Lion Links: 8/7/25

Maybe the Leagues Cup is fun after all. Orlando City took care of business and then some at home and this Thursday morning feels quite different compared to last week’s. I’ve been having a fairly good week and am hoping that trend continues as we get ready for a weekend filled with Orlando soccer. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Wins Big Against Necaxa

In its final match of the League’s Cup first phase, Orlando City dominated Necaxa 5-1 at home. Luis Muriel scored his first hat trick as a Lion, with all three of his goals coming in the first half. Martin Ojeda was a man possessed as well, and suddenly the Lions are true contenders in this tournament (provided they reach the quarterfinals with the pending results). Orlando’s chances of advancing are still in the hands of other MLS teams, but the lopsided victory certainly helps in terms of goal differential. The Lions will be back in action on Sunday for a Tropic Thunder showdown with Inter Miami at Inter&Co Stadium.

Orlando Pride Sign Cosette Morche

After spending most of the summer loaning players out and taking care of contract negotiations, the Orlando Pride have signed a new player. Goalkeeper Cosette Morche was signed by the Pride, joining on a contract through 2027 that includes a mutual option for 2028. The 28-year-old has experience playing in Europe and was the starting goalkeeper for Fort Lauderdale United, helping the team reach the USL Super League final. This signing comes about a month after the Pride loaned goalkeeper Kat Asman to Lexington FC.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

The MLS summer transfer window is in full swing and a pair of huge signings became official. LAFC signed South Korean forward Son Heung-min from Tottenham Hotspur for a reported league-record transfer fee of up to $26.5 million. He will be a Designated Player and signed a contract through 2027, with options for 2028 and 2029. German soccer legend Thomas Muller officially joined the league as well, signing with the Vancouver Whitecaps through the rest of the year, with an option for 2026.

Real Salt Lake also added some firepower, signing Nigerian striker Victor Olatunji from Sparta Prague for a reported $2.5 million transfer fee. San Diego FC traded up to $100,000 in General Allocation Money to FC Cincinnati in exchange for forward Corey Baird. FC Dallas transferred left back Marco Farfan to Tigres, and there are reports that Luciano Acosta is on the move as well. Dallas and Fluminense have reportedly agreed to a deal for Acosta to join the Brazilian club for $4 million.

North Carolina Courage Fire Sean Nahas

The North Carolina Courage announced that they have terminated the contract of Head Coach Sean Nahas. The club’s statement does not detail the reason behind the firing, but the club does reiterate its focus on developing and maintaining a professional environment.

Nahas became the club’s interim head coach in 2021 after Paul Riley’s firing amid the league’s abuse scandal. He became the permanent head coach later that December and the Courage have made the playoffs the past two seasons. The Courage are currently ninth in the league standings and it’s not clear at this time who will be the team’s interim head coach.

Nick Cushing Hired as First Denver Summit Head Coach

NWSL expansion team Denver Summit FC officially named Nick Cushing as its first head coach. Cushing coached Manchester City’s women’s soccer team from 2013 to 2020, winning the Women’s Super League title in 2016. He then coached New York City FC here in the U.S. before returning to Manchester City to serve as the interim coach this past March. The Englishman has plenty of experience and it will be interesting to see how he does in the NWSL. The Summit will join the league alongside Boston Legacy FC next year when the NWSL expands to 16 teams.

Free Kicks

• The Pride gave Marta and Angelina a warm welcome following their victory at the Copa America Femenina.

• The Pride remained in third place in CBS Sports‘s NWSL power rankings. Angel City FC fell four spots after losing three straight.
• In a move that’s been reported on throughout the summer, American winger Tim Weah was officially signed by Marseille and joins the French club on a contract through 2030.
• Portland Timbers player Santiago Moreno did not show up for his team’s match against Club America Wednesday night amid interest from Fluminense. Moreno reportedly departed for his home country of Colombia, while the Timbers released a statement clarifying that his absence is unexcused.
• We’ll end our links with a Nashville SC supporter who might have taken the term “diehard fan” a little too seriously.

That’s all I have for you this time around, Mane Landers. Make sure to stay hydrated out there and I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!