Lion Links: 4/13/23

It’s Thursday, which means we’re officially more than halfway through the work week. I’ve had a fairly busy week, but it hasn’t been too bad and I’m looking forward to some soccer and relaxation this weekend. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy 23rd birthday to Facundo Torres!

Gaston Gonzalez’s Road to Recovery

It’s nearly been a full year since winger Gaston Gonzalez tore his ACL in his final match for Club Atlético Unión in Argentina before joining Orlando City. The injury meant he couldn’t take the field for the Lions last season, but the club set up a recovery plan to prepare him for this 2023 season.

“They specifically helped me with the confidence of going into [the recovery],” he said, “I’ve never had anything like that [injury] before and the medical staff here was there for me. They told me ahead of time, ‘This is gonna be a long and difficult process, but we’re here for you and we’re going to continue working with you to make sure that we get you back up to where you were before.’

“I think without the help and support of my teammates, the whole technical staff here, and the support staff, I don’t think I would have come out on the other side of that as well as I have. It’s just thanks to everyone here for that.”

The 21-year-old made his debut in a scoreless draw against FC Cincinnati on March 4 and has appeared in seven games this year for the Lions. Gonzalez also spoke on the difference between playing in MLS compared to his native Argentina, namely the amount of running involved. It’s nice to see him nearing full strength and getting used to the league.

Mikayla Cluff Settles Into Second Season in Orlando

Following her rookie season last year, Orlando Pride midfielder Mikayla Cluff spoke on how she’s playing with confidence this season. The 24-year-old has started in both of the Pride’s games so far, playing as a box-to-box midfielder to contribute on both sides of the ball. She was drafted 14th overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft and signed a new three-year contract with the Pride before this season started. Cluff has also helped the team’s current rookies get accustomed to playing at the professional level in Orlando.

“Now that I’ve had a year it’s kind of nice to know where they’re coming from and what they might be experiencing,” she said. “Last year, I felt like I didn’t have as much as that. Obviously, me being the new one, I felt like I was kind of alone, or if anyone else knew what I was experiencing. But it’s nice to be able to relate to them and just talk to them through their first year, knowing where they might be coming from, and just try and help show them what they can do and know what to expect.”

Kamal Miller Traded to Inter Miami

CF Montreal traded former Lion Kamal Miller and $1.3 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) to Inter Miami in exchange for 22-year-old midfielder Bryce Duke and Costa Rican forward Ariel Lassiter. Miller was an MLS All-Star last season and played for Canada in the 2022 World Cup. He should help the back line for Miami after the club traded Damion Lowe to the Philadelphia Union this off-season. The hefty amount of GAM should also help Miami add some firepower to its offense this summer.

As for Montreal, the Canadian club could use some fresh blood in its attack considering it’s only scored three goals in six games this season. This move also comes as the club announced that forward Mason Toye is out for the next six to eight weeks after undergoing knee surgery. Still, it’s quite a bit to give up.

USMNT Roster Announced for Continental Clasico

The United States Men’s National Team will feature mostly MLS players when it faces off with Mexico on April 19 in the inaugural Continental Clásico in Arizona. Of the 23 players called up, Sergino Dest, Alan Soñora, and Joshua Wynder are the only ones who do not play in MLS. FC Cincinnati has three players on the roster, including forward Brandon Vazquez. Wynder, who plays for Louisville City in the USL Championship, is the youngest player on the roster at 17 years old, and this is his first call-up to a senior team camp. Defender Caleb Wiley and goalkeepers Drake Callender and Roman Celentano will also be aiming for their first USMNT appearance.

Real Madrid and AC Milan Win in Champions League

The first legs of this year’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are over and the trend of shutouts continued. Of the 20 games played so far in the knockout stage, only three have not ended with at least one team earning a clean sheet. In Spain, goals from Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio helped Real Madrid beat Chelsea 2-0. Chelsea will have to bounce back for the second leg on April 18, but will be without Ben Chilwell since he was sent off during the loss. The Italian match-up between AC Milan and Napoli ended up with Milan winning 1-0, thanks to a goal from Ismael Bennacer. Napoli was without forward Victor Osimhen due to injury, and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa was shown a second yellow card in the 74th minute. The second leg will take place in Naples and should be a good match.

Free Kicks

• Enjoy these photos from the Pride’s training as the team gets ready to take on NJ/NY Gotham FC on Saturday at Exploria Stadium.
• Seattle Sounders midfielder Josh Atencio won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his strike from distance that screamed past St. Louis City goalkeeper Roman Bürki and into the net.

• The Columbus Crew signed Homegrown Player Aidan Morris to a new contract that will keep him with the club through the 2026 season.
• Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford will miss a few games due to a muscle injury. The news comes at a bad time for United, which plays Sevilla in the Europa League today and next week.
• Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane reportedly punched teammate Leroy Sane following the club’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City earlier this week.
• According to Massimiliano Allegri, French midfielder Paul Pogba will be available for Juventus’ Europa League match today against Sporting CP.

We may be dealing with some rainy weather this week here in Florida, but don’t forget to stay hydrated out there.