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Lion Links: 2/22/24

Orlando City beats Cavalry FC, Lions receive General Allocation Money for Junior Urso’s rights, USWNT gets ready for Argentina, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s nice to start the morning fresh off of a huge win and I’m hoping that becomes a regular occurrence this year. Hopefully the work week has been kind to you as we ride the high of the Concacaf Champions Cup into Orlando City’s first game of the MLS season this weekend. For now, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world.

Lions Win in Concacaf Champions Cup Opener

Orlando City kicked off its Concacaf Champions Cup campaign with a solid 3-0 win against Cavalry FC in Canada. Some players did better playing on the turf of Starlight Stadium in British Columbia than others, but the Lions ultimately did well on the road to make things less stressful for themselves for the second leg on Tuesday in Orlando at 6 p.m. Orlando’s offense showed little rust and the defense did its part in its first competitive match of 2024. Before the match, Head Coach Oscar Pareja announced that Robin Jansson will serve as the team’s captain this year, so it’s nice to see his tenure start with a clean sheet.

Junior Urso Signs With Charlotte FC

Orlando City received $50,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money from Charlotte FC in exchange for Brazilian midfielder Junior Urso’s right of first refusal. This transaction cleared the way for Urso to sign with Charlotte, joining on a deal through 2024, with an option for 2025. The Bear became a Lion back in 2020 and was an integral part of Orlando’s transformation under Head Coach Oscar Pareja that included winning the 2022 U.S. Open Cup. The 34-year-old impressed as a trialist with Charlotte during the preseason and should give Dean Smith’s side a veteran presence both on and off the field. While it’s never fun seeing a fan favorite playing for another Eastern Conference foe, I wish nothing but the best for Urso and hope he gets a warm reception when Charlotte visits Orlando this season on Sept. 18.

MLS Coaching Changes for 2024

There was a considerable amount of coaching turnover in MLS since last season, adding some intriguing storylines for this year. After a rough time in Miami, Phil Neville has a chance at redemption with a Portland Timbers side that narrowly missed out on the playoffs last year. The Colorado Rapids’ Chris Armas, D.C. United’s Troy Lesesne, and the New England Revolution’s Caleb Porter are other familiar faces in new places who could impress. As for those new to the scene, Dean Smith joined Charlotte from England, while Sandro Schwarz is now at the helm of the New York Red Bulls after years in Germany and Russia. I’m also interested to see how long it takes for John Herdman to turn things around with Toronto FC.

Analyzing Argentina Ahead of USWNT Clash

After a dominant 5-0 win over the Dominican Republic, the United States Women’s National Team will take on Argentina tomorrow in the Concacaf W Gold Cup’s group stage. The U.S. has won the past four meetings between the past two nations, and Argentina is coming off of a scoreless draw with Mexico. The Orlando Pride’s Mariana Larroquette spearheads an Argentine attack that can be a bit inconsistent when it comes to creating chances. That being said, Vanina Preininger can pull strings from the midfield and Argentina has multiple players capable of scoring from distance. Laurina Oliveros will likely start in goal after her clean sheet in the opener, and the defense also includes Kansas City Current center back Sophia Braun.

Free Kicks

  • The Orlando Pride’s Rafaelle and Adriana both started in Brazil’s 1-0 win over Puerto Rico.
  • The LA Galaxy signed Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil as their third Designated Player. The 26-year-old joins from Genk in Belgium and signed a contract with the Galaxy through 2027.
  • The Revolution beat Panama’s Independiente 1-0 on the road in the Champions Cup opener for both teams.
  • The new changes to MLS’ competitive rules, such as in-stadium VAR announcements and off-field treatments, have been postponed amid the league’s referee situation.
  • The United Soccer League announced that all 47 of the teams under its umbrella will take part in this year’s U.S. Open Cup.
  • Bayern Munich officially announced that Thomas Tuchel will leave once this season is over. Although Bayern is second in the Bundesliga standings, it’s lost its past three games, including a defeat to Lazio in the Champions League.
  • Porto scored a stunning goal in stoppage time to shock Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League.

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: 1/9/25

Orlando City B signs Tristan Himes, young trialist linked with Orlando City, 2025 Futures Camp roster announced, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

How’s it going, Mane Landers? Hopefully this cold weather hasn’t made it too difficult to enjoy the new year. I’ve at least been able to get some use out of a new jacket I was gifted over the holidays. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City defender Kyle Smith!

