Lion Links: 7/21/25

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you in Florida. I’ve been busy working, and I finally got to see the Jurassic World Rebirth movie over the weekend. Our Lions secured a much-needed win, while OCB suffered a defeat over the weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Ojeda’s Two Goals Carry Lions over Revolution

Orlando City defeated the New England Revolution 2-1 Saturday at Gillette Stadium. Martin Ojeda scored the opening goal as Orlando held onto a 1-0 lead going into halftime. In the second half, New England found the equalizer, but Ojeda added another goal for the Lions, who held on for the win. New England is winless in its last eight matches, while Orlando bounces back after losing to New York City FC midweek. The Lions will be back in action on the road at the Columbus Crew Friday at Lower.com Field.

Pride Players in Action Abroad

Orlando Pride forwards Barbra Banda, Prisca Chilufya, and midfielder Grace Chanda were all in action for Zambia Friday but fell 5-0 to Nigeria in the quarterfinals in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. During Zambia’s run in the tournament, Banda scored three goals and added an assist. Bay FC’s Racheal Kundananji also scored three goals for Zambia in the group stage. On Tuesday, Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse and England will face Italy in the semifinals of the 2025 Women’s Euros. Orlando Pride forward Marta and midfielder Angelina will also be in action Tuesday as Brazil takes on Paraguay in the group stage of the 2025 Copa America Femenina.

OCB Falls to New England Revolution II on the Road

Orlando City B fell 3-0 to New England Revolution II Sunday at Gillette Stadium. Gevork Diarbian scored a goal in the run of play and converted a penalty from the spot, and Alex Monis added a third as New England dominated the match and ended OCB’s three-match unbeaten streak. The Young Lions came out flat and were unable to get anything going offensively throughout the match. Orlando City B will be back on the road Friday to face Huntsville City FC at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium.

MLS Weekend Recap

We had another week of exciting matches in Major League Soccer just before the MLS All-Star break. Charlotte FC edged Atlanta United 3-2, and the Seattle Sounders beat the San Jose Earthquakes by the same scoreline. The Chicago Fire beat CF Montreal 2-0 on the road, while the Columbus Crew held on for a 2-1 win over D.C. United. Lionel Messi scored twice and added two assists as Inter Miami crushed the New York Red Bulls 5-1 on the road. FC Dallas defeated St. Louis City 3-0, and Sam Surridge’s lone goal was enough for Nashville SC to beat Toronto FC 1-0. FC Cincinnati held on for a 1-0 win on the road against Real Salt Lake. The Houston Dynamo and Philadelphia Union, Sporting Kansas City vs. New York City FC, Minnesota United at Portland Timbers, and San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps matches all ended in 1-1 draws. The LA Galaxy fought back with a late equalizer in stoppage time from Maya Yoshida against rival LAFC in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Free Kicks

• Alex Freeman and Marco Pasalic have arrived in Austin to get ready for the MLS All-Star Game. The MLS All-Stars will face the Liga MX All-Stars Wednesday at Q2 Stadium.

• USWNT and Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman has returned to training with the club for the first time in three months. Rodman has been out since mid-April, dealing with a back injury.
• USMNT forward Josh Sargent is reportedly close to a transfer move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.
• Marcus Rashford is reportedly on his way to FC Barcelona after an agreement was reached between the club and Manchester United for a season-long loan deal.

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