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Lion Links: 9/23/25

Martin Ojeda recognized, Americans in midweek action, takeaways from the weekend’s MLS action, and more.

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7 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone. It was a mixed bag for Orlando’s soccer teams over the weekend. Orlando City picked up a last-gasp win, but the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B both lost 1-0. This weekend will be another busy one, as the Pride play the San Diego Wave on Friday, OCB faces Carolina Core FC on Saturday, and OCSC travels to FC Cincinnati on Sunday.

Before we get started, we need to wish Wilder Cartagena a happy birthday, and we’re also celebrating The Mane Land’s 11-year anniversary! Our first story published 11 years ago today on our original free WordPress site. There’s plenty of news to talk through this morning though, so lets get into the links.

Martin Ojeda Recognized

Martin Ojeda played a starring role in Orlando’s 3-2 win over Nashville SC on Saturday, and the Lions’ no. 10 has been rewarded with a place in the MLS Team of the Week. Ojeda bagged two goals and arguably could have had two more in a supremely impactful performance. He was easily my pick for Man of the Match in our Player Grades piece, but it’s always good to see OCSC players get wider recognition. If that wasn’t enough, his free kick goal was also nominated for the MLS Goal of the Week. Congrats, and keep up the good work!

Americans in Midweek Action

As is always the case this time of year, we have a number of American players who will be competing during the working week. The theme of this week is cup competitions, and things start today with Antonee Robinson and Fulham playing Cambridge in the Carabao Cup, while Christian Pulisic and AC Milan face Lecce in the Coppa Italia. Wednesday has Gianluca Busio and Venezia traveling to Verona in the aforementioned Coppa Italia, while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Celtic kick off their Europa League campaign against Red Star Belgrade. Tanner Tessman and Lyon have Utretcht in the Europa League on Thursday, and things finish up with Tim Weah and Marseille facing Strasbourg in Ligue 1 play on Friday.

MLS Matchday 35 Takeaways

MLS matchday 35 is in the books, so what did we learn from the latest round of games? For one thing, Matt Freese played a big role in putting an end to Charlotte FC’s winning streak when he saved a Wilfried Zaha penalty kick. Farther west, Denis Bouanga became the first player in league history to score at least 20 goals in three straight seasons, which is a damn impressive stat. He and Son Heung-Min have LAFC at fourth in the Western Conference with 50 points, but with two games in hand on two of the teams above them, the team has a great chance to rise farther up the standings. Finally, FC Dallas has quietly put together a six-game unbeaten run since selling Luciano Acosta in August. It now sits in the West’s last playoff spot, and the shift to absorbing pressure and hitting on the counter since Acosta’s departure is a big reason why.

Ballon d’Or Results

The Ballon d’Or results were announced on Monday, so let’s run through the day’s big winners. Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele took home the honors on the men’s side, with Lamine Yamal of Barcelona finishing second. Yamal did, however, win the Kopa Trophy as the best player under the age of 21. For the women, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati won the award for the third year in a row and joined Michel Platini and Lionel Messi as the only players in history to three-peat. Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hannah Hampton were named the best men’s and women’s goalkeepers, respectfully, while Luis Enrique and Sarina Wiegman were named the year’s best coaches.

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  • Orlando City rose three spots to eighth place in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
  • Meanwhile the Orlando Pride haven’t won a league game in nine tries, and they dropped two spots to seventh in the same publication’s NWSL power rankings as a result.
  • Get yourself out to Mount Dora later today for a couple of Orlando Pride player appearances!

MOUNT DORA TAKEOVER 🚨We’re bringing the vibes to Mount Dora, FL, this Tuesday evening with games, prizes, and special appearances from the Simones 🙌

— Orlando Pride (@orlpride.com) 2025-09-22T18:54:42.288Z
  • There will be some faces from the Lions in attendance as well!

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/23/26

Orlando City wins big against Charlotte FC, Javier Otero receives praise, Young Lions sign short-term contracts, and more.