Goalkeeper Tristan Himes Joins Orlando City B

Orlando City signed goalkeeper Tristan Himes to an MLS NEXT Pro contract for him to play with Orlando City B. Himes came up through Orlando’s academy before playing collegiate soccer for the University of South Carolina and Coastal Carolina University. He was eligible for selection in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft but wasn’t selected. He’ll help fill the void left by Carlos Mercado, whose contract option was declined by the club following the 2024 season. How much time he spends in the net may depend on how much Javier Otero is needed with the first team while Mason Stajduhar recovers from injury.

Trialist Aboubou Haimakoye Linked With Orlando City

You’ll need a translation tool for the details, but 17-year-old attacking midfielder Aboubou Haimakoye will reportedly join Orlando City as a trialist over the next few weeks. Haimakoye is a fast attacker with good ball control according to Africa Foot, so it makes sense why the Lions would be interested in seeing what he can do in the City Beautiful. Should he become a Lion in an official capacity, he would join a growing list of young players from Mali to play for an MLS club.

Emma Hayes Names Roster for 2025 Futures Camp

As part of her efforts to develop the next generation of players for the United States Women’s National Team, Head Coach Emma Hayes named the 24 players who will take part in the 2025 Futures Camp. The training camp will take place alongside the USWNT’s camp in California and includes 14 professional players. A few of the interesting players called up are 17-year-old midfielder Ainsley McCammon, 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy winner Kate Faasse, and Brooklyn FC goalkeeper Neeku Purcell. I’m a bit surprised not to see Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos called up for this camp, as she’s just 20 years old, earned a solid amount of playing time in her rookie season, and represented the United States at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

While we wait for Orlando City to make some moves this off-season, the rest of the league is wasting no time getting ready for the 2025 season. The Seattle Sounders officially acquired American forward Jesus Ferreira in a trade with FC Dallas, sending $2.3 million in general allocation money, an international roster spot, and winger Leo Chu in exchange. That’s reportedly not the only deal brewing between the two clubs, as Paul Arriola is set to join Seattle as well in a deal that is reportedly done but not yet official.

Atlanta United added some firepower to its attack by signing Japanese forward Cayman Togashi to a contract through 2025. Lassi Lappalainen is now with the Columbus Crew after six years with CF Montreal, reuniting with Wilfried Nancy after signing a contract through 2025. The New England Revolution signed 17-year-old midfielder Allan Oyirwoth. Nashville SC signed midfielder Bryan Acosta and is also reportedly finalizing a deal to sign Andy Najar from Honduran club CD Olimpia.

As for outgoing players, Alan Pulido is no longer with Sporting Kansas City after being transferred to Chivas Guadalajara in Mexico. The move notably opens up a Designated Player spot for Kansas City. A club in Liga MX is also reportedly negotiating with the Houston Dynamo for midfielder Coco Carrasquilla.

Free Kicks

  • It looks like we’ll be getting an update today on whether or not Marta will be with the Orlando Pride for the 2025 NWSL season.
  • The Dynamo announced Pat Onstad as its president of soccer and Asher Mendelsohn as its technical director, extending the contracts of both for turning the club around after joining in 2022.
  • The Portland Thorns have signed forward Pietra Tordin, who had four goals for the U.S. in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup last year. She was also named 2024 Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year after a great season playing for Princeton.
  • Midfielder Hannah Bebar has joined the USWNT’s training camp to replace Lynn Williams. The 23-year-old may be uncapped with the senior team, but she has plenty of experience playing at the youth levels for the U.S.
  • Didier Deschamps announced that he will step down as France’s head coach following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • West Ham United fired Julen Lopetegui as its manager, with Graham Potter reportedly set to replace him. The club is 14th in the English Premier League standings, with just 23 points from 20 matches.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/8/25

Orlando City primed for moves, Emily Sams’ USWNT call-up, MLS transfer news, and more.

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Image courtesy of Orlando Pride / Mark Thor

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Was it cold enough for you this morning? I know in Tallahassee it was quite chilly, but I’m not complaining. Remember to bring in your plants unless you want to replace a bunch after they freeze. Despite the chill, there are still things going on in the Orlando soccer-sphere. Let’s get to the links.

Lions on the Hunt

I know everyone is wondering why news around potential Orlando City signings is so lacking, but that’s par for the course with this club. That being said, the nice sum of cash from the Facundo Torres deal means that the Lions have the resources to find the right high quality player (or players) to improve the squad. I know it’s frustrating that nothing has happened yet, but there’s still plenty of time for Luiz Muzzi and company to get some business done.

