Lion Links
Lion Links: 10/28/25
Luiz Muzzi departs, MLS coaching changes, Americans in midweek action, and more.
Good morning, everyone. Unfortunately, Orlando City’s off-season is upon us far quicker than any of us would have wanted, but that doesn’t mean the world grinds to a halt. There’s still plenty going on this week as the United States Women’s National Team faces New Zealand on Wednesday, while the Orlando Pride are back in action on Sunday against the Seattle Reign. We’ve got a lot to talk about today, so let’s get into the links.
Luiz Muzzi Leaves Orlando City
In a piece of news that most people probably weren’t expecting on Monday, Orlando City announced that Luiz Muzzi is leaving the club. Not only was the news itself surprising, but so was the manner in which it was delivered, as OCSC’s statement on the move was only two brief paragraphs long. Muzzi joined the club prior to the 2019 season and oversaw the turnaround of a club which had never made the MLS Cup playoffs, but now holds the longest active postseason streak in the league. We here at The Mane Land are grateful for his time and service at the club and wish him well in his next endeavor.
MLS Coaching Changes
Muzzi was not the only big name to leave an MLS club on Monday, although the other departures came at the coaching level. We begin with the Colorado Rapids, which did not renew the contract of head coach Chris Armas after it expired at the end of the 2025 season. Armas spent two years as the Rapids’ head coach, and while Colorado made the playoffs in his first season courtesy of a seventh-place finish in the West, this year the team finished 11th and missed the postseason. In the Eastern Conference, the New York Red Bulls fired head coach Sandro Schwarz and also announced that Julian de Guzman will take over for Jochen Schneider as the club’s head of sport. The Red Bulls made it all the way to the MLS Cup final in 2024 but didn’t come close to replicating that success in 2025, as they finished 10th in the East and missed the playoffs, which snapped a league-record 15-season streak of making the postseason.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are a number of Americans who will be playing games during the working week, so let’s get up to speed on what lies ahead. On Tuesday, Christian Pulisic and AC Milan will travel to face Yunus Musah’s Atalanta team in Serie A play, while Antonee Robinson and Fulham hit the road to play Wycombe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup. Wednesday has Chris Richards and Crystal Palace facing Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, while Folarin Balogun and Monaco play Nantes in Ligue 1. Things then finish up on Friday when Sergino Dest, Ricardo Pepi and PSV Eindhoven host Fortuna Sittard in Eredivisie play, while Haji Wright and Coventry City play Wrexham in the Championship.
Turkish Soccer Betting Scandal
In a piece of news that seems to be a popular theme lately, Turkish soccer is in the midst of a betting scandal. The Turkish soccer federation said on Monday that it is investigating over 150 referees from professional leagues that have allegedly bet on soccer games. A government agency has determined that 371 of 571 active referees have at least one account with a betting company, while 152 have placed bets on soccer. A reported 10 match officials placed bets on over 10,000 games, which is a pretty staggering number for even the most ardent gamblers. Federation president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu said that the federation’s disciplinary board will be sorting through all the cases as soon as possible, but judging by those numbers, they’ve got a hell of a lot to deal with.
Free Kicks
- Former Lion Antonio Nocerino reminisced on some of his best and worst times with AC Milan.
- Tata Martino is reportedly in talks to return to Atlanta United’s vacant head coaching position.
- Brendan Rodgers has resigned his position as Celtic’s head coach.
- On a similar note, Juventus has fired manager Igor Tudor as Juve is on an eight-game winless run and sits eighth in the Serie A table.
- Napoli’s Kevin de Bruyne is likely out until the new year with a serious thigh injury.
- The relationship between Xabi Alonso and Vinicius Jr. is reportedly strained after the Brazilian winger reacted poorly to being substituted in Real Madrid’s win over Barcelona on Sunday.
That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/16/25
Orlando City close to new goalkeeper, Michael Bradley lands big coaching job, MLS transfer news, and more.
Good morning, everyone. I have no idea how we’re just a little over a week away from Christmas, but somehow it’s right around the corner. Hell, the MLS SuperDraft is just two days away, and that frankly seems absurd. Nonetheless, we have an absolute glut of news to sort through today, so let’s jump into today’s links.
Orlando City Closing on Carlos Coronel
Orlando City will reportedly have its new starting goalkeeper soon. On Monday, Tom Bogert stated that the Lions ae finishing up a deal to sign free agent shot stopper Carlos Coronel, formerly of the New York Red Bulls. The 28-year-old Paraguayan international has been one of the best goalkeepers in the league during the last two seasons, and landing him is a great move on paper for OCSC. Mr. Scoops also noted that the team is still finishing up deals to sign Tiago and Luis Otavio.
