Lion Links: 6/10/19

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! While it might not have been a great weekend for the U.S., we did still get to start watching the World Cup. Frankly, I think we should refer to the women’s version that way until the USMNT gets its stuff together. Which team has three stars? Exactly. Let’s get to the links.

USMNT Falls to Venezuela

The less than optimal United States National Team did less than optimal things against Venezuela, losing the match 3-0. Unfortunately, it wasn’t even as close as the scoreline, as the U.S. was never really in the match. Jordan Morris had one shot that went wide left, but Venezuela dominated this match as the USMNT lost its second Gold Cup warm-up in a row. Stay tuned to social media for a mental breakdown from U.S. supporters.

Josué Colmán On the Move?

In what remains as speculation and is far from official, it looks like Orlando City midfielder Josué Colmán is headed to Paraguayan club Cerro Portena on loan.

The 20-year-old Young Designated Player has only started in one game so far this season and this may be a good opportunity for him to find minutes. However, the speculated move comes at an odd time as Orlando could use the depth with the U.S. Open Cup starting for MLS teams this month and more than a few players away on international duty. It’s hard to say if this is an effort to bring in a DP during the summer transfer window or the start of Colmán’s eventual exit from the team, but make sure to check back with The Mane Land as more information becomes available.

Orlando City on Break

The Lions last played on June 1, winning 3-0 over Montreal. Since then, they’ve been on a break, resting and recuperating. Given their recent form, one might want the team to keep playing and winning. James O’Connor and the players are actually glad for the break, given that they are halfway through the season, and a bit of fatigue is setting in. After some rest the Lions have returned to training in preparation for their U.S. Open Cup match against USL side Memphis 901 FC this Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Orlando Pride’s Claire Emslie Makes History for Scotland

The Orlando Pride’s newest player Claire Emslie made history on Sunday, scoring Scotland’s first Women’s World Cup goal ever. Unfortunately, Scotland came up short in the 2-1 loss to England. Emslie also spoke to Not the Old Firm about the excitement she feels about representing her country at the World Cup.

Other Women’s World Cup Results

The USWNT plays tomorrow, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t had plenty of great matches. Sunday started out with Australia taking on Italy. Sam Kerr’s 22nd-minute goal was her first scored in a World Cup. It wasn’t enough though, as Barbara Bonansea scored a brace to give Italy the victory over Alanna Kennedy, Emily van Egmond, and the rest of the Matildas in stoppage time. In the second match of the day, Brazil easily defeated Jamaica by a score of 3-0, despite the Orlando Pride’s Marta being on the bench as she tries to come back from an injury. Camila was also on the bench for Brazil.

Still No Equal Treatment

As I mentioned in the intro, the USWNT is by far the superior U.S. side when it comes to international competition. Part of the blame goes to lawmakers who have allowed U.S. Soccer near total latitude to direct the fortunes of the national program. There are several former and current players involved in a lawsuit for equal pay. Perhaps yet another good World Cup showing will bring more light to the subject. The U.S. players aren’t the only women under fire, as the Brazil Women’s National Team is dealing with misogyny at home. Despite having such players as Formiga, and perhaps the greatest woman to ever play the game in Marta, they have never finished better than runner-up in 2007. The Brazilian women don’t get the support they deserve either.

Free Kicks

• The USMNT U-23s have been called up for camp in Utah. Included in the call-ups are Orlando City’s Cam Lindley and Benji Michel. We told you about Michel in Saturday’s Lion Links, but add Cam to the list!

• An interesting look at Exploria Stadium’s impact on the Parramore area from an outsider’s perspective. Is FC Cincinnati heading down the same path?
• Portugal came away with a 1-0 win over the Netherlands to win the first UEFA Nations League trophy.
• Formiga’s start for Brazil made her the first person to play in seven World Cups.

• U.S. military personnel and French locals celebrated 75 years since their predecessors played a similar match following the events of D-Day, and the liberation of France. It was a reminder of the worst of times and how good people were able to come together following such tragedy.

That’s all I’ve got for you today. It’s another busy soccer week as the USWNT kicks off its World Cup run tomorrow, and on Wednesday Orlando City visits Memphis in U.S. Open Cup action and OCB hosts FC Tucson. Saturday sees the Pride visit Houston and OCB travels to South Georgia Tormenta. We’ll cover it all for you.