Pride Defender Emily Sams Called Up to USWNT Camp

The 2024 NWSL Defender of the Year has received another call-up by Emma Hayes to the USWNT’s January training camp in Los Angeles. Sams will be one of 26 players on the camp roster. Of note, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Rose Lavelle will not be in attendance as each is recovering from injuries or surgery. The list of defenders besides Sams includes Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnet, and Jenna Nighswonger among others. We wish Sams good luck and a safe, healthy return.

Berman Wins Innovator of the Year

If you’re not familiar with Jessica Berman, you should take the time to do some research. Since taking over as NWSL Commissioner in the spring of 2022, the league has improved its visibility and made some sweeping changes — like eliminating the draft. As a result, Berman was named SI’s 2024 Innovator of the Year. Berman’s impact as commissioner mirrors Haley Carter’s impact with the Orlando Pride. The league was dealing with scandals, brought in Berman, and now things have improved. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?

MLS Signings and Transfers

Orlando City might not be making much news, but other MLS clubs are making moves. CF Montreal has acquired Giacomo Vrioni from the New England Revolution.

The Colorado Rapids have signed homegrown midfielder Sam Bassett through 2025 with options for 2026-2028. San Diego SC signed 29-year-old Argentinian defender Franco Negri after adding him during Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. The San Jose Earthquakes sent goalkeeper Emmanuel Ochoa to Liga MX side Cruz Azul. The New York Red Bulls will be adding Poland youth international Wiktor Bogacz from Polish second division 1 Liga club Miedz Legnica

Finally, Boca Juniors made a bid to sign Alan Velasco from FC Dallas.

Free Kicks

  • Several NWSL team stadiums are going green with sustainable initiatives and features. However, I’m a little skeptical of Shell Energy Stadium if I’m being honest.
  • I am not a violent person by my nature, but I don’t know what I’ll do if this happens. Ugh. Musk is the opposite of the values of the city and people of Liverpool. We couldn’t publish my actual reaction.

That will do it for today. Stay warm out there.

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 1/7/25

MLS transfer happenings, USMNT January camp roster announced, Christian Pulisic stars for AC Milan, and more.

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Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I returned to work after a nice little break for the holidays and frankly, I’m struggling. I don’t mind being back, it’s just difficult getting back into a routine after being away for so long. Alas, I’ll survive somehow. We have plenty to discuss in today’s American-heavy edition of Lion Links, so let’s get into the news.

MLS Transfer Happenings

There are a lot of MLS moves we need to get caught up on, starting with Austin FC’s signing of Brandon Vazquez as a Designated Player from CF Monterrey. Vazquez joins on a four-year deal after Austin sent $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to the San Diego Earthquakes to jump to the top of the league’s waiver order. We then move to the New England Revolution, which sent midfielder Emmanuel Boateng to San Diego FC in exchange for $200,000 in 2025 GAM. The Revs have also recalled midfielder Noel Buck from his loan with Southampton. The Chicago Fire have signed Danish winger Phillip Zinckernagel from Club Brugge, with his contract running through the end of the 2028 season. Finally, CF Montreal has reportedly traded $650,000 in GAM and an international roster spot to the LA Galaxy in exchange for center back Jalen Neal.

January Camp Roster Announced

The United States Men’s National Team has announced the 24-man roster for its annual January camp. The team will convene today in Ft. Lauderdale with a squad primarily made up of MLS players, as is usually the case. Zack Steffen is easily the most experienced of the four goalkeepers, with Patrick Schulte the only other one to be capped. Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and Walker Zimmerman make up the veteran core of defenders, while none of the four midfielders have more than one cap to their name. Jesus Ferreira is the most seasoned of the seven forwards, with Brian White the only other one to have earned a cap.

Christian Pulisic Stars in Supercoppa Final

AC Milan erased a 2-0 second half deficit in the Italian Supercoppa final on Monday, roaring back to win the trophy with Christian Pulisic taking on a starring role. The American winger snuck into the box in the 80th minute and executed a great turn and finish to level the game at 2-2 in the 80th minute.

He then helped create Tammy Abraham’s game-winner, playing an outstanding ball to release Rafael Leao down the right wing, who squared it for Abraham to tap home and win new boss Sergio Conceicao his first trophy with the club after just two games.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are several other American players who will take part in games this week, so get them all marked down on your calendar so you don’t miss anything. We start on Wednesday, when Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic will play host to Dundee United in Scottish Premier League action. Thursday sees Antonee Robinson and Fulham take on Watford in the third round of the FA Cup, and things wrap up on Friday with Cole Campbell, Giovanni Reyna, and Borussia Dortmund facing off against Bayer Leverkusen in Bundesliga action.

Free Kicks


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

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