Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/15/25
Javier Otero called up, Sofia Manner moves on, MLS roster and transfer news, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It may not feel like it yet, but the new season is just around the corner. The Lions have started preseason training, the Orlando Pride are making roster moves, and you can just about see the possibilities. There’s still a chill in the air, but my heart warms in anticipation. Let’s get to the links.
Otero Called Up
Orlando City SC backup goalkeeper Javier Otero was called up by Venezuela for the upcoming friendly against the USMNT at Chase Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale. The match will take place Saturday, Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. Representing your country is always a privilege, and fortunately for Otero, this call-up won’t necessitate a long trip. We wish Otero good luck and hope for an injury-free trip.
Pride Transfer Goalkeeper Sofia Manner
Sofia Manner’s time in Orlando is done. The goalkeeper is headed to AFC Toronto of Canada’s top flight, the Northern Super League for an undisclosed transfer fee. When Manner was brought in she was expected to compete for the starting role. Given that Anna Moorhouse is not going anywhere, it is not unexpected for Manner to want to go someplace where she can get more playing time. The Pride still have McKinley Crone and Kat Asman behind Moorhouse on the bench.
More on New MLS Roster Rules; Transfer News
Major League Soccer officially announced the roster rule changes for 2025. We highlighted some of those changes in Tuesday’s Lion Links. One other interesting rule makes Off-Roster Homegrown Players eligible to appear in up to six MLS league matches along with unlimited first-team appearances in Cup competitions.
We’re still waiting on some off-season signings from Orlando City, but there’s also still plenty of time. Here are the important dates to know around the MLS transfer window. Other clubs are doing some business. The New England Revolution have signed free agent defender Wyatt Omsberg, and D.C. United acquired midfielder Randall Leal off waivers. San Diego FC is reportedly close to signing USMNT midfielder Luca de la Torre on loan from La Liga side Celta de Vigo.
NASL Antitrust Trial Update
The NASL antitrust case against U.S. Soccer heads to trial this week. MLS is also a co-defendant with U.S. Soccer. The NASL claims that U.S. Soccer and MLS conspired to keep the league from competing in either the Division 1 or Division 2 level of professional soccer. The trial is expected to last a few weeks with as much as $500 million at stake.
Free Kicks
- The North Carolina Courage just leveled up their attack, adding Jaedyn Shaw from the San Diego Wave for $300,000 in Allocation Money and $150,000 in Intra-League Transfer Funds.
- Former Orlando City goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh has signed with New York City FC through 2026 with an option for 2027
- Bad news for Arsenal supporters, as the club has confirmed that forward Gabriel Jesus suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the match against Manchester United on Sunday.
- Facundo Torres’ new club Palmeiras has reached an agreement to send defender Vitor Reis to Manchester City for £29.4 million. As for Torres, he was officially presented by Palmeiras to the club’s faithful. Given Orlando City’s sell-on clause, here’s hoping that Palmeiras is able to sell him on for a whole lot of money.
- File this under the “I never expected to write this sentence” category. Lazio’s falconer was fired for sharing images of his penile implant on social media. Yeah.
- Here’s a nice little clip of the Lions at work in the preseason.
- The Orlando Pride are taking donations this Thursday and Friday for those in need in the greater Los Angeles area affected by the devastating fires.
That will do it for today, though I also encourage you to listen to the latest episode of SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride PawedCast. We interviewed soon-to-be-former senior director of communications for both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride, Jackie Maynard. Jackie has been with the club for nine years, and she has made our job here at The Mane Land much easier with her professionalism and generosity. We will miss her as she moves on to her next adventure. Vamos Orlando!