Lion Links: 6/16/23

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! Only one work day remains between us and a Father’s Day weekend packed with soccer. I’ll be visiting my family this weekend to celebrate and am looking forward to some time to relax and hang out with them. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Luca Petrasso!

Megan Montefusco Signs New Contract With the Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride and center back Megan Montefusco agreed to a new contract that will keep her in the City Beautiful through 2024, with an option for 2025 as well. Montefusco joined the Pride in the January of 2022 as part of a trade with the Houston Dash that also sent Marisa Viggiano to Texas. The 30-year-old defender has started in eight of the Pride’s matches this NWSL season, providing leadership during the team’s rebuild. She’ll make her 150th NWSL appearance this Saturday if she plays in the Pride’s match against the North Carolina Courage at 7:30 p.m.

Orlando City B Loses to Chicago Fire II

Orlando City B’s road woes continued, as the team fell 1-0 to Chicago Fire II in Bridgeview, IL. The Fire struck in the first half, with former Orlando City draft pick Jonathan Dean providing the assist. The Young Lions struggled against Chicago’s press and were not able to capitalize on any of the chances they created throughout the match. It was the third time OCB has been shut out this season, with all three instances taking place on the road. OCB has some time to reset before its next match, as it will take on Philadelphia Union II at home on June 28.

USMNT Bosses Mexico in Concacaf Nations League

In the Concacaf Nations League semifinals, the United States Men’s National Team beat Mexico 3-0 in Las Vegas. Christian Pulisic stole the show, scoring a goal in each half for a brace. Ricardo Pepi scored the USMNT’s third goal shortly after coming off the bench, getting on the end of a nice pass from Sergino Dest. Unfortunately, tensions ran high and both Dest and midfielder Weston McKennie will miss the final after receiving red cards. That final will take place on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. against Canada, which beat Panama 2-0. USMNT forward Folarin Balogun also made his debut in this win, starting up top.

Gregg Berhalter Will Reportedly Return as USMNT Head Coach

According to The Athletic ($), Gregg Berhalter will become the USMNT’s head coach once more. Multiple sources told Paul Tenorio and Pablo Iglesias Maurer that his return is imminent and that the deal is not yet finalized as negotiations continue.

If this comes to fruition, it would be a bit of a surprise, considering the search for a new head coach that the United States Soccer Federation has done and that Berhalter’s contract expired at the start of this year. While coaching the USMNT, Berhalter helped the team win both the Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup in 2021. He has the highest win percentage of any USMNT head coach and led the team to the round of 16 in last year’s World Cup.

Angel City FC Fires Freya Coombe as Head Coach

Freya Coombe is no longer the head coach of Angel City FC, which sits 11th in the NWSL standings with half of the season played. Angel City has lost its past four games across all competitions and has only won twice this season. Coombe joined the club in 2021 before its inaugural season the following year, leading Angel City to eighth place last season. Assistant Coach Becki Tweed will serve as interim head coach while the club searches for a permanent replacement.

Free Kicks

• The New England Revolution exercised its contract buyout on Jozy Altidore, opening up some options for the club during the upcoming transfer window. The 33-year-old forward is now a free agent.
• Canadian midfielder Scott Arfield is reportedly joining Charlotte FC on a free transfer after playing for Rangers FC in the Scottish Premiership since 2018.

• ESPN‘s Sam Marsden wrote a great article about where the 15 Spanish Women’s National Team players who wanted improved conditions last September currently stand ahead of the World Cup.
• Spain beat Italy 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League semifinals thanks to a late goal from Joselu. Spain will take on Croatia in the final on Sunday.
• Napoli has hired Rudi Garcia as its next head coach after the departure of  Luciano Spalletti. Garcia has coached Marseille, Roma, Lille, and most recently Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
• Lionel Messi scored just one minute and 19 seconds into Argentina’s friendly with Australia for his fastest career goal. The friendly took place in China and Messi was also hugged by a fan who ran onto the field before he took a corner kick.
• An MLS ball that includes Marvel characters was leaked, along with rumors that it will be used for the MLS All-Star Game against Arsenal.

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