Lion Links: 8/28/26

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! I don’t know about you, but it’s been a pretty dismal week for me, and I’m ready to bid it farewell as we get ready for the weekend. I don’t have too many plans lined up, but that’s nice in its own way for some rest and relaxation here and there. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Adds Brazilian Left Back on Loan

Brazilian left back Vinicius Nogueira is joining Orlando City on loan from PFC Ludogorets in Bulgaria. The loan will last through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season and includes an option to buy. Left back has been a position of concern for the Lions throughout the year, with Homegrown Player Zakaria Taifi filling in as of late. Hopefully Nogueira can acclimate quickly and make an impact as the Lions hunt for a playoff spot and silverware in the U.S. Open Cup.

Lions Reportedly Pursued U.S. International Fullback John Tolkin

According to Tom Bogert, Orlando City reportedly reached a deal with Holstein Kiel to sign American left back John Tolkin, but he opted to stay in Germany instead. A wrinkle to the deal though was that St. Louis City held Tolkin’s discovery rights, and so Orlando was set to trade Tahir Reid-Brown to St. Louis for those rights. Despite the deal for Tolkin falling through, Orlando didn’t block that move for Reid-Brown.

As for other Orlando City transfers that don’t seem to be happening, Marco Pasalic’s reported move to Europe this summer seems to be dead in the water. You’ll need to get past The Athletic‘s paywall for the full details, but after the Lions rejected Hull City’s loan offer, the English side reportedly didn’t make an offer for a permanent transfer, which Orlando would prefer over a loan. Other teams are also said to be interested in a loan deal but Bogert writes that if the Croatian is to leave Orlando, OCSC would like it to be a permanent transfer.

Pride Sign Goalkeeper Cara Martin to New Contract

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Cara Martin has signed a new contract with the club through the 2028 season with a mutual option for 2029. The 22-year-old signed with the Pride in January after four years at Georgetown. It’s an interesting decision by the club, considering Cosette Morche had a solid performance shutting out the Washington Spirit and Kat Asman just started for the Denver Summit while on loan.

Lions Hit the Road After Homestand

After six straight games at home, Orlando City is on the road this weekend for its match against Minnesota United. It’s been a grueling month for the Lions, which were spared from having to play yet another midweek match by not qualifying for the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. The Lions have been able to use this week to recover and improve, and interim head coach Martin Perelman praised the club’s staff for helping the team through this stretch.

“Fortunately, here we have a really good mental coach, which is Andrea (Gonzalez),” he said. “She does a really good job and helps us a lot in that area. Here in Orlando, I am proud because we have a really good interdisciplinary staff, and that mental part is well protected and well managed by her.”

UEFA Champions League Draw Unveiled

The draw for this year’s UEFA Champions League’s league phase is complete and there are some exciting matchups to look forward to. Paris Saint-Germain’s quest for three straight titles will feature home games against Barcelona and Roma along with away trips to England to play Manchester City and Aston Villa. Jose Mourinho will see some familiar faces during Real Madrid’s campaign, which includes games against Inter Milan, Roma, and Arsenal. It should be a fun tournament between the best teams in Europe and it will be interesting to see which underdogs make a splash this year.

Free Kicks

• The Orlando Pride moved up a spot to 11th in CBS Sports‘ NWSL power rankings following their 1-0 win against the Washington Spirit.
• MLS NEXT Pro announced that it’s changing its schedule to align with the new fall-to-spring MLS calendar, including the addition of a 2027 Sprint Season of its own.
• Julian Hall signed a four-year contract extension with the New York Red Bulls that lasts until the 2029-2030 season and will be an MLS U22 Initiative player.
• Inter Miami has named Kily Gonzalez as its next head coach, with the Argentinian replacing interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos. Miami is currently on a five-game winless streak after losing 2-1 to Toronto FC.
• UEFA requested discovery of potential evidence as it prepares a criminal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over his plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.
• Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush was loaned to Tottenham for the remainder of the season, with the move set to become permanent next summer for a reported $68 million transfer fee.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!