Lion Links: 6/19/19

Happy Wednesday, Mane Landers! I wish I could share in the excitement of a home game in the middle of our drought, but alas I’m away for work and am sad to report I’ll have to miss out tonight. Let’s take a minute to wish Carlos Ascues a happy birthday before we dive into the links.

USMNT Open Gold Cup with Win Over Guyana

Tyler Boyd scored his first two goals for the USMNT to lead the Yanks past Guyana, 4-0 at Allianz Field, home of Minnesota United. Paul Arriola opened the scoring and Gyasi Zardes scored an accidental goal off his face on a deflection in front of goal. It was a bit of a sloppy game and lethargic at times and yet the USMNT should have scored at least two or three more goals on the night and may have done just that had Jozy Altidore been able to play instead of Zardes, who did a good job in his role as Guyana’s sweeper. Still, the Yanks opened with a win and are top of the table in Group D on goal differential after Panama beat Trinidad & Tobago, 2-0 in the early game. Next up for the U.S. is T&T on Saturday night in Cleveland.

Orlando City Still in the Running

The Greater Orlando 2026 World Cup Pursuit Partners plan to announce a new host city candidate logo on Thursday. Orlando is one of 17 U.S. cities still in the running to host matches for the 2026 World Cup.

“On behalf of our World Cup Pursuit stakeholders, we are looking forward to unveiling our Host City Candidate logo. Our leadership team from the City of Orlando, Orange County, Orlando City Soccer Club and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission is very much looking forward to welcoming dignitaries from FIFA and U.S. Soccer to Orlando during the upcoming phase of the bid process to showcase all that our community has to offer,” said Jason Siegel, CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.

Nani’s Latest YouTube

If you didn’t already know, Nani has a YouTube channel. His latest episode features his first goals as a lion, and his friendship from way back with Uri Rosell.

Haley Kopmeyer Earns Save of the Week

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer’s save in the 34th minute of the 2-2 draw against the Houston Dash has earned her the NWSL Save of the Week.

Pride around the World

Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond saw the starting XI again yesterday as the Matildas took on Jamaica, in their 4-1 win, with Sam Kerr scoring all four goals.

Marta got the start too in Brazil’s 1-0 win over Italy. Marta scored (again) on a penalty kick to give the Brazilians the win. Not only was this her 17th World Cup goal, but set a new World Cup record as the all-time leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history. Not just for the women, but (let me repeat it in case you missed it) all-time leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history!

Free Kicks

• Bad as Mother episode four sees Sydney Leroux Dwyer back in Vancouver for her baby shower.
• Former European Soccer Federation President Michel Platini was detained in France over the World Cup vote.
• ESPN.com did a feature, honoring the 99ers, sitting down with 18 members of that squad.
• Jonathan Klinsmann has made a switch from Germany to Switzerland.
• 15 years ago yesterday, the Average Joes Gym won arguably the greatest battle ever known.
• MLS announced Graham Zusi to the MLS All Star roster. We’re not sure why they’re announcing them one at a time.
• James O’Connor is looking forward to being in front of home supporters for tonight’s match.

That’s going to do it for me today, Mane Land. Be sure to check back for all things U.S. Open Cup later tonight. Please go and have fun while you take advantage of stadium low concession prices while I’m in rainy South Florida at a work conference. Promise? OK, now invite five friends to go with you.