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2 hours ago

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April 23, 2026

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

We might have to start petitioning for all of Orlando City’s games to be moved to Wednesdays as the Lions have won a midweek game for the second consecutive week. This one was a much more exciting affair to boot, and it does feel a bit like a shot in the arm this morning. Let’s go ahead and get to the win and more in today’s links from around the soccer world.

Orlando City Crushes Charlotte FC

The Lions hosted Charlotte FC and claimed all three points in a 4-1 victory, snapping a four-game winless streak in league play. Luis Otavio scored his first goal as a Lion to give Orlando the lead, but Charlotte managed to equalize later in the first half. The second half belonged to Orlando though, as Martin Ojeda took over and Robin Jansson anchored the defense to prevent a comeback. It’s only the third time this year that the Lions have scored multiple goals in a match and hopefully they can keep that attacking momentum going when they travel to play D.C. United on Saturday.

Javier Otero Earns Praise After U.S. Open Cup Win

Orlando City goalkeeper Javier Otero came up with big saves to help the Lions win 1-0 against FC Naples in the U.S. Open Cup’s round of 32 earlier this month and his performance earned him a spot on the bench of the Team of the Round. He was also nominated for Save of the Round for his diving save to parry away a low strike, and voting will remain open until 8:30 p.m. tonight, so be sure to vote! Tyrese Spicer’s impressive strike wasn’t nominated for Goal of the Round, but you can vote on that award as well.

Young Lions Sign Short-Term Contracts

Orlando City B players Ignacio Gomez and Bernardo Rhein were signed to short-term contracts with the first team and both came off the bench for the Lions Wednesday night. Gomez, who made his MLS debut on Saturday, capitalized on his time on the field by scoring his first goal as a Lion. The pair of Young Lions will be available for Saturday’s game against D.C. United too, as the Lions are dealing with a rash of injuries that have tested their depth. Gomez is with Orlando on loan from Velez Sarsfield II, while Rhein has made 24 appearances with OCB as he continues to develop his game.

USWNT Will Face El Salvador in Concacaf W Championship

The schedule and matchups for this year’s Concacaf W Championship were revealed and the United States Women’s National Team will take on El Salvador in the quarterfinals on Nov. 27. This tournament will also notably serve as qualifying for both the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The four semifinalists will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the two finalists and third-place nation will secure an Olympic spot, though the U.S. already has as host. Orlando Pride forward Solai Washington and Jamaica will play against Costa Rica with a World Cup berth on the line, with the winner facing the victor between the U.S. and El Salvador in the semifinals.

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

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/22/26

Orlando City hosts Charlotte tonight, the Orlando Pride prep for Louisville trip, NWSL expansion coming to Columbus, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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April 22, 2026

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Image of Kaka celebrating a goal.
Nick Leyva, The Mane Land

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s match day for Orlando City. That’s as much a warning for your mental health as it is a notification if you decide to watch the match tonight. Perhaps you could catch up on Pluribus, or rewatch Ted Lasso. I’m simply saying you have options that might not raise your blood pressure. On a brighter note, join me in wishing Orlando City legend Kaká a very happy birthday. More on him below. Let’s get to the links.

Lions Host Charlotte Tonight

Orlando City is looking to rebound against Charlotte FC tonight at Inter&Co Stadium. It’s no secret that the Lions are having a rough time of it so far this season, and with Charlotte sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference, it doesn’t get any easier. That doesn’t stop Martin Perelman and the players from thinking they are getting better and having a plan for the match tonight. What was it Mike Tyson said about everyone having a plan? Can the Lions turn things around on short rest?

Orlando Pride Return to NWSL Play Friday

The Orlando Pride return to action Friday against Racing Louisville FC. The match is at Louisville where the Pride have yet to win. Despite that, the players are ready to pick up where they left off before the international break. The break provided much-needed rest for many of the players. The Pride will play six matches during the month of May before the league takes a break for the World Cup.