New Coach for New York
The New York Red Bulls announced on Monday morning that the club has hired Michael Bradley to be its next head coach. Bradley had been the head coach of New York Red Bulls II for the last six months and now takes over the top job from Sandro Schwarz, who departed in October after the Red Bulls missed the playoffs. This will be the 38-year-old Bradley’s first senior head coaching job, although he did spend time with Norwegian side Stabaek as an assistant. The Red Bulls will need to sign a new starting goalkeeper and also have an open Designated Player slot, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Mouting and Emil Forsbeg fill the other two DP positions.
MLS Transfer Roundup
The MLS news doesn’t stop there though, because we have a couple items of MLS transfer business to go over. We begin with Inter Miami, as the Herons have announced the signing of free agent fullback Sergio Reguilon. The Spanish defender joins the team on a deal through 2027 with an option year for 2028. We then move to the Western Conference, where FC Dallas has signed Ran Binyamin from Hapoel Tel Aviv. The 21-year-old is under contract through the 2028-2029 season and has options for the 2029-2030, and 2030-2031 seasons. We then move to the Vancouver Whitecaps, as the MLS Cup runners-up signed defender Nikola Djordjevic from Vancouver Whitecaps 2. The 23-year-old fullback has a deal through the 2026 season, with option years for 2027 and 2028. We finish with the LA Galaxy, which acquired Jakob Glesnes and homegrown priority for Jamir Johnson from the Philadelphia Union. In exchange, the Galaxy sent the Union $1.1 million in guaranteed General Allocation Money with up to another $1.1 million in conditional GAM going to Philly if certain incentives are hit.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are a number of American players taking part in matches during the working week, and domestic cup action is the prevailing theme. Ricardo Pepi, Sergino Dest, and PSV Eindhoven host GVVV Veenedaal in the second round of the KNVB Cup on Tuesday, while Antonee Robinson and Fulham travel to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday. Thursday sees Christian Pulisic and AC Milan take on Napoli in the Italian SuperCup semifinals, before things finish on Friday with Gio Reyna, Joe Scally, and Borussia Monchengladbach playing Borussia Dortmund in Bundesliga action.
Free Kicks
- The installation of new grass has been completed at Inter&Co Stadium.
- Tyler Adams suffered a possible MCL injury during Bournemouth’s wild 4-4 draw with Manchester United on Monday.
- The Seattle Sounders have re-signed goalkeeper Stefan Frei.
- Brenner has returned to Udinese after the expiration of his loan with FC Cincinnati.
- St. Louis City is reportedly close to naming a new head coach.
- Patrick Agyemang scored twice in Derby County’s 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
- Boston Legacy has signed goalkeeper Casey Murphy.
That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/15/25
Former Lion Mauricio Pereyra retires, Orlando City assistant coach Fabian Bazan departs the club, Americans abroad, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you in Florida. I’ve been busy at work as we get close to Christmas and covered some high school bowling and basketball over the past week. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Mauricio Pereyra Retires
Orlando City posted on social media over the weekend that former Orlando City captain and midfielder Mauricio Pereyra has retired from professional soccer.
Pereyra spent five seasons with Orlando City after joining the club from FC Krasnodar in 2019, scoring seven goals and adding 29 assists in 136 appearances across all competitions. The 35-year-old recently played for his former club, Nacional, in Uruguay. He also spent time at Lanus, and we here at The Mane Land wish him all the best in his retirement.
Orlando City Assistant Coach Fabian Bazan Departs After Six Seasons
Orlando City and Assistant Coach of Fitness and Performance Fabian Bazan have mutually agreed to part ways after six seasons. Orlando City announced the news Saturday. Bazan joined Head Coach Oscar Pareja’s coaching staff prior to the 2020 season after working with him at previous clubs since 2015. During his tenure, Bazan was part of Orlando City’s coaching staff during its successful run, winning the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, qualifying for two Concacaf Champions Cup tournaments, and making six consecutive MLS Cup playoff appearances.
Americans Abroad
Plenty of Americans were in action in Europe over the weekend. Christian Pulisic played 73 minutes for AC Milan in a 2-2 draw against Sassuolo, while Weston McKennie played a full 90 minutes as Juventus beat Bologna 1-0. Antonee Robinson made his return to the starting XI for Fulham and played a full 90 minutes as his side defeated Burnley 3-1 on the road. Two Americans squared off in Ligue 1 as Tim Weah and Marseille faced Folarin Balogun and AS Monaco Sunday. Both players played a full 90 minutes as Marseille edged Monaco 1-0. Ricardo Pepi became the first USMNT player to score in four straight appearances in all competitions in the Eredivisie since Aron Johannsson did it in 2013-2014, as PSV Eindhoven defeated Heracles Almelo 4-3. Tyler Adams and AFC Bournemouth will face Manchester United in Premier League action later today.
