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Lion Links: 1/27/26

Alex Freeman reportedly on the move, Americans in midweek action, U.S. women in action abroad, and more.

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3 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Good morning everyone. I hope you all had a restful weekend and are ready to attack what is likely to be a pretty cold week unless you live in Southern Florida. It’s hard to believe that we’re in the third week of Orlando City’s preseason, as the time is absolutely flying by. There’s plenty of things to talk over today, so let’s wish a happy belated birthday to Harvey Sarajian and get into the links.

Alex Freeman Reportedly Sold

A piece of news that Orlando City fans surely weren’t hoping to see until at least the summer has potentially come to pass, as Tom Bogert reported late on Monday that Orlando City has agreed to sell Alex Freeman to Villareal.

Key in the story is the nugget that the sale is an immediate one, and does not include a loan back to the Lions for any period of time. Bogert notes that Orlando attempted to sign Freeman to an MLS U22 Initiative deal, but the player desired a move to Europe sooner rather than later, and also wanted the club to receive a fee from the sale. The Lions will get over $4 million to put towards building out the roster, and will need to move quickly to both replace Freeman and address other areas on the squad that need strengthening.

Americans in Midweek Matches

There are a number of Americans playing games during the working week, and European competition is once again a major focus. Things get started later today when James Sands and St. Pauli host Red Bull Leipzig in the Bundesliga. The action kicks into high gear tomorrow though, as Weston McKennie and Juventus face off against Folarin Balogun and Monaco in the Champions League. Other games in the competition on Wednesday include Sergino Dest and PSV Eindhoven against Bayern Munich and Tim Weah’s Marseille against Club Brugge. Thursday has Auston Trusty’s Celtic team taking on FC Utrecht in the Europa League, and the week finishes on Friday when Kevin Paredes and Wolfsburg hit the road to play FC Koln in the Bundesliga.

U.S. Women in Action Abroad

It was an eventful weekend for members of the United States Women’s National team that ply their trade overseas. Midfielder Sam Coffey made her debut for Manchester City and helped her new team to a 2-1 win over London City Lionesses, extending City’s lead at the top of the WSL table in the process. Meanwhile, Phallon Tullis-Joyce made six saves for Manchester United, as the team comfortably beat Aston Villa 4-1. Alyssa Thompson and Chelsea were on the wrong end of a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal though, as she and the Blues couldn’t find a breakthrough despite several good opportunities.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

January will soon be drawing to a close, but the transfer rumor mill isn’t slowing down just yet. With Robert Lewandowski likely to depart Barcelona in the summer, the Spanish club is said to have Julian Alvarez and Dusan Vlahovic on a list of players they’re interested in to replace the Polish striker. Harry Kane meanwhile, has reportedly opened talks with Bayern Munich over a contract extension, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2027. Memphis Depay is reportedly interested in leaving Corinthians, and a number of clubs are said to be keeping tabs on his situation. Finally, Alexia Putellas is said to be close to signing for the London City Lionesses and was spotted in the crowd during the team’s 2-1 loss to Manchester City over the weekend.

Brazil Wants Club World Cup

Brazil has reportedly asked FIFA to host the 2029 Club World Cup. A number of high ranking Brazilian soccer officials apparently put the request to FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Monday, when he was in Brazil to launch the buildup to the Women’s Club World Cup, which will be staged in the country in 2027. The Brazilian Football Confederation is said to have been working quietly for months to get the men’s version of the tournament to Brazil as well. A bidding process never took place for the 2025 iteration of the competition that was held in the United States, with the FIFA Council instead awarding the hosting job to the U.S. unilaterally. FIFA has not announced if there will be a bidding process for the 2029 tournament, or how it will work if there is one.

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  • Take a look at some of the scenes from Orlando City preseason training on Monday.

That’s all I’ve got 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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21 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

2 days 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: 4/21/26

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

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3 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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