Lion Links: 8/18/25

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been staying busy at work all week. 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 Win at Home vs. Sporting Kansas City

Orlando City defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-1 Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium after a lengthy weather delay. Tyrese Spicer scored the opener two minutes into the match for Orlando, but once again the Lions could not hang on to the lead in the first half as Sporting Kansas City’s Dejan Joveljic scored the equalizer. In the second half, Ramiro Enrique and Nico Rodriguez scored to give the Lions a 3-1 lead. Orlando won its fourth consecutive MLS match, and it’s the club’s seventh game without a loss across all competitions. OCSC has now scored three or more goals in each of its last four matches. The Lions will face Toluca Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA.

Orlando City Trades Rafael Santos to Rapids for General Allocation Money

The Lions traded defender Rafael Santos to the Colorado Rapids on Friday. In exchange, the club will receive $125,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM). The club could also receive an additional $200,000 in GAM if certain performance-based metrics are met and will retain a sell-on percentage in the deal if Santos is transferred to another club in the future. Santos made 67 starts in 96 appearances across all competitions for Orlando City, scored two goals, and added 10 assists. The Brazilian made 17 MLS appearances this season for the Lions but did not have a goal contribution. Santos has been struggling in the defensive third, and despite playing well off the bench in recent weeks, the club decided to move on. Adrian Marin, who just joined the club over a week ago, was on the bench Saturday night and could see time at left back as he settles in.

Orlando Pride Draw Kansas City Current

The Orlando Pride played to a scoreless draw against the Kansas City Current Saturday at CPKC Stadium. Like Orlando City’s match, the Pride’s game was also affected by a lengthy weather delay — theirs was due to excessive heat. The kickoff was delayed three and a half hours. Barbra Banda was subbed off early in the match due to an injury and was replaced by Ally Lemos. The Pride defense held firm, fending off 16 shots to become the first club to hold the Current scoreless in their new stadium. With San Diego Wave FC’s win over Bay FC over the weekend, the Pride dropped to third in the NWSL table with 28 points, just ahead of the Washington Spirit on goal difference. Orlando will be on the road for its next match Thursday against Angel City at BMO Stadium.

Pride Sign Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse to New Contract

The Orlando Pride announced Friday that the club and goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse have reached an agreement on a new contract. The new deal runs through the 2027 season. Moorhouse has been the starting goalkeeper for Orlando since the 2023 season and is the club’s record holder for the most career shutouts, having appeared in 74 matches across all competitions. Last season, Moorhouse set the NWSL single-season record for most clean sheets, with 13, set a league record for going 554 minutes without conceding a goal, and was a finalist for the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year. Moorhouse has played in every match for the Pride this season, has five shutouts, and has 44 saves, ranking fifth in the NWSL.

OCB Falls to Columbus Crew 2

Orlando City B fell 2-1 on the road to Columbus Crew 2 Sunday at Historic Crew Stadium. After a scoreless first half, the Young Lions struck first with a goal from Tahir Reid-Brown. However, OCB couldn’t hold the lead. Late in the second half, Kai Auvray equalized for Crew 2, and in the 90th minute, Cristian Ortiz scored the game-winning goal. The defeat extended OCB’s winless streak to five matches. The Young Lions have only one win in their last 10 matches as the club drops to 10th in the Eastern Conference table with 27 points. OCB’s next match will be Saturday at Osceola County Stadium against Atlanta United 2.

OCB Signs Defender Titus Sandy Jr.

Orlando City B announced Sunday the signing of 2025 MLS SuperDraft selection Titus Sandy Jr. to a two-year MLS NEXT Pro contract for the remainder of 2025, running through the 2026 season. Sandy was on the bench for OCB’s match against Columbus Crew 2 Sunday but did not play. Orlando City drafted Sandy in the MLS SuperDraft out of Clemson University. He played four years at Clemson, making 48 appearances (24 starts), recording four assists, and playing over 2,500 minutes. Sandy was part of Clemson’s National Championship title run in 2023.

Free Kicks

• Former Lion Santiago Patino is returning to USL Championship side San Antonio FC and has signed a multi-year deal.
• USMNT and AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic scored his first goal in the 2025-2026 campaign to help his side beat Bari 2-0 to advance to the second round of the Coppa Italia. AC Milan will face Lecce on Sept. 24.
• It was a good weekend for Haji Wright and Josh Sargent in the EFL Championship. Wright scored his first goal of the season on a penalty kick for Coventry City in a 5-3 win over Derby County, while Sargent scored his second goal of the season for Norwich City in a 2-1 victory over Portsmouth.
• Luis Diaz made his debut for Bayern Munich and scored over the weekend as his side defeated Stuttgart 2-1 to win the German Supercup.
• CBS Sports and TelevisaUnivision announced that a select number of Liga MX matches will be broadcast in English for the 2025-2026 season across its CBS Sports platforms.

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