Lion Links: 6/21/23

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. How is everyone doing so far this week? I’ll be working at Morgan Wallen and Fall Out Boy concerts this week at Wrigley Field. Let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter. There is plenty to get to today, so let’s get to the links.

OCSC Takes On the Union Tonight

Orlando City has a midweek clash tonight at Exploria Stadium against the Philadelphia Union, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. The Lions are seventh in the Eastern Conference and will look to bounce back after losing 3-1 on the road this past weekend against the New England Revolution. The Union come into this match off a 2-1 loss on the road against the San Jose Earthquakes and are fourth in the Eastern Conference. The last time these two clubs met was back on Mar. 25, with the Lions winning 2-1 at Subaru Park. Orlando City has been unbeaten at Exploria Stadium in its last four matches at home. After tonight’s match, the Lions will head out west to take on the Seattle Sounders this Saturday.

Facundo Torres Scores for Uruguay in Friendly

The Lions will be without a few key players tonight as Facundo Torres, Pedro Gallese, and Wilder Cartagena are all on international duty. Torres got the start and scored his first goal for Uruguay’s first team, converting a penalty kick against Cuba in a friendly. The 23-year-old looked sharp throughout the match to help his side win 2-0.

Gallese and Cartagena both started for Peru in a rough 4-1 loss to Japan in a friendly on the road. Wilfredo Rivera was also in action, starting for Puerto Rico in its quest to qualify for the 2023 Gold Cup’s group stage. However, Puerto Rico fell short against Martinique in Fort Lauderdale, losing 2-0.

Orlando City U-17 Squad Reaches Quarterfinals

Orlando City’s U-17 team defeated Charlotte FC in penalties to advance to the MLS NEXT Cup quarterfinals. The match ended 2-2 in regulation, with Bernardo Rhein Goncalves and Brandon Kristel scoring for Orlando in the match. Goalkeeper Zackory Campagnolo made a huge save in the shootout to secure Orlando’s spot in the next round. The U-17 squad will face the New England Revolution later today for a spot in the semifinals.

The U-15 team lost its first match of the playoffs against the Seattle Sounders, but drew BW Gottschee 3-3 and beat St. Louis Scott Gallagher 4-0 in its showcase matches. Jacob Garcia scored in both matches as the team closed out its season with plenty of goals.

Anthony Pulis Leaves Miami FC, Lewis Neal Named Interim Coach

Former Lion and Orlando City B head coach Anthony Pulis reached a mutual agreement to step down as the head coach of USL Championship side Miami FC to pursue other opportunities. Pulis was in his second season with Miami FC and led the club to the USL Championship playoffs last season. Miami FC currently sits in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, with 13 points from 15 matches. Former Lion Lewis Neal, who has been with Miami FC as an assistant coach, will stay on to be the interim head coach. Neal’s first test will be on the road this Saturday against Monterey Bay FC.

Free Kicks

• In ESPN‘s MLS power rankings, the Lions moved down one spot to14th after losing to the Revolution.
• In the latest MLS NEXT Pro power rankings Orlando City B moved up one spot to the fifth spot despite losing 1-0 to Chicago Fire II last Thursday. The Young Lions’ next match will be on June 28 when they face Philadelphia Union II at Osceola Heritage Park.
• The Washington Spirit re-signed midfielder Andi Sullivan to a three-year contract with a club option in 2026. The Spirit also exercised the club’s option on forward Ashley Hatch for next season.
• Chelsea has announced the first new player signing of the summer under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, adding forward Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.
• Inter Miami’s owner, Jorge Mas, revealed the plan is for Lionel Messi to make his debut for the club on July 21 in its Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul.
• CONMEBOL confirmed the dates for the 2024 Copa America, with the tournament set to start on June 20 and end with the final on July 14.
• Cristiano Ronaldo became the first men’s player to play 200 international matches, scoring the winning goal for Portugal to defeat Iceland 1-0 in its Euro 2024 qualifier.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday and I’ll see you next time.