Lion Links: 5/7/26

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s a bit strange not spending a Thursday morning celebrating an Orlando City win the night before after the last few Wednesdays, but I’m all in favor of the Lions getting some needed rest. I’ve been spending most of the week doing much of the same in preparation for a busy Mother’s Day weekend. If you needed a reminder that was coming up on Sunday, you’re welcome. But for now, let’s get to the links!

Justin Ellis Makes U.S. Open Cup Team of the Round

Orlando City forward Justin Ellis was named to the 2026 U.S. Open Cup Team of the Round following the round of 16. The 18-year-old had a goal and an assist in Orlando’s dramatic 4-3 victory over the New England Revolution. He nearly had a brace, but his second goal was disallowed due to a questionable offside call. Ellis is the only Lion to make the Team of the Round this time, but hopefully multiple Orlando players make the cut after the quarterfinal against Atlanta United on May 19.

Orlando Pride Prepare for North Carolina Courage

After a 4-2 loss to the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride will look to get back on track when they host the North Carolina Courage on Friday. Barbra Banda scored both of the Pride’s goals in that defeat and leads the NWSL in scoring this year, but the Pride have now conceded seven goals over their past two games. Hopefully the defense can right the ship against a Courage team that has scored nine goals in seven games this year. Pride forward Simone Jackson spoke on how the team is making changes to improve defensively ahead of Friday’s home game.

Orlando City Announces World Cup Watch Parties

A fan festival to enjoy this summer’s World Cup is coming to Pointe Orlando and will run from June through July 19. Hosted by Orlando City SC, the event will feature live showings for all 104 World Cup games, live entertainment, and player appearances. There will also be at least five larger-scale events for specific matchdays such as the United States Men’s National Team’s games against Paraguay and Australia, Brazil’s games against Morocco and Haiti, and of course the World Cup final on July 19. It sounds like a pretty fun time and I’m hoping to make it out for a match or two.

UEFA Champions League Final Set

Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the UEFA Champions League final on aggregate after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena. A goal in just the third minute of the match by PSG’s Ousmane Dembele gave the impression that it would be another barnburner between the two sides, but Bayern didn’t score until Harry Kane’s goal in stoppage time. The match wasn’t without controversy, as there were possible handballs that could’ve changed the course of the game. PSG is now only one game away from defending its title and will take on Arsenal in the final on May 30 in what will be a rematch of last year’s semifinals.

Free Kicks

• Martin Ojeda finished second in MLS Goal of the Matchday voting for his superb strike to spark Orlando City’s comeback in a 4-3 win over Inter Miami, garnering 27.9% of the vote. Lionel Messi finished first with 42.6% to claim the honor.
• Speaking of that Orlando victory, it has raised questions in Miami about the club’s performance and the lack of representation by its leaders to address the media regarding said performance.
• D.C. United signed English midfielder Andre Dozzal as a free transfer who will join the team in July.
• MLS unveiled its new office, a 126,000-square-foot space in Manhattan with two stories. I’ve heard that the vending machines only take Targeted Allocation Money, but that you have at least 10 years to make your cubicle soccer-specific since you’re in New York.
• American forward Folarin Balogun was nominated for Ligue 1 Goal of the Season for his chip shot against Marseille on April 5.
• In case you missed it, Toronto FC was eliminated in the preliminary round of the 2026 Canadian Championship after a 3-1 loss to Atletico Ottawa of the Canadian Premier League. Former CF Montreal midfielder Ballou Tabla scored a hat trick for the underdogs.
• In his best impression of Lucille Bluth, FIFA President Gianni Infantino tried justifying World Cup ticket prices with a string of tone-deaf responses culminating in the claim that no one can watch college sports in the U.S. for under $300. It’s a football game between Tulane and Temple, Gianni. How much could it cost, $800?

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