Lion Links: 8/11/25

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope you all had a nice weekend down in Florida. I’ve been staying busy at work and will get to cover some high school sports again soon. Let’s wish a couple of happy belated birthdays to Orlando City defender Alex Freeman, who turned 21 Saturday, and Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja, who turned 57 Sunday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Defeats Inter Miami at Home

Orlando City cruised past rival Inter Miami 4-1 at Inter&Co Stadium Sunday night. The Lions got off to a flying start as Luis Muriel scored the opening goal two minutes into the match. Minutes later, Yannick Bright equalized for Miami. The match remained tied 1-1 through halftime. In the second half, Muriel struck again to pull Orlando back in front, Martin Ojeda added a third, and Marco Pasalic added the final goal of the night as the Lions swept the season series against Miami. Ojeda also extended his streak of consecutive games with a goal contribution to 14 across all competitions. That win lifts Orlando past Miami in the Eastern Conference table to fourth with 44 points. Orlando has never lost a match to Miami at Inter&Co Stadium. Orlando City’s next match will be Saturday at home against Sporting Kansas City.

Alex Freeman Villarreal Transfer Rumors

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman has received interest from clubs abroad, and the latest rumor going around social media is that an agreement had been reached between Orlando City and La Liga side Villarreal on a transfer move. However, according to Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport, no deal has yet been reached between the club and Villarreal on a potential transfer.

There were also reports earlier this summer that Serie A side Parma had submitted a transfer offer to the club for Freeman, but Orlando is reportedly working on extending Freeman’s contract, and talks are ongoing.

Martin Ojeda Shares Insight on Season and More

Orlando City midfielder Martin Ojeda was interviewed by MLSSoccer.com on his stellar form this season as he makes a statement for consideration in the MLS MVP race. Ojeda scored a clutch goal against Atlas FC and two more against Necaxa last week to help the Lions book a spot in the 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinals. Ojeda has 17 goals and recorded 17 assists across all competitions. He has also either scored a goal or assisted on one in each of his last 14 matches. Ojeda shared some insight on being the new number 10 after the departure of Facundo Torres, the keys to success in his third season with the club, and his dream to play for the Argentina National Team.

Pride Miss Two Penalties in Draw Against Racing Louisville

The Orlando Pride picked up another 1-1 draw against Racing Louisville FC Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium. In the first half, Pride forward Julie Doyle’s poor penalty allowed a comfortable save from Jordyn Bloomer. A few minutes later, Marisa DiGrande scored to pull Louisville ahead 1-0 just before halftime. Late in the second half, Orlando was given another penalty kick after Simone Charley was taken down in the box. Angelina took the second spot kick, but again it was a poor penalty, and Bloomer once again pushed it away. The Pride equalized in stoppage time off a set piece, when Racing Louisville defender Ary Borges headed the ball into her own net. It’s the second consecutive match the Pride trailed 1-0 and fought back to get a draw, but the club and the fans won’t be happy with either result. The Pride’s next match will be on the road Saturday to face the first-place Kansas City Current.

OCB Falls in Penalty Shootout vs. Chattanooga FC after 2-2 Draw

Orlando City B drew 2-2 against Chattanooga FC Saturday at Osceola County Stadium. After a scoreless first half, the Young Lions trailed 1-0 early in the second half after a goal from Nathan Koehler put Chattanooga FC ahead. OCB went down to 10-men after Bernardo Rhein  received a second yellow card and was sent off. The Young Lions fought back as Thalles scored the equalizer. In stoppage time, Shak Mohammed scored to make it 2-1, but Koehler scored his second goal to tie the match at the death for Chattanooga FC. The visitors won the extra point with a 4-2 shootout win. The Young Lions remain just outside the MLS NEXT Pro playoff spot in ninth with 27 points in the Eastern Conference. OCB will be back in action Sunday on the road at Columbus Crew II.

Free Kicks

• The 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinals schedule is set as Orlando City will face Toluca Wednesday, Aug. 20, at Dignity Health Sports Park. Inter Miami will face Tigres, the Seattle Sounders will take on Puebla, and the LA Galaxy will face Pachuca.
• MLSSoccer.com featured Orlando City in its 30 clubs, 30 stories, and gave insight into the founding of its supporters groups and how the fans have supported the club through the ups and downs from the USL through the MLS era.
• Former Lion Benji Michel, who now plays for HJK Helsinki, was named Veikkausliiga Player of the Month for July. Michel has three goals and one assist in league play as HJK Helsinki are fourth in the table.
• Crystal Palace defeated Liverpool 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw to win the 2025 English FA Community Shield.
• Liverpool has confirmed that Darwin Nunez has left the club and will be joining Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal reportedly for a $62 million transfer fee.

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