Lion Links: 12/17/25

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Well, there is certainly a lot happening this off-season. It is called “silly season” for a reason, and Orlando City and the Orlando Pride will be in the thick of the comings and goings. We have a bit of the goings to get to, so let’s get to the links.

A Pair of Lions Depart

Rodrigo Schlegel and Kyle Smith have departed Orlando City. Schlegel has transferred to Atlas FC in Liga MX. I think Orlando City’s agent of chaos will fit in quite well in Liga MX. You could always count on Schlegel to give his all. Sometimes that was not so helpful, and other times it was absolutely legendary. “I can do it, Papi.”

Smith was a holdover from the James O’Connor era who earned Oscar Pareja’s respect, which earned him several more contracts. His official club nickname was “The Accountant,” but to Pareja he was “El Soldado” — The Soldier. Smith did everything asked of him, including playing half of the positions on the pitch at one time or another.

Ovalle Wins Marta Award

Even though Marta could have won the Marta Award yet again, it was perhaps unrealistic to expect she would. The award will stay with a Pride player as Jacquie Ovalle won it for a goal she scored when she was still with Tigres in Liga MX Femenil. Ovalle did well to get into a position to score the goal, and while some might say it was lucky it is sometimes better to be lucky than good.

Hylton Signs with OCB

Orlando City B signed midfielder Justin Hylton to a two-year MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2027 season. Hylton comes from the Orlando City Academy. The 18-year-old is the latest to climb up through the Orlando City development ladder, with just one rung still remaining to ascend. Hylton made 14 appearances, including six starts, for Orlando City B during the 2025 season.

Orlando City Set for Leagues Cup 2026

The Leagues Cup competition has been set for next season. All 18 Liga MX teams will join 18 qualifying MLS clubs in vying for the cash grab trophy. The top nine clubs from each conference — all the teams that made the playoffs — make up the MLS contingent, including Orlando City. The Lions rank 19th out of 36 clubs heading into the tournament. The competition will take place following the 2026 World Cup.

Free Kicks

• Former Orlando Pride forward Claire Emslie talks about her pregnancy that kept her out of Angel City FC’s lineup. Her baby is due this month.
• Former Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese has been called up for Peru’s friendly against Bolivia.

• Minnesota United has acquired midfielder Peter Stroud from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for $475,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money. 
• FIFA is reducing the prices of some World Cup tickets following immense backlash to the dynamic pricing that resulted in exorbitant prices. The $60 tickets will be given to the national teams to distribute to their supporters.
• Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has been named the women’s player of the year for the third year in a row at the FIFA Best Awards.
• Ousmane Dembele has been named the men’s player of the year at the FIFA Best awards. This follows his winning the Ballon d’Or earlier this year.

That will do it for today. Check back later this week for our coverage of the MLS SuperDraft. Vamos Orlando.