Lion Links: 6/24/23

It’s matchday, Mane Landers! I hope you slept in this morning. If not, you might want to catch a nap this afternoon since Orlando City doesn’t kick off until 10:30 p.m., as the Lions are all the way out west for a match against the Seattle Sounders. Fortunately, that gives us time to watch the Orlando Pride match earlier in the evening. I know that I’m looking forward to staying up super late — well, late for an old guy like me. Until then, let’s get to the links!

Lions Prepared for Seattle

Orlando City is ready to take on the Seattle Sounders this evening, and you can get prepared to watch and support. Everything you need to know about where the Lions stand and what to expect from the opponents is available here and our Michael Citro will have a match preview for you later today. The last time the two teams met, Orlando City pulled out a come-from-behind victory thanks to goals from Facundo Torres, Ercan Kara, and Kyle Smith. All three will be in the Emerald City for the match. It has been confirmed that Raúl Ruidíaz will not be at tonight’s match as he will be attending his father’s funeral. Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones.

Pride Ready to Host the Current

It’s been a rollercoaster ride recently for the Orlando Pride with a big win over the Portland Thorns, but losses to the Houston Dash and North Carolina Courage. As such, Seb Hines is making sure his team doesn’t take the Kansas City Current for granted. The Current are near the bottom of the table, but that doesn’t mean the Pride can relax. There are some things to watch as the Pride host the Current. Orlando is on a three-match winning streak at home and is undefeated against the Current in Exploria Stadium in the series. Let’s hope that continues.

Marta May Be Used as a Super Sub by Brazil

The Women’s World Cup is less than a month away, and the Orlando Pride’s Marta will be representing Brazil for the sixth time in her career. The six-time FIFA World Player of the Year is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 115 goals — 17 in Women’s World Cup competitions — but at 37 years old she may be coming off the bench this go around. Marta is still recovering from a left knee injury. Regardless of whether Marta starts or not, Brazil coach Pia Sundhage said, “I am sure she will give everything.”

The Beautiful Pitch Invasion

Exploria Stadium hosted (most of) The Beautiful Game Friday night. Team Ronaldinho took on Team Roberto Carlos in a star-studded match of legends. Orlando City’s former captain Nani returned for the exhibition match. There was plenty of scoring — which is not uncommon in these types of matches — and the match ended 4-3 in favor of Team Ronaldinho. When I say ended, I mean that the game was abandoned due to the numerous pitch invasions and a heavy rainstorm. For all the details check out our story here.

USMNT Gold Cup Competition Begins

The USMNT will kick off its defense of the Concacaf Gold Cup tonight, with coverage starting at 9:30 p.m. — 10 p.m. kickoff — against Jamaica. The roster is very MLS-heavy to allow the European-based players we saw in the Nations League competition to get some rest. In addition to veterans like Aaron Long, DeAndre Yedlin, and Matt Turner you have a slew of youngsters who are looking to prove themselves. Cade Cowell, James Sands, Aidan Morris and others will try to make the most of their playing time in hopes of making the 2026 World Cup squad.

U.S. to Host 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

The United States will host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament will be the first to be expanded to a 32 team field. The Seattle Sounders — who have one of the four Concacaf spots — will be joined by clubs like Chelsea FC, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. The announcement means the United States will host large international competitions in back-to-back years, with the shared hosting of the 2026 World Cup the following year. FIFA officials also delayed voting on the 2030 World Cup hosts until the latter part of 2024.

Free Kicks

• We all know about Orlando City’s match against Seattle tonight, but there are a whole host of other matches on AppleTV+ as well. Check out some of the matchups.
• Alex Freeman is making the most of his MLS Next Pro career as are several other Homegrown Players.
• Orlando City’s U-17 squad lost 1-0 to Real Colorado in the semifinals of the MLS Next Cup. However, the young Lions still earned a spot in the playoffs.

• I don’t actually recommend watching it again, but José Martinez‘ goal against Orlando City was named MLS Goal of the Matchday. It’s kind of tough to argue against it, though I still didn’t enjoy it.
• Concacaf announced the suspensions for the four players shown red cards in the U.S. versus Mexico Nations League match.

• Inter Miami is apparently getting the band back together, announcing Sergio Busquets on social media. He can’t actually sign just yet, but a deal can be in place. It should be interesting to see how the Herons clear cap space and which players depart to create that space.
• Players from MLS and other leagues will have an easier time signing with clubs in England as the English Football Association has changed the regulations on bringing in players from “lower-profile leagues.”
• Faruk Hadžibegić agreed to resign as Bosnia-Herzegovina coach after only four games in charge. One win and three consecutive losses was enough for the Federation to ask him to resign.
• Jose Mourinho has asked to step down from his role on the UEFA football board after he was banned for four European matches following a verbal altercation with referee Anthony Taylor in the Europa League final.
• Check out the stunning 2023 Community Pride Pitch at the Ground in New York City. Sophia Yeshi is one talented artist in my opinion.

That will do it for today. Vamos Orlando!