Lion Links: 4/23/26

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.

Free Kicks

• Chelsea fired Liam Rosenior as the club’s head coach after an abysmal run of games that includes five straight losses in league play without scoring a single goal.
• American forward Haji Wright scored his 18th goal across all competitions for Coventry City this season with a nice header to help secure the EFL Championship title for the club with two games remaining. Let’s see if he can get to 20!
• Spanish forward Lamine Yamal exited Barcelona’s match against Celta Vigo in the 40th minute after grabbing the back of his leg following his penalty kick.
• Manchester City beat Burnley 1-0 to move into first place in the English Premier League standings on goal difference. Also as a result, Burnley has officially been relegated.
• Unfortunately, German forward Serge Gnabry will miss the upcoming World Cup due to a thigh injury.
• Lazio goalkeeper Edoardo Motta, who is just 21 years old, stopped four penalty kicks in a row to help his team beat Atalanta in the shootout and advance to the Italian Cup final against Inter Milan on May 13.
• Check out this interesting dive into Polish forward Robert Lewandowski’s legacy and how his future may not have the swan song it deserves.
• Starting next season, Chelsea’s women’s soccer team will play all of its league games at Stamford Bridge.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!