Lion Links: 2/6/26

Happy Friday! Hopefully the week went smoothly for you as we all get ready for the weekend. I don’t have many plans beyond some baking and reading over the next few days. I can’t wait until we can fill the weekends with Orlando soccer and it’s hard to believe the Lions are back in action in just a couple of weeks. But for now, let’s dive into the links!

Biggest Moves of the NWSL Off-Season

The Orlando Pride’s signing of defender Hailie Mace ranked fourth in CBS Sports‘ top 10 moves of the NWSL off-season. The 28-year-old did well with the Kansas City Current last season and the Pride signed her to a three-year contract to help strengthen the defense. Emily Sams’ move to Angel City FC placed third on the list, with the Pride receiving a hefty $650,000 in exchange. The Washington Spirit re-signing Trinity Rodman predictably tops the list, while the Denver Summit’s signings of Eva Gaetino and Lindsey Heaps were also notable.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

While Orlando City fans sit on their hands waiting for the team to fill its open Designated Player slot, other teams across the league are adding some firepower for the upcoming season. Minnesota United’s move for Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez came out of left field but is reportedly being finalized and he would not be a DP for the Loons.

FC Dallas is also reportedly working on bringing in a star midfielder, with the club in talks to sign Joaquín Valiente from Defensor SC of Uruguay. The 24-year-old has spent the past year in Ecuador on loan with Barcelona, recording five goals and five assists. The Vancouver Whitecaps signed Senegalese forward Cheikh Sabaly from FC Metz in Ligue 1. He had 15 goals last season to help Metz earn promotion to the top flight.

U.S. Cruises in Concacaf U-17 World Cup Qualifier

The United States U-17 Men’s National Team won 8-0 against St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Concacaf qualifiers for the U-17 World Cup in November. Aaron Medina had a hat trick in the first half, while Paul Sokoloff and Malik Jakupovic scored braces in the game as well. Hopefully the U.S. can replicate this dominant performance when it takes on St. Kitts and Nevis on Saturday before wrapping things up against the Dominican Republic on Tuesday.

Leicester City Deducted Points For Breaching Rules

Leicester City was docked six points for breaching the profit and sustainability rules, dropping the club to 20th in the English Football League Championship standings. The club was charged for the breach by the English Premier League last May, and the timing puts it in danger of being relegated in back-to-back seasons. The Foxes are winless in their past four league games and without a manager after sacking Marti Cifuentes last season. Goal difference is all that currently separates Leicester from the relegation zone, and we’ll see if this point deduction is the difference maker in what could be a dramatic fight for survival at the bottom of the table.

Free Kicks

• We now know what number a couple of the newest Lions will be wearing this season. Midfielder Luis Otavio will be wearing Cesar Araujo’s old No. 5, while Tiago will wear No. 7.

• Former Orlando Pride forward Simone Charley is headed to England, signing with Newcastle in the Women’s Super League 2.
• Ademola Lookman scored in his first match for Atletico Madrid, helping the club beat Real Betis 5-0 to advance to the Copa del Rey semifinals.
• It was a record-breaking transfer window in women’s soccer this winter, although I wish the Pride were one of the big spenders.

• Amid Cristiano Ronaldo’s reported unhappiness regarding his club’s lack of spending, the Saudi Pro League stated that no player “determines decisions beyond their own club.”

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend.