Lion Links: 7/23/26

I am once again petitioning that all Orlando City games be played on Wednesdays. The Lions impressed yet again in a midweek match, and I don’t think anyone would blame you for thinking today feels like a Friday. Let’s get to Orlando’s victory and more in today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Wins Big In San Jose

Playing on the road on the other side of the country, Orlando City dominated the San Jose Earthquakes in a 4-0 win in its first league game since the World Cup break. The Lions scored early off of a set piece and never looked back, with Antoine Griezmann playing great in his MLS debut. Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau was also excellent in securing a clean sheet in a tough environment against one of the league’s best offenses. It’s hard not to dream about what this team could look like once Martin Ojeda, Daryl Dike, and Marco Pasalic return to the fold as well. The Lions will be back in action at home on Saturday for a match against Nashville SC.

Seven Castain Re-Signed, Loaned to Dallas Trinity FC

The Orlando Pride have signed forward Seven Castain to a new contract and loaned her to Dallas Trinity FC in the USL Super League for the remainder of the Pride’s season. Her new deal with the Pride will last through the 2028 season with a mutual option in place for the 2029. Castain joined the Pride in January following four years of collegiate soccer with Texas Christian University, where she scored 17 goals in her senior year. Although she hasn’t scored yet for the Pride, hopefully this loan will give her some valuable minutes and she can make a splash in Dallas.

Orlando Pride Prepare for Home Game vs. Chicago

The Orlando Pride have lost their past two games and will look to get back to their winning ways on Friday when they host the Chicago Stars. The Pride were shut out in those previous two defeats and will need to find a way to score without forward Barbra Banda, who is with Zambia at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The Stars have only won four games this year and have conceded 30 goals, the most in the league. Orlando Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on the refinement needed on both sides of the ball for the Pride to get a result on Friday.

Inter Miami Investigated Over Casemiro Signing

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro was officially signed by Inter Miami, but the club is also being investigated by the league for tampering in relation to the signing. Casemiro’s discovery rights belonged to the LA Galaxy, which would’ve stopped Miami from being able to negotiate with him. While Miami and the Galaxy reached a settlement over it, the league is still doing its due diligence by investigating. Casemiro, who played in all five of Brazil’s games at the recent World Cup, joins Miami on a contract through the shortened 2027 season, with options through June of 2029.

Free Kicks

• The design for Camping World Stadium’s $400 million renovation was revealed, giving a look at what is potentially to come in the City Beautiful.

• Banda played in the first half of Zambia’s 1-0 loss to Algeria in preparation for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on Sunday.
• Brentford is reportedly set to add American goalkeeper Aidan Stokes on loan from the New York Red Bulls.

• LAFC transferred MLS U22 Initiative player Amin Boudri to Hammarby in Sweden’s top flight, opening up some roster flexibility in the process.
• According to Italian Football Federation President Giovanni Malago, discussions have been held for Pep Guardiola to become Italy’s next head coach.

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