Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/9/26
Nico Rodriguez loaned out, Orlando City preseason schedule released, Orlando Pride trade for a defender, and much more.
Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a pretty busy week, but we have a weekend of what is hopefully some rest and relaxation to look forward to. I don’t have many plans beyond some deep cleaning of my apartment, but it should still be a nice couple of days. Let’s jump right into today’s links from around the soccer world!
Nico Rodriguez Loaned to Atletico Nacional
Orlando City loaned winger Nicolas Rodiriguez to Atletico Nacional in Colombia through 2026, with an option to buy as part of the deal. The Lions added him as an MLS U22 Initiative Player in January of last year, signing him to a three-year deal. He recorded a goal and an assist in 17 appearances across all competitions for Orlando, starting in just four games. This loan notably frees up an MLS U22 Initiative slot for the Lions to make use of, while also giving Rodriguez an opportunity for more minutes to hone his game.
Orlando City Announces Preseason Schedule
Orlando unveiled its schedule for this year’s preseason and training will begin on Jan. 12. There will be a closed-door scrimmage against the USL Championship’s Lexington Sporting Club on Jan. 24 before the team heads to Mexico for a training camp from Jan. 25 to the end of the month. The Lions will then play two more closed-door friendlies once they return, playing at Nashville SC on Feb. 7 and at FC Cincinnati on Feb. 11. Orlando’s final preseason game will be on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, when the Lions take on the Colorado Rapids in a match exclusively open to season ticket members, who will receive an email to RSVP for it.
Orlando Pride Acquire Defender Hannah Anderson
The Orlando Pride traded for defender Hannah Anderson, sending $70,000 in intraleague funds to the Chicago Stars in exchange. Anderson joins the Pride on a contract through 2027. Drafted in the third round of the 2024 NWSL Draft, Anderson has made 28 appearances across the past two seasons in Chicago. Hopefully she can add some solid depth to a Pride defense that has been formidable in recent years but has been tested by injuries.
Orlando Pride and Grace Chanda Part Ways
The Orlando Pride and Zambian midfielder Grace Chanda have mutually agreed to part ways, allowing her to sign with FC Gallos Queretaro in Mexico. The Pride signed Chanda to a two-year deal back in May of 2024 and exercised the 2026 option on her contract last summer. Injury prevented her from playing for the Pride in 2024, and she only made seven total appearances across all competitions in 2025. It’s unfortunate she wasn’t able to become a starter for a Pride team that could’ve used a creative force in the midfield at times last year, but hopefully she’ll be able to get more playing time with Queretaro.
USWNT January Roster Announced
United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes called up 26 players for training camp this month, including Pride defender Emily Sams. It’s a fairly inexperienced roster in terms of minutes with the USWNT, and four players were called up for the first time. Trinity Rodman, who is out of contract, is technically the only player called up not currently on an NWSL team. It will be Rodman’s first time at a USWNT training camp since April, as injuries limited her throughout 2025. The USWNT will play Paraguay on Jan. 24 and Chile on Jan. 27 in a pair of friendlies in California to conclude the camp.
Camping World Stadium Will Host Friendlies
A pair of international friendlies will be held at Camping World Stadium as World Cup teams set up their preparations for this year’s tournament. Colombia and Croatia will clash in the City Beautiful on March 26 before Croatia plays against Brazil on March 31. Tickets for the matches are scheduled to go on sale on Tuesday. According to Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan, construction may prevent Camping World Stadium from hosting other international friendlies before the World Cup.
Free Kicks
- Former Orlando City B player Austin Amer has signed with the Richmond Kickers in the USL League One.
- Another American player may be leaving the NWSL for Europe, as Portland Thorns midfielder Sam Coffey is reportedly in talks to join Manchester City.
- Denver Summit FC signed Jasmine Aikey to a two-year contract. Aikey had 43 goals and 29 assists across all competitions in four years at Stanford and was a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist last year.
- Atlanta United transferred midfielder Bartosz Slisz to Brondby IF in Denmark for a reported $3.5 million transfer fee.
- Alejandro Bedoya signed a new contract with the Philadelphia Union through 2026. The 38-year-old will continue his front office role with the club as well.
- Hector Herrera will reportedly return to the Houston Dynamo, although he won’t be a Designated Player. Every referee should be offered face shields in case he gets a little testy again.
- Minnesota United Head Coach Eric Ramsay will reportedly become West Brom’s next manager. He’s done well with the Loons over the past two seasons, and hopefully Daryl Dike thrives under him.
- Nashville waived forward Tyler Boyd, who recorded three goals and four assists last season.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!