Lion Links: 7/10/23

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. I know that match against Real Salt Lake was a tough one to watch, but now Orlando City will get a full week’s rest before heading to the plastic monstrosity that is Atlanta United’s stadium. So far this season, Orlando City has followed up a loss with a result. Here’s hoping that happens this weekend. Let’s get to the links.

Pereyra Makes No Excuses

I’m not one to argue with Mauricio Pereyra, but I disagree with his assessment that the Lions were not playing on tired legs against Real Salt Lake. Obviously giving up two early goals didn’t help Orlando City on the road at elevation, though both Pereyra and Oscar Pareja are not making excuses for the performance. The Lions’ next match is this Saturday at Atlanta United.

Orlando Pride’s Professional Result

Unlike earlier in the season, the Orlando Pride were able to see out a 1-0 victory over a visiting opponent, defeating OL Reign at Exploria Stadium. There was plenty of stoppage time in the match, but the Pride were able to defend the entire time to earn a clean sheet. The club has two wins heading into the World Cup break, though there are three Challenge Cup matches over the next few weeks. The timing might allow the Pride to put more focus on that competition than previously expected.

The OCB Roller Coaster Continues

A week after scoring five goals in a come-from-behind victory over FC Cincinnati 2, the Young Lion gave up six goals in a loss to Huntsville City FC. The loss continues the up-and-down season that OCB has played this year. Alex Freeman put OCB up early, but the loss of Nabi Kibunguchy due to a second yellow card in the 46th minute didn’t help OCB’s efforts. Jack Lynn added a second goal in the second half, but Huntsville was too much for the club as OCB fell on the road once again.

USMNT Advances Past Canada on Penalties

The USMNT advanced 2-2 (3-2 on penalties) in a quarterfinal match against rival Canada at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. The first half was a lackluster affair that in no way previewed the craziness that happened in the second half, extra time, and penalty kicks. The U.S. took the lead late, gave it right back on a handball in the box, and came from behind to draw in extra time. Matt Turner was a difference maker with two saves during penalty kicks to help the U.S. move on to the semifinal match against Panama Wednesday.

USWNT Defeats Wales

The USWNT played a friendly match against Wales in a final tune-up match before the start of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The U.S. didn’t play with much gusto to start the match. In fact, the team didn’t score a goal until the 76th minute, when Trinity Rodman put the U.S. up 1-0. Rodman continued to provide for the U.S., scoring a second goal in the 87th minute to secure the 2-0 victory for the USWNT.

Free Kicks

• Dagur Dan Thorhallsson made an appearance on the club’s Orlando Soccer Insider to share his thoughts on his versatility and the benefits for the club.
• Leeds United has loaned Brenden Aaronson to Bundesliga club Union Berlin for next season. Union Berlin finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season and is a good landing spot for Aaronson following Leeds’ relegation to the Championship.
• Paris Saint-Germain signed French defender Lucas Hernandez from Bayern Munich to a five-year deal.
• Megan Rapinoe announced that she will be retiring from international play following the World Cup, and from club play at the end of the NWSL season.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the rivalry match against Atlanta United this coming weekend. Vamos Orlando!