Lion Links: 2/5/25

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! Less than two weeks ago, I had a snow day from work up here in Tallahassee. Two days ago, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter. Today, I’ll probably wear shorts since Florida is evidently exempt from rodent-based weather predictions. I don’t really have a point to all of this other than I’d like to be able to wear sweaters and jackets for a little while longer, but that’s obviously not meant to be.

We also want to wish a happy birthday to both Duncan McGuire and Rafael Santos. Let’s get to the links.

Marta to be Featured on Prime

Prime Video is producing a four-part series entitled “For the Win: NWSL” that will provide an immersive look at the NWSL. The series will feature four of the league’s biggest stars, including the Orlando Pride’s Marta. The other players featured are Alex Morgan, Trinity Rodman, and Croix Bethune. No word on when it will be released, but we know it will likely end by showing Marta lift the trophy, and that is something I’ll watch over and over again.

Hayes Prepares the USWNT for SheBelieves Cup

Emma Hayes knows that defending the SheBelieves Cup title will be a challenge. With many of her players just starting the NWSL preseason, she will need to use all 26 players available if the USWNT is to win yet again. Of course, while the SheBelieves Cup is important, ultimately it is a stop along the way to the the Women’s World Cup. Unlike the her last major tournament, Hayes has plenty of time to prepare for the World Cup.

MLS Transfer Updates

I’m not sure why we keep telling you about all the stuff other clubs are doing to improve their teams for 2025, but here we go again. Atlanta United has signed Middlesbrough FC forward Emmanuel Latte Lath for a reported MLS record fee of $22 million. Bringing in quality strikers is a good thing, or so I hear. Elsewhere, the Philadelphia Union signed Homegrown defender Neil Pierre to a four-year deal. The Portland Thorns brought in Jimer Fory from Colombian side Independiente Medellín through 2028. Carlos Gruezo is headed to Ecuadorian club LDU Quito after he and the San Diego Earthquakes mutually terminated his contract. Of course, clubs can now also employ the cash-for-player system for selling players to other clubs within MLS.

MLS Clubs are Selling

Orlando City supporters are familiar with the idea that MLS is a selling league. Young players — particularly South American players — are brought into the league by clubs to develop and sell on for a profit. We saw that with Facundo Torres recently. There are some who bemoan the loss of talent, but there’s always more behind it. Overall, for where MLS is at this point, it is a good thing for the league. It’s also a good thing for individual clubs, assuming they continue to bring in additional talent — preferably sooner than later, Orlando City front office.

Free Kicks

• Cristiano Ronaldo does not lack confidence. While acknowledging the greatness of players like Lionel Messi, Pelé, or Diego Maradona, Ronaldo still thinks he’s the “most complete” player of all time.
• Former USWNT and Orlando Pride midfielder Christine Nairn, has joined the coaching staff at Alabama.

• The growth of the game is a good thing. Congratulations to the NWSL Denver expansion side for setting a league record for the fastest team to reach 5,000 ticket deposits. 
• Finally, Jon Stewart Concacaf’ed Concacaf. You love to see it.

That will do it for today. Perhaps the club will surprise us with a massive signing or two. What? I can hope, can’t I?