Lion Links: 4/20/23

How’s it going, Mane Landers? We’re another day closer to a weekend filled with Orlando soccer. I’ll be visiting my parents this weekend and am looking forward to kicking back and relaxing for a bit after a stressful week. For now, let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world.

Orlando Pride Start 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup With Draw

In their first match of the 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup, the Orlando Pride drew 1-1 with the North Carolina Courage at Exploria Stadium. After a scoreless first half, the Pride struck first in the 56th minute to take the lead for the first time this year. However, despite some nice saves from goalkeeper Carly Nelson, the Pride conceded yet another late goal as the Courage scored in stoppage time to equalize and leave the City Beautiful with a point. It’s a rough ending to what would have been a nice win for the Pride to open the tournament with. The Pride’s next game in the Challenge Cup will be a road match against the Washington Spirit on May 10.

USMNT Draws Against Mexico

The United States Men’s National Team squared off against Mexico in the inaugural Continental Clásico and drew 1-1. It was a friendly outside of an international window, meaning many MLS players were in action for the USMNT. Neither team managed to score in the first half, but Mexico broke through in the 55th minute. Uriel Antuna pounced on a bad pass by Aaron Long and sprinted down the field to score for Mexico. FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira salvaged a draw for the USMNT in the 81st minute, getting on the end of a nice pass into the box from Jordan Morris. Midfielder James Sands also did well for the USMNT, completing 90.4% of his passes.

U.S. and Mexico Announce Joint Women’s World Cup Bid

On the final day to submit expressed interest in hosting the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the United States and Mexico announced a joint bid to co-host. If selected, it would be the third time the Women’s World Cup would be held in the United States, and the USWNT won both of those tournaments in 1991 and 1999. South Africa also announced a bid and there was a joint bid between Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands as well. It will be interesting to see if the Women’s World Cup would take place in North America just a year after the men’s tournament is held here in 2026.

Kansas City Current Fire Head Coach

Matt Potter is no longer the head coach of the Kansas City Current after the NWSL club announced it parted ways with him due to leadership issues. In his first season as the Current’s head coach last year, Potter guided the team to a 10-6-6 record before falling to the Portland Thorns in the championship match. The Current have had a rough start to the 2023 season, losing all three of their regular-season games so far. Assistant Coach Caroline Sjöblom will serve as the club’s interim head coach.

Utah Royals Name Amy Rodriguez as Head Coach

NWSL expansion club Utah Royals FC appointed former USWNT and NWSL player Amy Rodriguez as head coach. It’s a reunion for Rodriguez, who played in Utah for a few years with the previous Royals team. This move presents a big opportunity for Rodriguez, as she has spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Southern California. It will be her first time coaching professional athletes, but she has a year to prepare ahead of the club’s debut in 2024.

Free Kicks

• Black Swans Drinking Club, an Orlando Pride supporters group, is raising money to benefit a youth center in Parramore. Each pledge is per every goal, save, and assist made by the Pride during the Challenge Cup.

• LA Galaxy winger Tyler Boyd won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his strike from distance in a loss to LAFC. I’m shocked Dairon Asprilla didn’t win for his equalizing bicycle kick to kickstart the Portland Timbers in a 4-1 win over the Seattle Sounders.

• With Olympique Lyonnais’ season nearing its conclusion, American forward Catarina Macario could join an NWSL team on loan to boost her chances of making the USWNT’s World Cup roster.
• The Colorado Rapids named Fran Taylor as their next sporting director. Taylor joins the Rapids after eight years as vice president of analytics at StatDNA.
• Irish midfielder Jack Byrne was linked with a move to Charlotte FC. The 26-year-old plays for Shamrock Rovers and the Irish club has reportedly rejected two bids from Charlotte.
• In the UEFA Champions League, a 1-1 draw was enough for Manchester City to advance past Bayern Munich. Inter Milan also advanced after a 3-3 draw with Benfica. The semifinals include a star-studded clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid, along with a derby match-up between Inter Milan and AC Milan at San Siro.
• Argentina was officially named as the host of next month’s FIFA U-20 World Cup, replacing Indonesia. The draw is set to take place today in Switzerland.
• Red Bull Arena will host a match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion on July 28.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week.