Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/1/26
Orlando City transfer rumors, 2026 NWSL preview, an OCB signing, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday and to the new year, Mane Landers! I hope you’re not feeling too bad this morning — or afternoon, depending on when you got up. Did you have people lighting off fireworks in your neighborhood? They were quite loud early on here but quieted down before the finale at midnight. Now, let’s start things off on the right foot with the first links of the year.
Orlando City Signing Rumors
Wednesday I wrote about how Orlando City takes its time with off-season transfers, which meant that the rumors were immediately obligated to start. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Lions are preparing to sign 31-year-old Canadian international keeper Maxime Crépeau. This is certainly better than going into the season with young Javier Otero as the starter, but it feels like a consolation signing after the Carlos Coronel snub.
Orlando City may also be adding Braian Ojeda from Real Salt Lake. The 25-year-old Paraguayan international joined RSL in 2022 and has appeared in 99 matches. Ojeda would bolster a midfield that saw the departure of Cesar Araujo, though it will make things a little more difficult for commentators with two Ojedas on the pitch for Orlando City.
2026 NWSL Previews
We’re less than two months away from the start of the NWSL season, meaning it’s not too soon to start previewing the clubs. Not to spoil too much, but the insights regarding the Orlando Pride include the return of Barbra Banda and her finally teaming up with Jacquie Ovalle in the offense. While I’m certain you could figure that out yourself, there is a lot of good information on Orlando’s opponents.
OCB Signs OCSC Academy Goalkeeper Juan Rojas
Orlando City B signed goalkeeper Juan Rojas from the Orlando City Academy to a three-year MLS NEXT Pro contract. Rojas has been with the academy for four seasons and was a part of the U-18 side that won the academy’s first Generation Adidas Cup in 2025. He also recently received a call-up to Venezuela’s senior national team. Rojas joins Tristan Himes as one of OCB’s two keepers.
USMNT’s 2025 Ups and Downs
There were a lot of ups and downs in 2025 for the USMNT. From the heartbreaking loss in the Gold Cup to an invigorating 5-1 victory over Uruguay, it was quite a rollercoaster of a year. We also saw drama around Christian Pulisic and the emergence of younger players. Of course, that doesn’t mean that Pulisic isn’t still one of the best players on the team. There are plenty of USMNT players in action today in Europe.
Free Kicks
- Enzo Maresca’s time at Chelsea may be coming to an end. Tensions between the manager and the club may run deeper than just a poor recent record.
- Brazilian club Botafogo will serve a three-window transfer ban by FIFA related to the signing of Thiago Almada from MLS club Atlanta United.
- The Kraft Group has reached agreements with the cities of Everett and Boston to develop the future home of the New England Revolution.
- Philadelphia Union fullback Kai Wagner may be headed to Birmingham City.
- The Columbus Crew named Henrik Rydström as their new head coach. He replaces Wilfried Nancy, who left to join Scottish Premiership club Celtic FC, where things…have not gone well for him so far.
- Here is a list of seven innovations that could change the face of soccer.
- Finally, I’ll leave you with this awesome bit of social media from AFCON.
That will do it for today. On behalf of all of us here at The Mane Land, we wish you a happy and prosperous 2026. Vamos Orlando!