Lion Links: 7/31/25

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this week has been treating you well as we bid farewell to July. It was definitely a hot month here in Florida to say the least, and I fear August won’t be much better in that department. Hopefully I’m wrong though, and going outside is possible next month. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando City Loses Penalty Shootout to Pumas

Orlando City’s chances of making it out of the first phase of this year’s Leagues Cup have already been dealt a hefty blow after the Lions were beaten in the penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw with Pumas UNAM. The Lions struck first in the match but couldn’t hold onto their lead, with Pumas scoring in the 80th minute. Orlando then lost the ensuing penalty shootout that gave the victor an extra point, with Eduard Atuesta hitting the crossbar and Cesar Araujo having his attempt saved by Keylor Navas. The Lions will be back in action on Saturday with a home match against Atlas.

Keeping Up With the Leagues Cup

Minnesota United enjoyed a big victory in the Leagues Cup, winning 4-1 over Queretaro. The Loons scored twice in each half and the goal difference in this match could prove vital to the team’s chances of making the next round. Inter Miami also won against its first Liga MX foe in this year’s Leagues Cup by beating Atlas 2-1. The Herons were spared from a penalty shootout thanks to a goal in stoppage time from Marcelo Weigandt to claim all three points. Atlanta United had a rougher night, losing 3-1 to Necaxa. The visitors took an early lead after a shot hit the crossbar and then bounced off Brad Guzan and into the net. Atlanta equalized things later in the first half, but Necaxa scored twice in the second half to win.

USWNT Newcomers Ranked

In the time since Emma Hayes took over as United States Women’s National Team head coach, 24 players have made their international debut. ESPN‘s Jeff Kassouf ranked those 24 players on how likely they are to fit into Hayes’ plans for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Orlando Pride fullback Kerry Abello ranked 18th, while Pride center back Emily Sams was 16th on the list. Both players have done well at the club level and possess the kind of versatility that could be useful at the World Cup. Midfielder Lily Yohannes tops the list, and players like goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce and fullback Avery Patterson received recognition as well.

Antonio Carlos Returns to MLS

Former Lion Antonio Carlos was signed by the Houston Dynamo from Fluminense on a free transfer, joining the Dynamo on a contract through 2026. The 32-year-old spent four seasons in Orlando and was a key part of the club’s success, including helping the Lions win the 2022 U.S. Open Cup. Carlos made 13 league appearances with Fluminense since being transferred to the Brazilian club in December of 2023, and he also spent time on loan with Sport Club do Recife. Houston is currently 11th in the Western Conference and has conceded 39 goals in 24 games this season, so Carlos should help stabilize things a bit defensively as the club makes a push for the playoffs. Carlos also reunites with fellow Brazilian Junior Urso, who is plying his trade in Houston alongside other former Lion Michael Halliday.

Free Kicks

• Tickets for the Orlando Pride’s home games in this year’s Concacaf W Champions Cup go on sale today at 10 a.m. It’s Orlando’s first time taking part in the competition, and the Pride will host LD Alajuelense on Sept. 2 and CF Pachuca on Oct. 15.
• Racing Louisville exercised the option on Head Coach Bev Yanez’s contract for her to stay with the club through 2026. Yanez currently has Louisville seventh in the league standings as the club aims for its first playoff berth.
• CF Montreal defender Joel Waterman was fined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for violating the league’s policy on embellishment.
• Bev Priestman, who was previously the head coach of Canada’s women’s soccer team, signed a two-year contract with the Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand’s only professional women’s soccer team.

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