Lion Links
Lion Links: 8/31/26
Lions draw Minnesota United, Pride fall to Utah Royals, OCB finally wins, and more.
Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been staying busy at work covering high school football. Let’s wish a happy belated birthday to OCB forward Gustavo Caraballo, who turned 18 on Saturday, and Orlando Pride forward Julie Doyle, who turned 28 on Sunday. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Lions Draw at Minnesota United
Orlando City blew a two-goal lead late in the second half, fell behind on the road, and scored in stoppage time to draw Minnesota United 3-3 on Saturday at Allianz Field. Daryl Dike scored the opener in the first half. Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead in the second half on a nice transition opportunity. It looked like Orlando was going to win two games in a row, however, Minnesota scored three goals in four minutes to take a 3-2 lead. In stoppage time, Tyrese Spicer buried a late equalizer for the Lions to salvage a road draw. Orlando City will face San Diego FC at home on Saturday.
Pride Fall to Utah Royals at Home
The Orlando Pride fell 2-1 to the Utah Royals on Saturday at Inter.co Stadium after leading at the half. Barbra Banda put the Pride in front just before halftime. Utah equalized just minutes after the restart, and Paige Cronin added another for the Royals, who swept the season series. Orlando’s back line struggled in the second half as the club couldn’t hold on to the lead and slipped to 12th place in the NWSL table. The Pride will take on the Houston Dash at home on Sunday.
OCB Defeat Crown Legacy
Orlando City B defeated Crown Legacy FC 3-2 Sunday at Osceola County Stadium despite falling behind early. Crown Legacy struck first early in the first half, but Issah Haruna leveled the match for the Young Lions just before halftime. Matthew Belgodere and Gustavo Caraballo scored a few minutes apart to give OCB a 3-1 lead early in the second half. Crown Legacy pulled one back through an own goal by OCB midfielder Ignacio Gomez, but the Young Lions held on for the three points and snapped a five-match losing streak. OCB will be on the road for its next match on Friday, taking on Inter Miami II.
Latest MLS Transfer Roundup
The New England Revolution are reportedly finalizing a deal to sign Daniel Gazdag from the Columbus Crew.
St. Louis City is reportedly close to acquiring forward Rafael Navarro from the Colorado Rapids for a record transfer fee. The New York Red Bulls are close to finalizing a deal with D.C. United to bring back midfielder Caden Clark.
EFL Championship side Stoke City has reportedly reached an agreement with San Diego FC to acquire left back Luca Bombino.
Lastly, Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy has traveled to Europe to undergo a medical and seal his transfer to Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
Free Kicks
- The Lions had fun at the Minnesota Vikings’ training facility before Saturday’s match, where Griezmann showed off his passing game playing quarterback.
- Manchester City is reportedly in transfer talks with Liverpool to sign forward Cody Gakpo.
- Chelsea announced the signing of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa on Sunday on a three-year contract. Martinez made his debut for Chelsea, starting in goal, and made four saves in a thrilling 4-3 win against Brighton and Hove Albion.
- Forward Ollie Watkins has left Aston Villa and has reportedly joined Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League.
- Everton is reportedly considering a bid for USMNT and AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline. However, it will depend on whether the club can move forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Beto.
- FK Zalgiris, a Lithuanian women’s first-division club, has reportedly invited Jason Sudeikis, who plays Ted Lasso in the hit Apple TV show, to coach its women’s team in a real game to help bring global attention to the club.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.