Lion Links: 7/28/25

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy working ballgames and concerts at Wrigley Field over the past week. Our Lions picked up another win on the road, while OCB suffered another shutout loss over the weekend. Before we get started, let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando City forward Yutaro Tsukada, who turns 24 today. We have plenty to cover, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Come from Behind to Beat Columbus Crew

Orlando City overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat the Columbus Crew 3-1 on the road Friday at Lower.com Field. The Lions trailed 1-0 in the second half but turned the game around in the final 30 minutes of the match. Ramiro Enrique buried his header to get the equalizer for Orlando before adding another goal three minutes later to pull the Lions ahead. Martin Ojeda added the insurance goal to secure the win for Orlando. The Lions have won two straight and are sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with 41 points. MLS is paused for the Leagues Cup through Aug 9. The Lions’ first match in the Leagues Cup will be Wednesday against Liga MX side Pumas at Inter&Co Stadium.

Orlando City Reportedly Makes Changes to Operations Staff

Orlando City is reportedly making changes to its operations staff. Citing club sources, WESH reports that Javier Carrillo has been reassigned to a new role at the club as the head of player development. Carrillo had been director of the Orlando City Development Academy since 2023. Carrillo has also served as the assistant academy director and coached the U-17 team to an MLS NEXT Cup title in 2021. He led the U-18 academy team to a Generation Adidas Cup title earlier this year. Orlando City is conducting interviews for its vacant academy director position. In addition, the club is reportedly re-signing Head Scout Felipe Lema to a new contract.

OCB Spanked by Huntsville City FC

Orlando City B fell 4-0 to Huntsville City FC on the road Friday at Wicks Family Field in a second straight poor performance for the Young Lions. Jordan Knight scored twice, OCB goalkeeper Tristan Himes scored an own goal, and Alan Carleton added a fourth goal for the hosts, who won their second straight. The Young Lions were dominated by Huntsville from the start and were unable to solve the high press. OCB is seventh in the Eastern Conference standings with 26 points. Orlando City B will return home to face New York City FC II Sunday at Osceola County Stadium.

England Beats Spain in Penalty Shootout to Win Women’s Euros

England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Championship for the second consecutive time. Mariona Caldentey struck first for Spain in the first half. Chloe Kelly came off the bench and set up Alessia Russo’s equalizer in the second half for England. After 120 minutes of action, the game went to penalties, where some of the worst penalties of any major tournament took place. Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse was on the bench for England.

Free Kicks

• Orlando Pride forward Marta and midfielder Angelina led Brazil to a scoreless draw against Colombia to win the group and advance to the knockout stage in the 2025 Copa America Feminina. Brazil will face Uruguay Tuesday in the semifinals.

• The Vancouver Whitecaps are reportedly in talks to to sign former Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller despite receiving serious interest from LAFC.

• The Columbus Crew have acquired forward Wessam Abou Ali from Egyptian Premier League side Al Ahly for an undisclosed transfer fee. Ali will be on a Designated Player contract through the 2027 with a club option for the 2028 season.
• Inter Miami Head Coach Javier Mascherano criticized Major League Soccer’s decision to suspend Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Saturday’s scoreless draw against FC Cincinnati over the weekend, following the two’s non-participation in the MLS All-Star game in Austin last week. The decision really wasn’t one, as league rules make the suspension automatic.
• Bayern Munich has reached an agreement for a transfer fee reportedly at $88 million to sign Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.
• Juventus and AS Roma are reportedly in talks on a potential swap deal involving USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie and AS Roma defender Bryan Cristante.

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