Free Kicks
- A biopic film focusing on Orlando Pride forward Marta’s soccer journey is reportedly in development.
- In local college soccer news, the Rollins College Tars fell 2-0 to Midwestern State in the NCAA Division II men’s soccer national championship. Meanwhile, the Florida Tech Panthers defeated Franklin Pierce 3-0 to win the NCAA Division II women’s soccer national championship over the weekend.
- The Agnelli family, owners of Juventus, have rejected a $1.2 billion buyout bid from cryptocurrency firm Tether.
- Raphinha scored twice as Barcelona defeated Osasuna 2-0 to extend its lead at the top of the La Liga table over Real Madrid by five points.
- Harry Kane scored his 50th career goal for Bayern Munich in a 2-2 draw against Mainz Sunday.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/12/25
NWSL reportedly approves new roster mechanism, USMNT will play Senegal in May, USWNT second in FIFA rankings, and more.
Happy Friday, Mane Landers! Counting today, there are just 20 days left of 2025. This year has felt like forever, but I also can’t seem to wrap my head around 2026 being just around the corner. I’m hoping to knock out a majority of my errands over the next few days to help ease into the coming weeks. Let’s get to the links!
NWSL Reportedly Approves New Roster Mechanism
The biggest storyline of the NWSL off-season so far is where Trinity Rodman will be playing next year, making the salary cap a notable talking point. The league’s NWSL Board of Governors reportedly approved a roster mechanism that would allow clubs to pay certain star players beyond the current salary cap. Clubs would be able to pay “High Impact Players” up to $1 million over the salary cap, with only a portion of that salary being a cap hit.
In order for players to qualify as a High Impact Player, they would have to meet commercial and sporting benchmarks. It’s a similar concept to Designated Players in MLS, with the limit to how much NWSL clubs can go over the cap being the biggest difference. All in all, this would help NWSL clubs compete with offers from clubs abroad for the league’s top players.
USMNT Will Face Senegal in May
The United States Men’s National Team will host Senegal on May 31 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte for its penultimate game before the World Cup. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations and it should be a good match between the U.S. and one of the top African teams. Senegal is currently ranked 19th in the FIFA men’s rankings and went undefeated in World Cup qualifying, winning seven games. Following this match, the USMNT will take on Germany in Chicago on June 6 for its send-off match before the tournament.
USWNT Remains Second in FIFA Rankings
The latest FIFA women’s rankings were released and the United States Women’s National Team maintained its spot in second place, although the gap between it and first-place Spain has widened. The U.S. won four of its five games this past window, but still lost points due to its 2-1 defeat to Portugal on Oct. 22. Spain benefitted from beating Sweden and Germany en route to winning the UEFA Nations League. Brazil, which beat England, Italy, and Portugal, moved up a spot to sixth in the rankings. Meanwhile, Canada fell to 10th after losing all four of its games.
Europa League Roundup
The latest round of Europa League action wrapped up and six teams have secured a spot in at least the knockout stage. Lyon, Midtjylland, and Aston Villa all won and are tied at the top with 15 points, while Real Betis, Freiburg, and Ferencvaros were victorious to remain unbeaten and claim spots in the next round as well. Roma edged closer to qualifying by beating Celtic 3-0, and Nottingham Forest also picked up three points after winning 2-1 against Utrecht in the Netherlands. Only two matchdays remain in the league phase and things are still far from certain for most clubs, which should set up for a fun finish next month.
Free Kicks
- Goalkeeper Evan Bush re-signed with the Columbus Crew for the 2026 season. The 39-year-old was out of contract following this past season, but it looks like he’ll continue to serve as Patrick Schulte’s backup in Columbus.
- Boston Legacy FC signed Japanese goalkeeper Hannah Stambaugh to a two-year contract. The 26-year-old became a free agent after two years with Angel City FC.
- The Denver Summit signed defender Camryn Biegalski to a one-year contract as the expansion club continues to build its roster for 2026.
- Vancouver and the Vancouver Whitecaps have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for exclusive negotiations next year in regards to building a new stadium.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday!
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks ago2025 Orlando Pride Season in Review: Barbra Banda
-
Lion Links2 weeks agoLion Links: 12/2/25
-
Orlando City1 week agoOrlando City Sends Defender Thomas Williams to Nashville for First-Round Pick
-
Lion Links2 weeks agoLion Links: 12/3/25
-
Orlando Pride2 weeks agoOrlando Pride Sign U.S. International Defender Hailie Mace
-
Podcasts2 weeks agoSkoPurp Soccer Episode 111: Haley Carter’s Departure, Orlando Pride Roster Update, and More
-
Uncategorized1 week agoA Few Words About the Future of The Mane Land
-
Lion Links2 weeks agoLion Links: 12/4/25

