Lion Links: 7/3/23

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. I know that some of you might be off today for an extended Independence Day holiday weekend. I will be working today, but thankfully I’ll actually be off tomorrow. I know that might not sound too impressive, but in my job I usually have to work holidays. Before you head out to get the cookout supplies for tomorrow, start your day out with a healthy dose of links.

Torres Coming on Strong

Facundo Torres credited his time with the Uruguayan National Team for his brace against Chicago Fire FC. Getting his first goal with his national team seems to have put him in a good head space. He isn’t the only one, with the club starting to put together wins, confidence is building. Oscar Pareja said he is happy for the club and also for the home supporters.

The Pride Bring the Energy and Perhaps Another Brazilian

The Orlando Pride dominated the Washington Spirit in their 3-0 victory over the weekend. Head Coach Seb Hines said he was happy with the intensity, effort, desire, and execution of his club. Julie Doyle’s brace was what the team needed to really get things going, especially with Marta and Adriana having left for the Women’s World Cup. Of course, it seems that when the pair return to Orlando following the competition they will be bringing another Brazilian to the Pride — defender Rafaelle. The club teased the signing with a cheeky video.

Orlando City B Wins a Wild One at Cincinnati

It was a late start for the Young Lions, as once again the weather delayed the start of the match. The first half wasn’t much to write home about with each team scoring a goal. There was another strange delay prior to the start of the second half, with the match officials not reporting to the field until about 10 minutes after the second half was supposed to start. And then all heck broke loose. FC Cincinnati 2 jumped out to a two-goal lead off of Orlando turnovers in their own end, before OCB stormed back to earn a 5-3 victory on the road. Check out the link for Sean Rollins’ recap of a wild night.

USMNT Defeats Trinidad & Tobago

I’m going to be very clear that I relish the U.S. defeating Trinidad & Tobago whenever the two teams play. The 2017 loss to keep the USMNT out of the World Cup is something I’ll never forget. Fortunately, none of the players from that match were on the pitch last night, as the U.S. dominated T&T in a 6-0 win. Jesus Ferreira followed up his hat trick against St. Kitts & Nevis with another hat trick against Trinidad & Tobago, becoming the first USMNT player in history with back-to-back hat tricks. Goals from Cade Cowell, Gianluca Busio, and Brandon Vazquez provided the other three in the second half. The win secures the USMNT’s place at the top of Group A.

Free Kicks

• Tim Weah’s move to Serie A side Juventus is officially official. He joins U.S. teammate Weston McKennie, though perhaps not for long, as he is rumored to be moving elsewhere.
• According to Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas, Lionel Messi will make “between $50-60 million per year.” Cool.
• Philadelphia Union supporters will be happy that Jim Curtin has inked a contract extension.

• Arsenal’s 2023-2024 away kit is certainly a choice. I’ll leave it up to you to determine how good or bad a choice it is.

• Former New York City FC head coach Patrick Viera has signed a three-year contract with French club Strasbourg in Lique 1.
• Former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas is calling an end to his 20-year career.
• South Africa’s women’s national soccer team boycotted Sunday’s World Cup send-off game as a form of protest over multiple issues, including compensation and playing conditions. Good for them. Making things right for women’s teams across the world is long overdue.

That will do it for today. Don’t forget to check back as we get you ready for Orlando City’s Fourth of July match against Toronto FC at Exploria Stadium. Vamos Orlando!