Lion Links: 4/7/23

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve had a pretty busy week, and am looking forward to some peace and quiet this weekend. I’m headed to my grandfather’s on Easter for an annual event our family does where we bring our own steaks and cook them there. I’m honestly not the biggest fan of steak, but it’s still a fun time. Let’s get to today’s links.

Orlando Pride Forward Leah Pruitt Retires

After four years in the National Women’s Soccer League, Leah Pruitt announced she is retiring from professional soccer. The 25-year-old joined the Pride in a trade with OL Reign during the 2022 NWSL Draft and made 16 appearances last season, recording a goal and two assists. In the time since she arrived in Orlando, the Pride added Ally Watt, Haley Bugeja, Messiah Bright, and Amanda Allen, so there are plenty of options still available up top for the team. We wish Pruitt the best of luck in the next chapter of her career.

Orlando City B Preps for Inter Miami II

The Young Lions will be spending part of this upcoming Easter Sunday playing Inter Miami II at Osceola Heritage Park. OCB is one of seven MLS NEXT Pro teams that won both of their first two matches this season and is coming off of a 2-1 win against Huntsville City. Alex Freeman scored twice in that match, while midfielder Cristian Medina made his OCB debut and contributed an assist. As for the Herons, they won 2-1 on the road against Philadelphia Union II, thanks to a goal in stoppage time from Farid Sar-Sar. Sunday’s match will take place at 6 p.m. and can be watched on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Orlando City’s U-15 Team Advances to Semifinals

After beating the Seattle Sounders in the round of 16, Orlando City’s U-15 academy team won 2-0 against the Columbus Crew to book its spot in the semifinals. Gustavo Delgado is on fire for Orlando and scored both goals to bring his total this tournament to five. Orlando’s defense was also solid, securing its second straight shutout. In the semifinals, the baby Lions will take on the Philadelphia Union, which took down Real Madrid in a penalty shootout. The winner of that match will take on the victor between Austin FC and Genk from Belgium.

Analyzing Ireland Ahead of USWNT Friendly

The United States Women’s National Team will take on Ireland tomorrow afternoon in the first of two friendlies in preparation for the World Cup this summer. Ireland qualified for its first World Cup after finishing second in its qualifying group behind Sweden and beating Scotland in a playoff. The European nation could prove to be a tough nut to crack for the USWNT, as Ireland opts for a defensive formation and only conceded once last year. Defenders Louise Quinn, Diane Caldwell, and Claire O’Riordan are all strong in the air, a key part of Ireland’s strategy to stop opposing teams and capitalize on set pieces. North Carolina Courage midfielder Denise O’Sullivan and 23-year-old striker Heather Payne are notable attackers the USWNT will have to watch out for in these matches. After playing tomorrow in Austin, the two teams will face off again on Tuesday in St. Louis.

U.S. Open Cup Third Round is Set

The draw for the third round of the U.S. Open Cup took place and 18 MLS teams learned their first opponents for the tournament. One of the notable matches will be in Florida, as Inter Miami takes on Miami FC. The two teams squared off last year, with Inter Miami winning, 1-0. Elsewhere in the Sunshine State, the Tampa Bay Rowdies will host the Houston Dynamo. Union Omaha, which reached the quarterfinals last year, will travel to take on St. Louis City. Other interesting matchups include Atlanta United’s clash against Memphis 901, Nashville SC’s match with San Antonio FC, and a Sin City duel between Las Vegas Lights FC and Real Salt Lake. Orlando City will join the fray in the round of 32, alongside seven other MLS clubs.

Free Kicks

• Adriana came on as a substitute in the first Women’s Finalissima between Brazil and England in front of a crowd of 83,132. The teams drew 1-1 and went to penalties. The Pride forward converted her penalty kick in the post-game shootout, but England ended up winning to extend its unbeaten streak to 30 games.
• Here’s a nice breakdown of where each MLS Western Conference team stands in terms of their open Designated Player and U22 Initiative spots.
• The U.S. U-16 Women’s National Team beat France 3-0 in its second game of the Mondial Montaigu Football Tournament.
• The United States Women’s Beach Soccer National Team beat the Bahamas 6-0 in an ANOC World Beach Games qualifier. The U.S. men beat Belize 8-2 to reach the semifinals.

• Frank Lampard was officially announced as Chelsea’s manager through the end of this season.
• Uruguay is reportedly close to hiring former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa as its next head coach.

• Juventus was handed a partial stadium ban for its next home game in the Coppa Italia after racist chants were made by some supporters towards Romelu Lukaku.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and rest of your weekend!