlanta, and more.

Hello, Mane Landers, and happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been catching up with friends over the weekend in Chicago. Our Lions and OCB picked up draws, but the Young Lions claimed an extra point in penalties, while the Pride dominated the Stars to start their 2025 NWSL season with a win. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Draw New York Red Bulls on the Road
Orlando City and the New York Red Bulls split the points in a 2-2 draw at Sports Illustrated Stadium Saturday. The Lions struck first with a goal from Martin Ojeda to take the lead. However, a controversial penalty kick was awarded to the Red Bulls, and Eric Choupo-Boting buried the equalizer to tie the match at one. Marco Pasalic’s goal put Orlando back in front just before halftime. However, just minutes into the second half, the Red Bulls tied the match at 2-2. The Lions had chances to score late in the match, but Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel stopped everything in his path to preserve a point. Orlando City returns home to Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday to take on D.C. United.
Orlando City Signs Gustavo Caraballo as Homegrown Player
After being signed to short-term contracts in previous weeks, Orlando City announced Friday that the club signed midfielder Gustavo Caraballo to a Homegrown Player contract. Caraballo is signed through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028. The 16-year-old midfielder has made two appearances for Orlando this season. Caraballo went through the academy, playing at OCB, and now becomes the youngest player to sign a first-team pro contract. He made his MLS debut earlier this month in the Lions’ 4-2 win over Toronto FC, becoming the youngest player ever to get MLS minutes with Orlando.
Orlando Pride Defeat Chicago Stars in Season Opener
The Orlando Pride began their 2025 NWSL season Friday, beating the Chicago Stars 6-0 at Inter&Co Stadium. Haley McCutcheon, Ally Watt, and Julie Doyle added their names to the scoresheet, while Barbra Banda scored twice. The Pride also got an own goal from Stars defender Hannah Anderson just after halftime. Orlando is unbeaten in its last four matches against Chicago. With six goals, Orlando tied the club record for the most goals scored in a match. It was also the Pride’s first-ever season-opening win. The Pride will be on the road this weekend to face NJ/NY Gotham FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday.
OCB Wins Penalty Shootout vs. Atlanta United 2 after 2-2 Draw
Orlando City B drew 2-2 against Atlanta United 2 Sunday at Osceola County Stadium. The Young Lions trailed 1-0 in the first half, but Justin Ellis tied the match just before halftime. Shak Mohammed gave OCB a 2-1 lead in the second half, but Atlanta scored a late equalizer. After 90 minutes, MLS NEXT Pro draws go to penalties, and OCB won the extra point with a 4-1 shootout win. OCB will be back in action on Wednesday, March 26 on the road against Crown Legacy FC.
NWSL Opening Weekend Recap
The National Women’s Soccer League’s opening weekend matches are in the books. The Washington Spirit edged the Houston Dash 2-1 Friday night. On Saturday, the Kansas City Current defeated the Portland Thorns 3-1 as Temwa Chawinga and Debinha scored. The Utah Royals and Bay FC, Racing Louisville and the North Carolina Courage, and the Seattle Reign vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC matches all ended in 1-1 draws. On Sunday, Angel City FC and the San Diego Wave match also ended in a 1-1 draw.
Americans Abroad
We had another busy weekend featuring several Americans in action in Europe just ahead of the international break. Christian Pulisic scored for AC Milan in its Serie A clash against Como. AC Milan held on to win 2-1. Weston Mckennie’s Juventus side fell 3-0 to Fiorentina on the road, suffering a second straight heavy defeat in league play. Tyler Adams played 79 minutes for AFC Bournemouth, but his side lost 2-1 at home to Brentford, while Antonee Robinson played 90 minutes for Fulham, helping his team defeat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0. Tanner Tessmann came off the bench for Lyon in the second half as his side defeated Le Havre 4-2 in Ligue 1. Haji Wright scored a hat trick over the weekend for EFL Championship side Coventry City in a 3-0 victory over Sunderland. Catarina Macario and Chelsea defeated Manchester City 2-1 to win the Women’s League Cup.
Free Kicks
- Angel City FC and Former Orlando Pride forward Sydney Leroux announced on her Instagram page that she will take a break from professional soccer to focus on her mental health.
- Boston’s NWSL expansion team will not play under its current name, BOS Nation FC. The club announced over the weekend that it will rebrand and expects to unveil its new name in the next few weeks.
