Lion Links: 8/14/25

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope the work week has been treating you well as we get ready for another weekend filled to the brim with Orlando soccer. Let’s go ahead and jump right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Tyrese Spicer Settling in With Orlando City

Forward Tyrese Spicer made his Orlando City debut on Saturday in the club’s 4-1 win at home over Inter Miami. The 24-year-old was traded to Orlando on Aug. 1 and spoke on what his first game as a Lion was like.

“It was a special moment just being there in that atmosphere,” he said on Wednesday after training. “I think the stadium, the fans, it’s an unbelievable atmosphere. When I walked in the stadium, and I started hearing the chanting and seeing the lion mascot and all the lads were just like, ‘Let’s go, let’s get this win,’ that really pumped a flame in me.”

Spicer also talked about how his direct style of play fits in well in Head Coach Oscar Pareja’s system, bringing speed and power to the attack. While he’s still adjusting to Florida’s humidity after spending the past two seasons with Toronto FC, the locker room has helped him settle in. Spicer also received information about the city and club from former Lion Kevin Molino, who is Trinidad & Tobago’s captain.

Orlando City Prepares for Sporting Kansas City

After a pair of big wins last week against Necaxa and Inter Miami, the Lions are back in action on Saturday with a home game against Sporting Kansas City. It’s a good opportunity for three points for Orlando, as SKC enters this match after a pair of shutout losses. While there’s plenty of attention on the team’s Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Toluca coming up on Wednesday, Pareja spoke on how the team is focused on competing at its highest level on Saturday.

Ally Watt Officially Traded to Denver, Loaned Back to Orlando

In a move that was reported on earlier this month, the Orlando Pride officially traded forward Ally Watt to the Denver Summit in exchange for $75,000 in Expansion Allocation Money and $37,500 in transfer cash. Watt will remain with the Pride for the rest of the 2025 season on loan from Denver. Joining the Pride in 2022 through a trade with the Seattle Reign, Watt has recorded eight goals and six assists across 73 appearances for Orlando. The 28-year-old becomes Denver’s first player and will return to her home state ahead of the Summit’s inaugural season next year.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

The Portland Timbers have a new Designated Player after adding Kristoffer Velde from Olympiacos for a reported $5 million transfer fee. Velde has logged 69 goals and 39 assists in 250 appearances while playing for various teams across Europe. He could be a difference maker for a Timbers side that’s chasing one of the top four spots in the Western Conference.

FC Porto midfielder Andre Franco joined the Chicago Fire on loan through the 2025 season with a purchase option included. Charlotte FC signed 20-year-old forward Archie Goodwin, who won the Golden Boot for Adelaide United in Australia last season. In a trade between Canadian clubs, Toronto traded midfielder Matty Longstaff to CF Montreal in exchange for forward Jules-Anthony Vilsaint and $225,000 in guaranteed 2025 General Allocation Money, with another $50,000 in GAM heading Toronto’s way depending on Longstaff’s roster status next year. The Colorado Rapids also signed 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington from the Brisbane Roar, though he won’t join until 2026.

Free Kicks

• Chucky Lozano won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his strike from distance in San Diego FC’s 2-0 win over Kansas City.
• The injury bug continues to bite American winger Kevin Paredes, as he will miss time after undergoing foot surgery.
• Paris Saint-Germain mounted a dramatic comeback against Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Super Cup, coming back from two goals down and equalizing things in stoppage time. The French club then prevailed in the penalty shootout to lift the trophy.
• The draw for the second round of the EFL Cup is out and Americans will clash when Josh Sargent and Norwich City take on Damion Downs and Southampton.
• Las Vegas Lights FC signed veteran midfielder Tommy McNamara to a contract through 2025, with an option for next season. The 34-year-old has over 200 MLS appearances under his belt.

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