Lion Links: 6/27/25

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a long week, but we’ve made it to the weekend and there’s plenty of soccer to look forward to. I’ve spent the week doing some abstract painting and binging tv far too late at night. I’m kicking myself for not watching Poker Face sooner, because it’s phenomenal. But enough about the best detective show on television, let’s get to the links!

Lions Make MLS Team of the Matchday

Following Orlando City’s 4-2 win over St. Louis City, Ramiro Enrique and Eduard Atuesta were both named as starters on the MLS Team of the Matchday, with Marco Pasalic landing on the bench. Enrique scored twice in the first half and Atuesta had three assists over the course of the win. It’s a bit disappointing to see Pasalic only make the bench after scoring two nice goals with that left foot of his, but there was some pretty stiff competition across the league this week. San Diego FC’s Milan Iloski scored four goals to beat the Vancouver Whitecaps and Sam Surridge had a hat trick in Nashville SC’s 3-2 win over the New England Revolution.

Carlos Mercado Will Take Part in Goalie Wars

Orlando City B goalkeeper Carlos Mercado was selected to participate in this year’s Goalie Wars during the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge. Mercado is one of four MLS NEXT Pro goalkeepers chosen for the event, and they’ll compete for bragging rights and a championship belt that looks cooler than I expected it to be when I first heard that was the prize. The tournament will take place on July 22 and we’ll be able to watch it on MLS Season Pass.

USWNT Shuts Out Ireland in Colorado

The United States Women’s National Team won 4-0 against Ireland at DSG Park in Colorado. Avery Patterson scored her first international goal to give the U.S. the lead, with Sam Coffey doubling it right before halftime. Rose Lavelle and Alyssa Thompson scored goals of their own in the second half and the defense did well to secure the clean sheet. Neither Emily Sams nor Kerry Abello made an appearance in the match. The USWNT will be back in action against Ireland again on Sunday at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.

Manchester City Trounces Juventus in Orlando

One of the premier matchups of the Club World Cup’s group stage took place in Orlando, with Manchester City beating Juventus 5-2 at Camping World Stadium. The European sides traded early goals, with Manchester City taking a 2-1 lead due to an own goal. The game was all Manchester City from there, and the second half reflected that, with the English club scoring three times after the break. Both teams advanced to the knockout stage, and Manchester City will be back at Camping World Stadium on Monday to take on Al-Hilal. The winner of that match will play a quarterfinal in Orlando against either Fluminense or Inter Milan on July 4.

Free Kicks

• The New York Red Bulls are reportedly in talks to sign Timo Werner from RB Leipzig. The 29-year-old has spent the past 18 months on loan with Tottenham and would reunite with Emil Forsberg should he join the Red Bulls.
• Mexico will be without midfielder Luis Chavez for the rest of the Gold Cup after he tore his ACL in training.
• CF Montreal transferred 21-year-old midfielder Nathan Saliba to Anderlecht for a reported $3 million.
• Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new contract with Al Nassr that will keep him at the Saudi Arabian club until 2027.
• Liverpool spent a reported $54 million transfer fee to sign left back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!