Lion Links: 7/24/25

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a pretty hectic week for me, but I’m looking forward to some soccer over the next few days. There are also about six movies in theaters right now that I want to see, so I might try to watch one each night before the month ends. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world.

MLS Triumphs in 2025 All-Star Game

The MLS All-Star Team won 3-1 against the Liga MX All-Star Team in Austin. MLS struck first, with Denis Bouanga tearing through the opposing defense before delivering a nice cross for Sam Surridge to head it home. Tai Baribo doubled the lead in the second half, but Gilbert Mora scored a goal for Liga MX to make things interesting. Brian White delivered the nail in the coffin by finishing off a frantic counterattack by the MLS All-Stars.

Despite being voted in as an All-Star, Orlando City defender Alex Freeman did not start in the match. Fellow Lion Marco Pasalic actually joined the fray before him in the 34th minute, with Freeman replacing him in the 61st minute.

Orlando City Prepares for the Columbus Crew

The Lions are back in action on Friday for a road match against the Columbus Crew, which will be their last game before the Leagues Cup begins next week. It’s the first match between the two Eastern Conference teams this season and possibly a preview to a playoff matchup. The Crew enter this match on a four-game unbeaten streak and have only lost once at home this season. Orlando Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke on how the team will aim to carry momentum into this match after its 2-1 road victory against the New England Revolution on Saturday.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

The MLS summer transfer window opens today and teams aren’t wasting any time wheeling and dealing to prepare for a late-season surge. The loudest buzz is that LAFC is reportedly pushing for South Korean star Son Heung-min to join the club. The 33-year-old has spent the past 10 seasons with Tottenham Hotspur and would be one of the biggest signings in league history.

In other transfer news, the New York Red Bulls added midfielder Gustav Berggren from Rakow Częstochowa in Poland’s top flight. Speaking of Polish clubs, the Crew transferred midfielder Aziel Jackson to Jagiellonia Bialystok. CF Montreal traded up to $800,000 in General Allocation Money to Atlanta United in exchange for young center back Efrain Morales. The Colorado Rapids transferred Nigerian defender Chidozie Awaziem to FC Nantes as well.

England and Spain Will Face Off in Euros Final

Spain secured its spot in the Women’s European Championship final by beating Germany 1-0 in a tight match between two of the world’s top teams. After a scoreless 90 minutes, Aitana Bonmati scored her first goal of the tournament to give Spain the winner in extra time. It’s Spain’s first time reaching a Euros final and it will face England on Sunday in what should be a great match between the reigning World Cup and Euros champions.

Free Kicks

• The wait for the MLS board of governors to make a decision on shifting the league to a fall-to-spring schedule continues, as a vote on it did not take place during a meeting on Wednesday. I get the sense that this move is inevitable, but I’m fine with the league taking its time on this.
• Inter Miami duo Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba skipped the MLS All-Star Game, and only time will tell if the rule dictating that they must sit out of their next league match will be applied.
• American forward Josh Sargent reportedly declined a move from Norwich City to Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.
• Liverpool signed forward Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported $93.5 million transfer fee. I’ve been a bit desensitized to just how absurd transfer fees have gotten in recent years. But to put $93.5 million in perspective, that could pay my monthly expenses for the next 3900 years.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!