Lion Links: 6/29/26

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I was busy at work over the weekend and look forward to seeing the U.S. Men’s National Team take on Bosnia and Herzegovina later this week. Let’s wish a belated happy birthday to Orlando City midfielder Braian Ojeda, who turned 26 Saturday, and Orlando City B forward Pedro Leao, who turned 20 Sunday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

OCB Leads Late, Drops Two Points

Just moments away from a 2-1 comeback win, Orlando City B gave the ball away in its own end — a problem throughout the game for the Young Lions — leading to a tying goal from Columbus Crew 2 and sending the game to penalties after a 2-2 draw. In the shootout, OCB hit the woodwork twice and Crew 2 took two of the three points, meaning OCB dropped two after being poised to take all three. It’s a bitter pill for the Young Lions, who will face second-place Crown Legacy on the road on Sunday.

Crepeau Keeps Clean Sheet in Canada’s First World Cup Knockout Match

The World Cup Round of 32 kicked off Sunday, and Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau got the start for Canada. Crepeau’s side left it late, but thanks to Stephen Eustaquio’s late stoppage-time winner, Canada avoided extra time and penalties in a 1-0 win against South Africa and booked a spot in the Round of 16.

Today’s Round of 32 matchups feature Brazil facing Japan, Germany taking on Paraguay, and the Netherlands playing Morocco.

Lewandowski’s Arrival Highlights Latest MLS Transfer News

Robert Lewandowski has reportedly finalized an agreement to join the Chicago Fire on a two-year contract, which will complete a long-rumored move to MLS. Last week, there were rumors that Orlando City was prepared to submit a $30 million transfer fee offer to AC Milan for Mexican international forward Santiago Gimenez for a potential move this summer. However, that seemed an unlikely report, and according to Tom Bogert of The Athletic, Orlando City has made no approach.

CF Monterrey is reportedly close to finalizing a deal to sign Columbus Crew forward Diego Rossi on a three-year contract. Meanwhile, New York City FC is reportedly close to a deal to sign FC Basel winger Benie Traore.

Mauricio Pochettino Reportedly Gets Contract Extension Offer

The U.S. Soccer Federation has reportedly offered U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino a contract extension. According to reports, the deal is a four-year contract extension to keep Pochettino as the head coach of the USMNT through the 2030 World Cup cycle. The 54-year-old Argentine’s contract expires at the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and no decision will be made until after the tournament concludes.

Gotham FC Wins NWSL Challenge Cup

Gotham FC defeated the Kansas City Current 2-0 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus Friday to win the NWSL Challenge Cup for the first time. Esther Gonzalez scored from the spot to give Gotham the lead just before halftime. Jordynn Dudley added another late in the second half, extending Gotham’s unbeaten streak against NWSL teams to seven matches.

Free Kicks

• John and Tommy Bonner, who partnered with Orlando City founder Phil Rawlins to launch the club in 2010, have reportedly secured rights to bring a United Soccer League team to Florida in Melbourne. The ownership group plans to build an 8,000-seat stadium across from the Melbourne Orlando International Airport and expects to begin play in 2028.
• The Uruguayan Football Association canceled a charter flight to bring its players home after the team failed to advance from the group stage and were eliminated from the World Cup, making everyone fly commercial.

• Chelsea has reportedly expressed interest in signing Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka.
• Liga MX announced its first 14 players selected for the upcoming 2026 MLS All-Star Game next month. Notable names include goalkeeper Keylor Navas and former Chicago Fire FC midfielder Brian Gutierrez.
• South Korea manager Hong Myung-Bo has resigned after receiving criticism from the country’s president, Lee Jae Myung, who has called for a government investigation into the national team program following its elimination from the World Cup.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.