- Newcastle United defeated Liverpool 2-1 Sunday to win the Carabao Cup, snapping a 70-year domestic trophy drought.
- In case you missed it, you have to see this late second-half equalizer by Mohamed Traore of Phoenix Rising in a USL Championship match over the weekend against El Paso Locomotive.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/14/25
Orlando Pride face the Chicago Stars tonight, 2025 NWSL season set to kick off, San Diego FC’s plan to stop discriminatory chant, and more.

Happy Friday! The Orlando Pride’s season starts today to kick off another three straight days of Orlando soccer. Orlando City is in action on Saturday, and then we have Orlando City B to enjoy on Sunday. Before we jump into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Executive OCSC Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi!
Orlando Pride Take On Chicago Stars FC Tonight
The Orlando Pride’s first game of the 2025 NWSL season is finally here, with the team set to begin its title defense at home tonight at 8 p.m. against the Chicago Stars. Before the match, the club will raise banners to celebrate a historic season last year that included winning the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship. It’s an unfamiliar position for the Pride to start a season from, as the club has undergone quite the transformation in both culture and expectations in recent years.
“It’s going to be such a special moment,” defender and vice-captain Kylie Nadaner said. “I got here when things weren’t great in this club, and there were times where I don’t think that I would ever have predicted that this would be possible. So when that banner is raised, it’s going to be such a special moment, and to see this star on our chest—every time I see it, I’m just so proud and honored to be a part of it.”
The Pride’s season will start with a matchup against a Chicago team they eliminated in the first round of last year’s playoffs. The Stars won’t be the only team with revenge on their mind when facing the Pride, and Orlando will have to navigate the season with a large target on its back. It’s still a bit surreal to acknowledge that considering where this club was only a few years ago.
2025 NWSL Season Kicks Off Tonight
Tonight’s matches are just the first in what should be an exciting start to the NWSL season across the country. While most of us will likely be watching the Pride, the Washington Spirit are also in action at 8 p.m. tonight when they face the Houston Dash. Saturday’s slate features four games with staggered start times for a nice day of soccer, including an intriguing late match pitting NJ/NY Gotham FC against the Seattle Reign. The weekend wraps up on Sunday night with a Cali clash between Angel City FC and the San Diego Wave. If in need of a refresher on each team after a busy off-season, ESPN provided a nice guide heading into this season.
San Diego FC Launches Plan to Stop Anti-Gay Chant
After the use of a homophobic chant in its inaugural home game earlier this month, San Diego FC has announced a plan for addressing it. Starting as soon as Saturday’s home game against the Columbus Crew, there will be increased communication to fans reinforcing that the chant has no place at the stadium. There will be increased security measures as well, with the plan noting that offenders will be identified and ejected. FIFA’s protocol to abandon the match if the behavior persists is also part of the club’s announced plan. Hopefully this all will help nip the problem in the bud.
Europa League Quarterfinals Are Set
Only eight teams remain in this year’s Europa League after some exciting round of 16 matchups. A hat trick by Bruno Fernandes lifted Manchester United to a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, while fellow English club Tottenham also advanced after a 3-1 home victory against AZ Alkmaar. As for the Italian clubs, an early red card to Mats Hummels doomed AS Roma in its 3-1 loss to Athletic Club and Lazio’s 1-1 draw with Viktoria Plzen was enough to advance. Fenerbahce beat Rangers 2-0, but Rangers ultimately came out on top in the penalty shootout.
In the quarterfinals, Manchester United faces a Lyon side that breezed through the round of 16, and Rangers will battle Athletic Club. On the other side of the bracket, Tottenham plays Eintracht Frankfurt and Lazio is matched up against Bodo/Glimt.
Free Kicks
- Enjoy this look into the Pride’s history of home openers over the past nine years in the NWSL.
- NWSL players will be able to decrease their yellow card accumulation through good behavior this season.
- The first two rounds of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup will exclusively be broadcast on U.S. Soccer’s YouTube channel.
- UEFA will reportedly reach out to FIFA and the International Football Association Board over changing the rule that disallowed Julian Alvarez’s penalty in the Champions League after a slip of his plant foot caused him to brush the ball before he struck it, resulting in a double kick.
- In a bizarre bit of scheduling, Chelsea and Manchester City’s women’s soccer teams will face each other four times over the course of 12 days across all competitions.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend. Go Orlando!
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