Lion Links: 6/23/19

Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. It’s been an exciting weekend in the world of soccer. The Women’s World Cup, Copa America, Gold Cup, Major League Soccer, Orlando Pride, and Orlando City B have kept my thirst for footy to a minimum. That said, it also means that we have a lot of content for you to dig into today, so let’s get to it.

The Pride Visit New Jersey, Win 2-1

An Orlando Pride team lacking star power and a win on the season traveled to Yurcak Field yesterday to take on Sky Blue FC. The trip to New Jersey proved to be fruitful one, as the Pride took home all three points thanks to a spot kick from Chi Ubogagu and a late own goal from Sky Blue’s Gina Lewandowski, forced by Pride rookie Marisa Viggiano. This marks the team’s first win of the season, and hopefully, a turning point in which the Pride start to win more matches. The win ends a 15-match winless streak.

OCB Travels North, Loses 2-0

Orlando City B made a trip to Michigan to face off against Lansing Ignite FC, bringing home with them a disappointing 2-0 loss in the team’s first-ever clash with the club. The Michigan-based club dominated from the very beginning of this one, and the Young Lions failed to create a chance in the closing 22 minutes. That’s also three losses in a row for the Young Lions. They see action next when they host Greenville Triumph SC on Friday.

The U.S. Men’s National Team Impresses vs. Trinidad & Tobago

In a match that many dubbed as a revenge match, the USMNT faced off against Trinidad and Tobago in a crucial second group stage match in the Gold Cup. Christian Pulisic earned a beautiful assist with a cross to Aaron Long, who put it past the keeper on the back post with a diving header to open the scoring. After leading just 1-0 at the break, the Yanks crushed T&T 6-0 with five second-half goals. The victory clinches a berth in the Gold Cup knockout stages for the U.S. and eliminates T&T.

Another Women’s World Cup Update

Yesterday’s matches included Germany’s 3-0 win over Nigeria, with goals coming from Alexandra Popp, Sara Dabritz, and Lea Schuller. Nigeria is now staging a sit-in due to unpaid wages.

In the latter of the two matches, Norway staged a thrilling spot kick win over Australia. The match ended in heartbreak for the Matildas, who were led by arguably one of the best players on the planet in Sam Kerr. Unfortunately for Kerr, she missed a crucial spot kick and her country was subsequently knocked out of the tournament. Alanna Kennedy of the Pride, another one of the Matildas’ leaders, was sent off in extra time. Penalty kicks are an inevitable part of the tournament at this stage, but what’s a shootout all about? ESPN’s Sachin Dave Chandan took a deep dive to answer that exact question.

Today’s matches include England vs. Cameroon at 11 a.m. ET, and France vs. Brazil at 3 p.m. Can Pride stars Marta and Camila pull off the upset and knock out the hosts?

Free Kicks

• Speaking of Brazil and Pride star Marta, congratulations to her for nailing this Vogue Brasil cover. Whew.

• Birgit Prinz is Germany’s secret weapon.
• Major props are in order to fledgling club New Mexico United for its efforts in getting supporters to their away U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match in Minnesota!

• Sam Kerr has reportedly been offered a two-year, $1 million contract to play with Chelsea FC in the FA women’s Super League.
• Tallahassee SC won yet again, taking home three points after beating the Gulf Coast Rangers, 2-0.

• Central Florida SC held a lead for much of this match, but ultimately drew with the Jacksonville Armada U-23s, 3-3.

• Odell Beckham Jr. wants to see more passion at NFL games, citing the scenes he witnessed at soccer matches.

• Matthijs De Ligt may have decided his next home, with rumors that he’s agreed to a move to Juventus, joining forces with Cristiano Ronaldo, who had made efforts to recruit the Dutch star following Portugal’s win in the UEFA Nation’s League final. Nothing is official just yet, so keep an eye on this club-changing defender.
• And as always, keep track of results from around the league!

All right folks, that’s about it. Enjoy all of this soccer that we have at our fingertips at the moment, have a great Sunday, and an excellent week!