Lion Links: 5/28/25

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It is match day against the rivals from Georgia. Lions against…a common clothing pattern? Needless to say, I’m always ready for a rivalry match, and tonight is no exception. Orlando City is in a good run of form, hopefully that holds true in Atlanta. For now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Heads North

Orlando City takes on rival Atlanta United tonight in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a place where a lot of people can watch soccer played on turf, making it a sub-standard venue. Just in case you are wondering, here is what the opposition feels Atlanta needs to do to win at home. The Lions climbed up to third in MLSsoccer.com’s Power Rankings following the win over the Portland Timbers. We will have your match preview later today, and you can follow The Mane Land Bluesky account for match updates.

Banda and Sams Recognized

A first-half hat trick from Barbra Banda was enough to earn her a spot on the NWSL Team of the Week at CBS.com. Emily Sams also made the Best XI. In fact, there is still time to vote for Banda for NWSL Player of the Week for the aforementioned hat trick performance. You know what to do.

Orlando Pride Power

The Orlando Pride victory over the Utah Royals wasn’t a marquee matchup, but it still garnered plenty of attention. As such, the Pride held onto the third spot in the All for XI Power Rankings. The club was also third in the Goal.com Power Rankings heading into the international break. You know what I think about power rankings, but I’ll accept recognition for my club when it is presented.

Freeman and the USMNT

It didn’t take long after Orlando City defender Alex Freeman received an undervalued offer from Serie A club Parma for the rumors to start up. Freeman’s services are reportedly wanted by teams being promoted to the English Premier League. Perhaps this is a good time for Luiz Muzzi to sign the young defender to a new contract?

Several Americans made waves in Europe, with excellent performances last season from Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Antonee Robinson, and others. Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis face Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final today at 3 p.m.

Free Kicks

• Goalkeeper Mary Earps announced her retirement from international football, meaning the Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse will potentially have more opportunity for minutes.
• Kansas City Current owners Angie and Chris Long have acquired Danish club HB Køge. Good for them. I’m very content with the Wilfs focusing their attention on their Orlando clubs.
• Orlando City won’t have to face Brian Gutiérrez in the Chicago Fire FC match, as he will be serving a red card suspension. He was also fined for violent conduct in the match against New York City FC.
• St. Louis City SC parted ways with head coach Olof Mellberg after only 15 matches. St Louis City 2 coach David Critchley will take over as interim head coach.
• LAFC’s Carlos Vela announced his retirement from professional football, though he will remain with LAFC as the club’s first Black & Gold Ambassador.
• Wrexham is reportedly interested in CF Montreal striker Sunusi Ibrahim as the club heads into the EFL Championship.
• If I’m being honest, I don’t much care which Italian club the Pope supports, but I’m certain it’s a big deal in Vatican City. Besides, he’s probably all in for Chicago Fire FC. Oh well.

That will do it for today. Make sure you check back later as we prepare you for tonight’s match. Vamos Orlando!