Lion Links: 4/18/23

Happy Tuesday, everyone! The soccer continues to fly thick and fast as the Orlando Pride will take on the North Carolina Courage tomorrow and the United States Men’s National Team will play Mexico later in the night. There’s plenty to talk through today, so let’s get into it.

Duncan McGuire’s Performance Recognized

Orlando City rookie forward Duncan McGuire received recognition for his match-winning appearance off the bench in Orlando’s 2-1 comeback win over Minnesota United FC. The 22-year-old earned a place on the bench in the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Matchday. McGuire entered the fray in the 75th minute and proceeded to grab the game-winning goal when he nodded home Ivan Angulo’s chipped shot that banged off the crossbar. He also showed some excellent maturity and awareness to take the ball to the corner several times with the game winding down, and it’s nice to see his performance recognized. Here’s hoping he keeps up the good work!

Viviana Villacorta Reflects on her Return

Orlando Pride midfielder Viviana Villacorta made her return to the field during Saturday’s loss to NJ/NY Gotham FC. Villacorta had been out since suffering ligament damage to her left ankle in August of last year, and she had surgery to repair the damage. She played the final 29 minutes of Saturday’s game without incident and while she had some understandable nerves, she said she was very excited to be back on the field. Now that she’s met that milestone, she’s set her sights on getting back into the starting lineup and picking up where she left off. Needless to say, we’ll be rooting for her.

Orlando City Announces New Shows

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride have announced two new programming offerings. The first is Orlando Soccer Insider, which debuts this week and will air every Friday at 9 p.m. on FOX 35 Plus. It will be hosted by Gabrielle Amado and Miguel Gallardo and cover City, the Pride, Orlando City B, and Orlando City’s academy. The second offering is called Kickoff -60, and will air at 6:30 p.m. before every Orlando City game on the LionNation app. Amado will appear on the show alongside Evan Weston and Paul Shaw, with special guests appearing as well. Kickoff -60 will have its maiden broadcast this Saturday ahead of the Lions’ match against D.C. United.

Americans Abroad Roundup

It was a busy weekend for Americans plying their trade overseas. Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson helped Fulham pick up three points over Everton. One division down in England, Ethan Horvath recorded yet another clean sheet in Luton Town’s 2-0 win over Rotherham. Meanwhile in Germany, Gio Reyna scored what looked to be a stoppage-time winner for Borussia Dortmund, only for VfB Stuttgart to answer with an equalizer in the 97th minute. In Mexico, Alejandro Zendejas scored a brace as his Club America team took down Cruz Azul. Finally, Ricardo Pepi continued his good form as he scored in FC Groningen’s 2-1 loss to RKC Waalwijk.

USSF Will Enforce Chanting Protocol Against Mexico

The U.S. Soccer Federation stated that it will enforce its newly minted policy to combat anti-gay chanting during the United States’ match-up with Mexico tomorrow night. Despite the game not being during an international window, USSF will enforce the policy starting during tomorrow’s match and will continue to do so in all subsequent matches between the two teams. Fans will first be warned to cease the chant, and play will be suspended for two minutes. If chanting continues, another warning will be issued and teams will go to the locker room for 10 minutes, and if chanting still continues then the match will be abandoned.

Free Kicks

• A pair of young Lions have been called up to the U-17 United States Men’s National Team.

• The Pride didn’t let a little rain stop them from getting in Monday’s training session.

• American midfielder Julie Ertz officially signed with Angel City FC, agreeing to a one-year contract.

• Brandon Vazquez spoke on how he hasn’t heard from the Mexican National Team.

That’s all I have for you today. Y’all stay safe out there.