Lion Links: 2/6/25

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a busy week for me, but I’m looking forward to spending the weekend building a new computer, reading, and trialing a few dessert recipes I’ve had my eye on. I’m also getting pretty excited for Orlando soccer to return, even though the off-season seems to be flying by. Let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Signs Winger Marco Pašalić 

Orlando City officially added winger Marco Pašalić as its newest Designated Player, signing him to a contract through 2027, with a club option for 2028. Pašalić joins from HNK Rijeka in Croatia’s top flight, where he’s scored four goals in 19 games this season. The 24-year-old will help fill the void left by winger Facundo Torres leaving this off-season, although those are tough shoes to fill considering Torres’ impact in Orlando. It will likely take some time for Pašalić to acclimate to a new league and team, but hopefully he can give the club some needed firepower this season.

NWSL Must Pay $5 Million in Restitution

As part of a settlement announced after an investigation into systemic abuse in the NWSL, the league must pay $5 million in restitution to those harmed. Other parts of the settlement that must be implemented by the league include players being entitled to mental health leave, anonymous annual player surveys, and teams having to employ at least two mental health professionals. Investigations into coach misconduct and player safety will also need to be conducted by outside and impartial investigators and not the teams involved. There will also be oversight by the three attorney generals who led the investigation, with the NWSL required to provide updates on the implementation every six months for the next three years.

Midge Purce Stays With NJ/NY Gotham FC

American forward Midge Purce signed a new one-year deal with NJ/NY Gotham FC after spending the past four seasons there. The 2023 NWSL Championship MVP missed nearly all of last season due to an ACL injury suffered in Gotham’s season opener in March and was a free agent this off-season. This move brings some stability to a Gotham squad undergoing quite a bit of turnover considering the departures of Lynn Biyendolo (née Williams), Crystal Dunn, Yazmeen Ryan, and Jenna Nighswonger.

U.S. Open Cup First Round Schedule Revealed

We now know the schedule for the first round of this year’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and all 32 matchups will pit an amateur team against a professional team. Of the 64 teams taking part in the first round, 26 will make their debut in the tournament when it kicks off next month. A pair of those new faces will collide here in Florida when the Sarasota Paradise face off against FC Naples in Lakewood Ranch. As for the other Floridian teams, Inter Miami II will host Miami United FC, Naples United FC will face Miami FC, and Harbor City FC will head to Georgia to play Tormenta FC. Orlando City and the 15 other MLS teams won’t join the fray until the round of 32 in May.

Free Kicks

• Rafael Santos celebrated his birthday in style, connecting with Alex Freeman for a goal in Orlando’s preseason match against Atlanta United.

• Forward Jordan Pefok is headed back to Stade Reims, signing a three-year contract with the French club. Hopefully this move can get the American scoring again after a few underwhelming seasons in the Bundesliga.
• The LA Galaxy have reportedly agreed to a deal with the Columbus Crew to sign forward Christian Ramirez, who recorded eight goals and six assists last season. I’m not sure what the Galaxy are paying just yet, but I expect I’ll be a little upset the Lions didn’t spend it instead.
• Newcastle booked its spot in the English League Cup final after beating Arsenal 2-0 at home. It will play whichever team advances from today’s second leg between Tottenham and Arsenal, with Tottenham leading 1-0 on aggregate.
• American midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who has reportedly garnered interest from Tottenham and Wolverhampton this winter, has signed a one-year contract extension with Real Betis.
• The English Premier League noted some of the improvements in VAR in the league and how it can be a model for other leagues moving forward.

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