Lion Links: 8/24/22

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I enjoyed the season finale of Only Murders In the Building and also snagged Ali Hazelwood’s new book, Love on the Brain, so it’s been a fairly nice week so far. Let’s get this Wednesday started with today’s links.

NWSL Attendance Record Will Be Broken Next Month

According to former Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan, more than 27,000 tickets have been sold for San Diego Wave FC’s home game against Angel City FC on Sept. 17 to christen Snapdragon Stadium. That would break the NWSL’s all-time attendance record and Morgan spoke about the achievement.

“I think it’s a testament to women’s soccer in the U.S. and the NWSL, and the San Diego Wave and what we’re building here,” Morgan told ESPN. “To see this number today, right now, and just knowing that we’re gonna get a sellout, it’s just an incredible feeling because this club set its mind on breaking the single-match attendance in league history. They’ve done that now, but now the goals don’t stop for this club and I’m just really proud to be a part of that.”

In other NWSL news, this year’s NWSL championship will now take place at 8 p.m. It’s the first time an NWSL championship will be broadcast during a prime time slot and fans will be able to watch it on CBS on Oct. 29.

Sergino Dest Linked With Borussia Dortmund

FC Barcelona right back Sergino Dest could be headed to Germany to join Borussia Dortmund as part of a reported swap between the two clubs involving him and Belgian defender Thomas Meunier. Dest has not featured in either of Barcelona’s matches this season and Xavi has been vocal about his search for a right back that can challenge Sergio Roberts. If Dest does go to Dortmund, he would join fellow American Giovanni Reyna and receive some valuable playing time before the World Cup later this year.

Americans Abroad This Week

After a big win against Chelsea this past weekend, American manager Jesse Marsch will aim to keep the momentum rolling in Leeds United’s Carabao Cup match-up against Barnsley today at 2:45 p.m. Elsewhere in the tournament, Josh Sargent didn’t play for Norwich City in its penalty shootout loss against Bournemouth. It’s a bit bizarre he was left out of the lineup considering his strong run of form. Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson didn’t play in Fulham’s shocking 2-0 loss at the hands of Crawley Town. Chris Richards played for Crystal Palace though, helping his team win 2-0 against Oxford United.

With a spot in the Champions League on the line, Malik Tillman and James Sands may start for Rangers in a road match against PSV after drawing 2-2 in the first leg. In Europa League qualifying, Konrad de la Fuente and Olympiacos will take on Apollon Limassol tomorrow. Sam Vines and Antwerp will face Basaksehir tomorrow in Europa Conference League qualifying.

Details Emerge on Kris Ward’s Firing

The Washington Spirit relieved Kris Ward of his head coaching duties earlier this week and reports have surfaced that it may be due to his relationship with players deteriorating. Ward was reportedly disinvited from a team retreat after a conflict at practice as well. Although the Spirit won the NWSL championship under Ward last year, the club has not won a game since its season opener on May 1. An interim head coach has not been named and the Spirit’s next game is on the road against the Houston Dash this Saturday.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City jumped up four spots to 12th in the MLS power rankings after winning another game on the road.
• United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski spoke about Mia Fishel, who was drafted by the Pride earlier this year and then chose to play in Mexico rather than the NWSL.
• Seattle Sounders Cristian Roldan is out for four to six weeks after undergoing groin surgery.
• According to labor rights activists, Qatar deported migrant workers who took part in protests. Qatar has relied on foreign labor to build the infrastructure for the World Cup.
• LAFC is reportedly close to loaning 19-year-old defender Mamadou Fall to Villarreal.
• Inter Miami signed defender Harvey Neville, son of Head Coach Phil Neville, to a first-team contract.
• The New England Revolution signed Ignacio “Nacho” Gil, younger brother of Carles Gil, to a contract through the end of this year.
• Arsenal was placed on a watchlist for potentially breaching fair play regulations.
• The Ukrainian Premier League returned after the previous season had to be canceled. Matches are being played without fans and precautions such as bomb shelters have been implemented to keep players and staff safe.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday.