Lion Links
Lion Links: 8/17/26
Lions draw FC Cincinnati, Pride and OCB lose, Americans abroad, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’m back to covering high school sports again for the fall season, with golf, soccer, and football this week. Our beloved Lions, Pride, and OCB were all in action over the weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Draw FC Cincinnati at Home
Orlando City drew FC Cincinnati 1-1 on Saturday at Inter.co Stadium. The Lions trailed 1-0 at halftime, but Tyrese Spicer’s early goal in the second half was enough for Orlando to secure a point at home. Orlando City hasn’t won in its last three matches across all competitions and will need to pick up wins down the stretch, with the club sitting outside the MLS playoff spots in the Eastern Conference standings with 21 points. Before the match, Orlando City announced it had signed OCB midfielder Issah Haruna to a short-term contract. Haruna was on the bench but did not play against FC Cincinnati. The Lions have a quick turnaround, with two home matches this week. Orlando City will face the Chicago Fire on Wednesday and Real Salt Lake on Saturday.
Pride’s Winless Run Continues with Loss at Portland Thorns
The Orlando Pride fell 2-1 to the Portland Thorns at Providence Park on Saturday. After a scoreless first half, Portland struck first to take a 1-0 lead in the second half. Jacquie Ovalle scored the equalizer for Orlando, but in stoppage time, Caiya Hanks scored a late winner for Portland. Orlando has lost three consecutive matches. The Pride will be on the road for their next match on Sunday against the Washington Spirit.
OCB Falls at Chicago Fire II
Orlando City B fell 2-0 to Chicago Fire II at SeatGeek Stadium on Saturday. Robert Turdean scored the opening goal for Chicago in the first half, and the Fire took a 1-0 lead into halftime. In the second half, Damyan Villanueva added the insurance goal for Chicago, which won its third in four matches. The Young Lions have lost four consecutive matches. OCB will be on the road to take on Atlanta United 2 on Saturday.
Americans Abroad
Let’s catch up on Americans in action abroad in Europe. Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten were both in action for Middlesbrough in a 2-1 win against Lincoln City on Saturday in the EFL Championship. Ricardo Pepi scored, and Sergino Dest notched an assist for PSV Eindhoven in a 2-1 win over Excelsior in the Eredivisie. Gianluca Busio played a full 90 minutes for Venezia as his side defeated Modena 3-2 in the Round of 64 in the Coppa Italia. Austin Trusty scored for Celtic, and Cameron Carter-Vickers was also in action in a 4-0 win against Dundee United, as the Scottish Premiership leaders advanced to the quarterfinals in the Scottish League Cup. On Sunday, former Lion Alex Freeman came off the bench late in the second half for Villarreal in a 2-2 draw against Racing Santander in La Liga.
Free Kicks
- Orlando Pride forward Seven Castain, who is on loan at Dallas Trinity, scored her first goal for the club in a 1-1 draw against the Tampa Bay Sun on Saturday in the USL Super League.
- Former Lion Cyle Larin scored for Southampton, but his side fell 2-1 to Watford on Sunday in the EFL Championship.
- Atlanta United is reportedly close to signing forward Breel Embolo from Stade Rennes for an $18 million transfer fee.
- Mohamed Salah made his debut in the Turkish Super Lig for Trabzonspor off the bench in the second half in a 1-1 draw against Kasımpaşa over the weekend.
- Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that he may retire from professional soccer at the end of the Saudi Pro League season. Ronaldo’s contract with the club expires in June 2027.
- FC Barcelona has reportedly reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign midfielder Rodri for a transfer fee of $87 million.
- Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory against Manchester City on Sunday to win the 2026 English FA Community Shield.
- Cameroon defeated Malawi 3-0 in the final on Sunday to win the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.