Lion Links: 5/4/23

May the fourth be with you, Mane Landers. Don’t worry, I won’t beat you over the head with too many Star Wars references today as I’m sure you will deal with plenty of them today. I’ll actually confess that, while I enjoy the franchise, I didn’t watch my first Star Wars movie until catching Revenge of the Sith on TV one summer. It pretty much ruined my first viewing of A New Hope a couple years later in college. Since then, I’ve seen every movie and series in the franchise, except for The Empire Strikes Back. I know, I know. But before you all toss me into a Sarlacc pit, let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando City Starts U.S. Open Cup Will Air on CBS Golazo Network

The Lions will begin their U.S Open Cup title defense the road against Charlotte FC on Tuesday at 7 p.m. It will be the first of four matches streamed on CBS Sports Golazo Network for the tournament’s round of 32. Launched last month, CBS Sports Golazo Network is a 24-hour soccer streaming network and available for free through the CBS Sports App, Pluto TV, CBSSports.com, and Paramount+. This will be Orlando City’s first match of this year’s tournament after lifting the trophy last year in a championship run that included six wins at home.

Lions Ride Momentum Into Montreal

Before that U.S. Open Cup match, the Lions will face off against CF Montreal on Saturday. It will be the Lions’ first trip to Canada since losing 2-0 to Montreal in the playoffs last season. After a rough start this season, Montreal has won its past three games in all competitions without conceding a goal. The Lions also enter this match with some momentum behind them, beating the LA Galaxy 2-0 at home thanks to goals from Designated Players Ercan Kara and Facundo Torres. Cesar Araujo’s 27 fouls won are the second most in the league and he will make his 50th appearance across all competitions as a Lion if he suits up on Saturday. The club will have a watch part at Kiwi’s Pub & Grill in Altamonte Springs for this weekend’s match.

Alex Freeman’s Memorable Weekend

Orlando City Homegrown Player Alex Freeman made his debut for the first team this past weekend, coming off the bench to play in front of a packed Exploria Stadium. While he was only on the field for a few minutes, it was the culmination of his hard work to reach that point after training with the first team for over a year.

“I did plan to have more minutes for him today,” Lions head coach Oscar Pareja said, “We want these guys from the academy to come and be part of that. I know what it means for the player to play two minutes in his debut and just put the feet on the pound. We say that in Spanish, and it’s a saying that means you are already there.”

The 18-year-old defender then played for Orlando City B on Sunday, scoring his third goal of the season in the team’s 3-2 win over Toronto FC II. Freeman now leads the Young Lions in goals as OCB sits near the top of the Eastern Conference. Hopefully more opportunities are headed Freeman’s way as he and other young players continue to develop.

Orlando Pride Announce Theme Nights

The Orlando Pride announced six theme nights at Exploria Stadium for this NWSL season. These events will take place once a month and include the chance to purchase specialty merchandise. The first theme night will take place on May 20 for Pups of Pride, which will allow fans to bring their dogs to the match. Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando will also be in attendance with adoptable animals. Pride in Our City will be on June 11 as the club celebrates Orlando’s LGBTQIA+ community and remembers the 49 lives lost in the Pulse shooting seven years ago. The Pride’s final game of the season on Oct. 15 will recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well. This season will also include the first Star Wars Night on Aug. 25, and fans can purchase tickets to that match for $5.04 in honor of today’s date.

Lionel Messi Will Reportedly Become a Free Agent This Summer

According to Fabrizio Romano, Lionel Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires this summer. There were rumors he’d stay, but Messi’s father reportedly told the French club about the decision a month ago.

This news come after he was fined and suspended by PSG for two weeks after he made an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia and failed to report to training earlier this week. Once again, Messi will become one of the most sought after free agents in soccer, with Barcelona, Miami, and Saudi Arabia as possible destinations where he could wind up.

Free Kicks

• Here’s a fantastic look behind the scenes of the Pride’s road win over the San Diego Wave. It’s pretty cinematic, and includes pep talks from Head Coach Seb Hines and his assistant, Giles Barnes.

• You can also enjoy the sights and sounds from Orlando’s huge win at home against the Galaxy.

• Despite winning their first game of the year, the Pride are still last in CBS Sports‘ NWSL power rankings.
• A drone toured Exploria Stadium to give a unique perspective of the Lions’ and Pride’s home.

• D.C. United’s Christian Benteke won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his bicycle kick against Charlotte FC.

• The New York Red Bulls signed 18-year-old midfielder Ronald Donkor to a contract through the 2026 season, with an option for 2027 as well. Donkor joins the Red Bulls after playing with Guidars FC in Mali and he will take up an international roster spot.
• The North Carolina Courage and NJ/NY Gotham FC battled to a 1-1 draw in the NWSL Challenge Cup.
• Erling Haaland scored his 35th goal of the season in Manchester City’s 3-0 win over West Ham to break the English Premier League’s single-season scoring record.
• Eintracht Frankfurt scored three goals in the second half to beat VfB Stuttgart 3-2 and advance to the DfB Pokal final against RB Leipzig on June 3.
• Real Madrid is reportedly closing in on a deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign English midfielder Jude Bellingham.

• French forward Antoine Griezmann scored twice in Atletico Madrid’s 5-1 win over Cadiz CF, helping his team move into second in the La Liga standings.
• A fan was arrested for shining a laser in Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk’s face when his team played Arsenal earlier this week.

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