Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/3/25
The Orlando Pride win their Champions Cup opener, OCSC U-14s win tournament in Philly, Josh Sargent wants to score, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Orlando City is on an international break, but we have plenty of Orlando Pride matches to soothe our soccer souls this week, including a Concacaf W Champions Cup victory. Sadly, it’s been a while since we’ve been able to celebrate a Pride win, but it was no less enjoyable because of the wait. Let’s get to the links.
Pride Defeat Costa Rican Side Alajuelense 3-0
The Orlando Pride defeated LD Alajuelense 3-0 in the club’s first-ever Concacaf W Champions Cup match. All three goals came from the run of play, which are the first goals scored by the Pride in a long time in any competition. Julie Doyle, Carson Pickett, and Simone Jackson provided the goals. We also saw the long-awaited and emotional return of Luana to the pitch, and the debut of recent Pride signee Elyse Bennett. It was a promising start to the tournament for a heavily rotated Pride squad.
The Kids are Alright
Orlando City Development Academy U-14s are the champions of the Philadelphia International Cup U-14 competition. The youngsters defeated the teams from FC Delco, FC Bohemians, Xolos Tijuana, and the Philadelphia Union. Congratulations are deserved for these extremely young Lions.
Gustavo Caraballo has been on fire for the U-17 Venezuelan National Team with three goals in his last two matches. This is the type of thing we like to see from Orlando City B players. Check it out.
Sargent is Ready
We know Josh Sargent can score at the club level. He already has five goals in just four matches this season for Norwich City. Last season he scored 15 goals. Sargent was linked with a move over the summer, but stayed with Norwich and it might be for the best. The problem for U.S. fans is he hasn’t scored a goal for the USMNT since 2019. He got the call-up for the September matches from Mauricio Pochettino. Hopefully, he can continue his club form for his country.
Transfer News
We have a few bits of transfer news for you today. Starting in MLS, the Houston Dynamo acquired forward Sergio Santos off waivers through 2025 with an option for 2026. Toronto FC mutually agreed to send Ola Brynhildsen back to FC Midtjylland of the Danish Superliga after less than one season on loan to the Canadian club.
On the women’s side, Bay FC is transferring Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala to Al Hilal in the Saudi Women’s Premier League. Also, Chelsea is in advanced talks to bring Alyssa Thompson over from Angel City. My only question is why not make the Thompson move before Angel City played the Orlando Pride?
Free Kicks
- Former Orlando Pride goalkeeper Erin McLeod has retired from soccer following a season-ending foot injury. McLeod had already retired from international play in 2023. She ends her playing career with the Halifax Tides of Canada’s Northern Super League.
- Grimsby Town was fined £20,000 for fielding an ineligible player in the club’s Carabao Cup penalty shootout victory against Manchester United after the two teams fought to a draw. It’s no doubt a fine Grimsby Town is willing to pay to advance past the EPL side.
- Charlotte FC forward Idan Toklomati was fined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for making an inappropriate gesture during a goal celebration.
- FC Bayern Frauen have sold over 50,000 tickets for the club’s home opener against Bayer Leverkusen Frauen. The team usually plays at the FC Bayern Campus, which only holds 2,500, whereas this match will be played at Allianz Arena.
That will do it for today. Check back later as we get you ready for the Pride match this weekend. Vamos Orlando!