Lion Links: 7/11/25

Happy Friday! The weekend is nearly here, which means it’s almost time to pack Inter&Co Stadium to enjoy some Orlando City soccer. It should be a nice next few days, and I’m hoping I can catch the new Superman movie at some point if the crowds aren’t too crazy. Let’s get to the links!

Storylines Ahead of Orlando City’s vs. Montreal

Orlando City takes on CF Montreal Saturday, and there’s plenty to watch for as the Lions aim to get back in the win column. Martin Ojeda has had a goal contribution in six straight matches, while fellow Designated Player Marco Pasalic is one of three MLS newcomers with double-digit goals so far this season. The Lions will be without Pedro Gallese and Robin Jansson due to yellow card accumulation, although right back Alex Freeman is back from international duty. Orlando is unbeaten in its past five matches against Montreal, including a scoreless draw in Canada on April 19.

Seattle Reign FC Signs Mia Fishel

American forward Mia Fishel made the move to the NWSL, signing a contract with the Seattle Reign through the 2029 season. She was drafted by the Orlando Pride with the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, but opted to join Tigres in Mexico instead of coming to the City Beautiful. The 24-year-old has spent the past two seasons with Chelsea and should get more playing time in a Seattle offense that could use a dynamic player like her. Fishel and the Reign will be in Orlando to take on the Pride on Nov. 2, adding another wrinkle to the Decision Day match.

D.C. United Fires Troy Lesesne

Troy Lesesne was fired as D.C. United’s head coach Thursday, with assistant coach Zach Prince leaving the club as well. This decision comes while D.C. United is 12th in the Eastern Conference and just lost to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals. Academy Director Kevin Flanagan will take over as the interim head coach, but the club has reportedly agreed to terms with Swiss manager Rene Weiler as a replacement.

Switzerland and Norway Advance to Euro Quarterfinals

Switzerland booked its spot in the 2025 Women’s European Championship quarterfinals in dramatic fashion against Finland. The game was a scoreless affair until Finland took the lead in the 79th minute, but Riola Xhemaili scored an equalizer in stoppage time for the host nation to secure a 1-1 draw. Norway advanced after a 4-3 win over Iceland, with Signe Gaupset scoring twice and assisting on both of Frida Maanum’s goals. Iceland rallied late but finished the tournament without a win.

Today’s action includes a solid matchup between Italy and Spain for the top spot in the group. Meanwhile, Portugal and Belgium will mostly be playing for pride, although Portugal could sneak into the quarterfinals depending on how goal differential shakes out.

Free Kicks

• Former Lion Heine Bruseth was loaned from San Diego FC to Sarpsborg 08 in Norway’s top flight. The 21-year-old was taken from Orlando City in the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft but has yet to make his debut for San Diego.
• American attacker Tobin Heath officially announced her retirement from professional soccer. Over the course of her 17-year career, Heath won two Women’s World Cups, two Olympic gold medals, and two NWSL Championships with the Portland Thorns.
• Atlanta United released a statement that President Garth Lagerway was diagnosed with cancer and that the prognosis of a complete recovery is encouraging. He will take an indefinite leave of absence as well.
• Austin FC forward Brandon Vazquez will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL in the club’s U.S. Open Cup game against the San Jose Earthquakes. The injury throws a wrench into his chances of making the USMNT’s World Cup roster.
• During this year’s MLS All-Star Week, the league will host a Future of the Games Showcase that will show off new technology regarding player performance and better fan experiences.

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