Lion Links: 7/29/25

Good morning, everyone! For the first time in quite awhile, all three of Orlando’s soccer teams will be in action this week. Orlando City has a pair of Leagues Cup matches this week, while the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B each play on Sunday. As is usually the case with this time of year, we have a lot to talk about, so let’s get into today’s links.

Several Lions Earn Weekly Recognition

The most recent edition of the MLS Team of the Matchday had a decidedly purple tint to it, as Ramiro Enrique, Martin Ojeda, and Pedro Gallese were named to the starting lineup, while Ivan Angulo is on the bench and Oscar Pareja coaches the side. It’s hard to argue with the selections either, as each man played a vital role on Friday in handing the Columbus Crew their first loss at home this season. Enrique scored two goals, Ojeda had two secondary assists and a goal, Angulo had two primary assists, Gallese was immense in net with six saves, and Papi masterminded a comeback that didn’t look likely given how strong the Crew had been at home. Here’s hoping that performances of that caliber continue!

U.S. Women’s National Team Announces Friendlies

The United States Women’s National Team has announced that it will play three friendlies this October. The U.S. will play Portugal on Oct. 23 in Chester, PA before facing the Portuguese a second time on Oct. 26 in Hartford, CT. The slate of games then finishes up on Oct. 29 in Kansas City against an opponent that will be determined at a later date. The first match of the window will feature a retirement celebration for Alex Morgan, while the second match will feature a similar celebration for Alyssa Naeher. Additionally, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team will play the first game of a doubleheader on Oct. 26, with the USWNT playing afterwards.

Leagues Cup Heavyweights

For better or worse, Leagues Cup returns this week, and that means this is a good time to look at some of the favorites to win the competition. FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami are trendy picks from MLS, but Kevin Denkey isn’t healthy for FCC and Miami isn’t without flaws. LAFC is another team that’s strong but far from perfect, although if the California club can get a deal done for Son Heung-Min, its odds surely have to increase. As far as Liga MX sides are concerned, it’s never wise to bet against Club America, and Toluca boasts an extremely strong side and recently dethroned the aforementioned Club America to win the Clausura. Don’t count out Cruz Azul though, especially when considering the imperious form the team showed during its run to winning the Concacaf Champions Cup.

MLS Transfer Happenings

The MLS summer transfer window is in full swing, so there are several moves that we need to get caught up on. We start with San Diego FC, which has completed the signing of U.S. youth international midfielder Pedro Soma from Spanish side UE Cornella. That’s not all though, as San Diego has also completed the loan signing of David Vazquez from the Philadelphia Union in exchange for $100,000 in General Allocation Money. Continuing the theme of loan signings, LAFC got a loan deal done with Grasshopper Club Zurich for Mathieu Choiniere. The Canadian previously spent six seasons with CF Montreal, and his loan deal with LA runs through the end of the season. Finally, Atlanta United has exercised its second contract buyout of the year on defender Luis Abram.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City rose one spot to no. 10 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.

• Now that the Women’s European Championships are over, we can take a look back at some of the big talking points from the tournament.
• Jack Grealish is back to training with his Manchester City teammates amid reported interest from Everton and West Ham.
• Pep Guardiola has reiterated that he’ll take time off from coaching after concluding his time with Manchester City, and admitted that it could be an extended break.

That’s everything I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!