Osceola Heritage Park Expansion Funding Moves Forward

Osceola County leaders have agreed to have Orlando City expand the club’s footprint at Osceola Heritage Park. Orlando Sports Enterprises (OSE a.k.a. the Wilf family) will match the $25 million that the county is putting up for the project. OSE will assume repair, maintenance, and operating costs for the facility. A hotel and free-standing restaurant are also in the plans. This is a good investment for the club’s future in the arms race that is professional sports.

NWSL Coming to Columbus

The owners of the Columbus Crew have been awarded an NWSL franchise. The Haslam Sports Group paid a record $205 million expansion fee to obtain the 18th NWSL club. The new club will renovate and play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field downtown. The organization will also build a training center at McCoy Park that had previously been slated to be renovated for local residents, including features that would enable physically disabled people to use the park.

The NWSL called and Columbus answered 📞 Columbus joins the league as team No. 18!

— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) 2026-04-21T19:44:42.987Z

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That will do it for today. Check back later today for our coverage of the Orlando City match this evening. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links

Lion Links: 4/21/26

Takeaways from MLS matchday eight, USWNT stock watch, transfer rumor roundup, and more.

Published

2 days ago

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April 21, 2026

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Image of Ignacio Gomez making his MLS debut with Orlando City vs. Houston.
Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning, everyone. It was a frustrating weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as Orlando City lost a close game to the Houston Dynamo, and Orlando City B blew a two-goal lead against Carolina Core FC, and had to settle for the two points that come with a shootout victory after a draw. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your viewpoint), OCSC will have a chance to get right back on the horse when Charlotte FC comes to town on Wednesday. We’ve got lots to talk about this morning, so let’s have a look at the links.

MLS Matchday Eight Takeaways

Major League Soccer’s eighth round of matches is in the books, and there are plenty of talking points to go over. The San Jose Earthquakes ended the weekend on an emphatic note by dismantling LAFC 4-1 on the road, adding to an impressive list of scalps that also includes the Vancouver Whitecaps and San Diego FC. They’re tied with Vancouver atop the Western Conference and continue to look like one of the league’s best teams. Meanwhile, Charlotte FC, Orlando City’s next opponent, kept things organized in a 4-4-2 block and scored from two of its three shots on goal to take down NYCFC 2-1. That result puts the club in third place in the Eastern Conference.

USWNT Stock Watch

The United States Women’s National Team wrapped up its three game slate against Japan over the weekend, so let’s check in on how the matches affected the standing of several players. Lindsey Heaps was name-dropped by Emma Hayes as having had a great run of three matches, while 20-year-old Claire Hutton wore the captain’s armband during the series and looked far more poised and ready than one would expect given her age. At the opposite end of the spectrum, winger Emma Sears struggled to make an impact in the final third, and while her speed makes her a tempting option to have in the squad, the depth at her position means she’s always going to face a battle for a place.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The summer transfer window will be here before we know it, and that means the rumors are already flying thick and fast. We begin with Arsenal, which is said to be interested in signing Julian Alvarez this summer, but will likely face competition from Barcelona. Speaking of Barcelona, club president Joan Laporta has reportedly held talks with Robert Lewandowski about extending his stay with the team, while the Chicago Fire also interested and reportedly having submitted a bid to the striker’s representatives. Liverpool is said to be ready to spend in excess of  €100 million to sign Red Bull Leipzig forward Yan Diomande as a replacement for the outgoing Mohamed Salah. Finally, center backs Hiroki Ito and Min-Jae-Kim could both reportedly leave Bayern Munich this summer if interested teams are willing to meet the German club’s valuations of them.

Jonathan Klinsmann Suffers Broken Neck

American goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann suffered a broken neck while playing for Serie B side Cesena on Saturday. The son of former United States Men’s National Team manager Jurgen Klinsmann, the shot stopper was stretchered off the field after colliding with a Palermo player and was diagnosed with a fractured first cervical vertebra after being taken to the hospital. Klinsmann confirmed on social media that his season is over, which will leave him unavailable for Cesena’s promotion push. The team is currently eighth in the second division, which is the final playoff promotion spot.

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That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!

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