Lion Links: 8/4/25

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been staying busy at work, but I try to catch some soccer when I can. Our beloved Lions, the Pride, and OCB were all in action over the weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Defeat Atlas in Leagues Cup

Orlando City defeated Liga MX side Atlas 3-1 Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium in its second match in the 2025 Leagues Cup. Ivan Angulo struck first early in the first half, and the Lions held onto the lead through halftime. Early in the second half, Atlas scored the equalizer, marking the fourth straight match at Inter&Co Stadium in which Orlando has blown a 1-0 lead. From that point on, the Lions rallied. Martin Ojeda pulled Orlando back in front, and Marco Pasalic added the insurance goal in stoppage time. Orlando City has four points through two matches in the competition and will next play Wednesday against Necaxa at home.

Orlando City Acquires Tyrese Spicer from Toronto FC

Orlando City announced Friday that the club has acquired Trinidad & Tobago international forward Tyrese Spicer from Toronto FC during the secondary transfer window to add depth to its attack. In exchange, the Lions send Toronto $225,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) and $275,000 in 2026 GAM, with an additional $50,000 in GAM on the table if certain incentives are met. Toronto will maintain a sell-on percentage if Spicer leaves Orlando City on a permanent transfer. Spicer was the first overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. He made 42 appearances (21 starts) for Toronto across all competitions, contributing six goals and adding two assists. Spicer primarily plays as a left wing.

Pride Draw vs. Last-Place Utah Royals at Home

The Orlando Pride drew 1-1 against the Utah Royals at Inter&Co Stadium Sunday night in a disappointing offensive performance. The Pride trailed 1-0 early in the first half when Mina Tanaka caught Anna Moorhouse inexplicably far off her line, and the Pride goalkeeper could not recover. In the second half, the Pride dominated, and in the 72nd minute, Prisca Chilufya scored the equalizer for Orlando. The Pride were unable to find a late winner. Orlando remains second in the NWSL standings —10 points behind the Kansas City Current. The Pride will be back at Inter&Co Stadium Saturday to face Racing Louisville FC.

Luana and Simone Charley Removed from Season Ending Injury List

The Orlando Pride announced Saturday that midfielder Luana and forward Simone Charley have been removed from the Season-Ending Injury List. Both players were available for selection for the Pride’s match against the Utah Royals and were on the bench in Sunday’s match. Luana did not play, but Charley came off the bench in the second half and played 12 minutes. In 2024, Luana was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was placed on the Season-Ending Injury List while undergoing treatment. Before her diagnosis, Luana had played three matches for the Pride. Charley had not played for the Pride since joining the club ahead of the 2024 season until Sunday night. She missed the entire 2024 season due to rupturing the Achilles tendon in her right ankle. She previously missed the 2023 season due to the same injury in her left foot.

OCB’s Slide Continues in Another Defeat to New York City FC II at Home

Orlando City B fell 4-1 against New York City FC II Sunday at Osceola County Stadium. Evan Lim scored the opener for New York City FC II, OCB’s Jackson Platts scored an own goal, and Uriel Zeitz added a third goal that Platts knocked in off of him. Shak Mohammed pulled one back for the Young Lions but it wasn’t nearly enough, as NYCFC II added a fourth goal in stoppage time. The Young Lions have lost three in a row and have not looked good in any of them. Orlando City B will have another home match Saturday against Chattanooga FC.

Marta and Angelina Lead Brazil to Women’s Copa America Femenina Trophy

Orlando Pride forward Marta and midfielder Angelina led Brazil to a comeback 4-4 draw against Colombia after extra time. Despite both Pride players missing their penalties, Brazil won the ensuing penalty shootout and captured their fifth consecutive (and ninth overall) Copa America Feminina title. Colombia struck first in the first half before Angelina equalized with a penalty kick goal just before halftime. Colombia led 3-2 late in stoppage time when Marta scored on a screamer to send the match into extra time. Marta added another goal in extra time, but Colombia tied it up to send it to penalties.

Free Kicks

• Former Lion Daryl Dike will be sidelined after suffering a thigh injury and will miss the start of the EFL Championship season for West Brom.

• USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner will return to Major League Soccer, rejoining his former club, the New England Revolution, on a one-year loan deal from Olympique Lyon.

• Another USMNT player potentially on the move is winger Timothy Weah. He is reportedly close to joining Olympique Marseille as the Ligue 1 side has reached an agreement with Juventus.

• The Kansas City Current announced over the weekend that the club has acquired USWNT midfielder Ally Sentnor from the Utah Royals. In exchange, the Royals will receive $300,000 in intraleague transfer funds, an additional $200,000 in intraleague transfer funds in 2026, and $100,000 in 2027.

• USWNT and Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman played her first match since April 12 after dealing with a back injury. Rodman came off the bench in the second half and scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time in a 2-1 victory against the Portland Thorns.
• Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United fought to a 1-1 draw in South Korea Sunday in Son Heung-Min’s final match with Tottenham. Son announced over the weekend that he will leave the club, with LAFC reportedly reaching an agreement with Tottenham.

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