Lion Links: 4/7/25

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work while catching up with friends over the weekend at a Cubs game. Our Lions picked up a draw in Philadelphia, and OCB lost, while the Pride was off this weekend. We’ve got plenty of cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Draw Philadelphia Union on the Road

Orlando City and the Philadelphia Union split the points in a scoreless draw at Subaru Park Saturday. The Lions’ back line posted a shutout for the first time this season, but the league’s best attack couldn’t find the back of the net for the first time. Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made four saves to earn his first clean sheet of the season. Orlando’s best chance came in the 70th minute when Martin Ojeda set up Luis Muriel, and he ripped his shot on goal, but Union goalkeeper Andre Blake made a clutch save. The Lions finished the season series winless against the Union but took four out of six possible points in their two-game road trip against the LA Galaxy and Philadelphia. Orlando City also extended its unbeaten run to four matches. Orlando City will return to Inter&Co Stadium Saturday to take on the New York Red Bulls.

OCB Falls to Chattanooga FC on the Road

Orlando City B fell 2-0 to Chattanooga FC Saturday at Finley Stadium. It was the Young Lions’ first loss of the season. Shak Mohammed, Thomas Williams, Colin Guske, and Gustavo Caraballo were all unavailable for OCB as they were with the first team in Philadelphia. After a scoreless first half, Chattanooga FC’s Daniel Mangarov and Keegan Ancelin scored in the second half to seal the win. It will be a quick turnaround as OCB will be back in action on Wednesday to face New England Revolution II at Osceola County Stadium.

USWNT Defeat Brazil in Friendly

The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Brazil 2-0 Saturday at SoFi Stadium in an international friendly. It was the first meeting between the two sides since the 2024 Paris Olympics final won by the USWNT last summer. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was on the bench for the USWNT but did not play. Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina played 81 minutes for the Brazilians, captaining the side, while former Pride midfielder Adriana played 90 minutes. Trinity Rodman scored the opening goal five minutes into the match to put the USWNT on top. In the second half, the USWNT earned a penalty kick, and Lindsey Heaps converted from the spot. The USWNT will face Brazil again Tuesday night at PayPal Park.

MLS Weekend Recap

The weekend’s slate of Major League Soccer matches ended with some notable results. Charlotte FC needed two late goals from Wilfried Zaha and Idan Toklomati in the second half to complete a comeback and beat Nashville SC 2-1. The Columbus Crew edged CF Montreal 2-1, while the New York Red Bulls defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1. Real Salt Lake, Sporting Kansas City, and the Vancouver Whitecaps all won 2-0 matches over the LA Galaxy, St. Louis City, and the Colorado Rapids, respectively. San Diego FC cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders as Chucky Lozano scored his first goal in MLS. FC Cincinnati and the Houston Dynamo won 1-0 over the New England Revolution and LAFC, respectively. Atlanta United and FC Dallas ended in a 1-1 draw, while Austin FC and the Portland Timbers ended scoreless. On Sunday, Minnesota United beat New York City FC 2-1. Josef Martinez scored a hat trick as the San Jose Earthquakes dominated D.C. United 6-1, and the Inter Miami and Toronto FC match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Free Kicks

• Orlando Pride players Sams and Angelina swapped jerseys over the weekend after the international friendly match between the USWNT and Brazil.

• Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman was carted off the field in a neck brace following a bicycle kick to the face during the Charlotte FC match on Saturday, but he has been released from the hospital.
• Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne announced on social media Friday he is leaving the club.

• Paris Saint-Germain defeated Angers 1-0 over the weekend to clinch the Ligue 1 title for the 13th time. PSG won the league with six matches remaining.
• Two Americans continue their stellar form in the EFL Championship as Haji Wright scored his fourth goal in three matches for Coventry City in his side’s 2-1 loss to Burnley. Josh Sargent scored his 14th goal of the season for Norwich City in a 2-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle over the weekend.
• Southampton became the first club to be relegated from the Premier League this season after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur Sunday. With seven matches remaining, the Saints suffered the earliest relegation in Premier League history.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.