Lion Links: 7/13/23

Welcome to your Thursday morning links! It’s been a week full of rain over here in Tampa, although it’s been helpful to keep the evenings cool. Make sure to keep drinking water throughout the day, because this summer heat isn’t playing around. I don’t have many weekend plans beyond chilling at home when not working, and I’m looking forward to just kicking back with a cocktail or two inside. But for now, let’s enjoy today’s links.

Javier Carrillo Named Orlando City Academy Director

After serving in an interim capacity since January, Javier Carrillo was announced as Orlando City’s academy director. Carillo joined the club in 2019 as the assistant academy director, coaching the U-17 team to a MLS NEXT Cup trophy in 2021 and trips to the semifinals the past two years. Favian Loyola, Alex Freeman, and Thomas Williams were all part of that winning team in 2021 and are three of the nine academy players who have signed first-team contracts while Carrillo has been in Orlando. As academy director, Carrillo will continue to help the club develop players from the academy through Orlando City B to the first team.

Orlando City Prepares for Rivalry Road Match

The Lions will look to bounce back from a 4-0 loss to Real Salt Lake when they take on Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Saturday. This will be the second meeting between the two rivals, with Atlanta scoring a late equalizer against Orlando in a 1-1 draw at Exploria Stadium on May 27. The Lions have scored 15 goals in the eight matches since then, with Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire combining for eight of those goals. Orlando’s next win will be its 10th of the season, as the Lions aim for a fourth-straight trip to the postseason under Head Coach Oscar Pareja.

Orlando City B Hosts Atlanta United 2 This Sunday

The Young Lions are also licking their wounds after a 6-2 loss on the road to Huntsville City FC. They’ll have a decent chance to get back on track this Sunday at Osceola Heritage Park against Atlanta United 2, which has not won in any of its eight road games this season. However, OCB has yet to beat Atlanta this season, falling 3-1 on the road on April 16, before losing the shootout following a 2-2 draw at home on May 19. Sunday’s match will also include two of the league’s top scorers, as Orlando’s Jack Lynn and Atlanta’s Nick Firmino are tied with NYCFC II’s Matt Myers for the most goals in the league, with 10.

USMNT Falls in Penalty Shootout in Gold Cup Semifinals

The United States Men’s National Team’s Gold Cup title defense came to an end after losing to Panama in a penalty shootout. The Yanks played poorly, with Matt Turner coming up with a couple of big saves to keep them alive. Neither team scored within 90 minutes, and Panama took the lead in extra time, thanks to a goal from Ivan Anderson. Jesus Ferreira, who played every minute of the match, scored a great equalizer on the volley to send the game to penalties. However, Ferreira and Cristian Roldan both had their kicks saved by Panamanian goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. Turner made a save on Cristian Martinez’s try, but it wasn’t enough for the U.S. to reach its fourth-straight final.

Free Kicks

• Enjoy this video of Pareja and the Lions reuniting with Junior Urso. Robin Jansson begging for Urso to be signed again was one of the best things I’ve seen this week.

• Orlando Pride forward Messiah Bright leads the NWSL’s rookies with four goals this year, although a number of rookies are only a goal behind.

• The Major Arena Soccer League announced that the Florida Tropics are suspending operations and will not take part in the upcoming season.
• The New England Revolution scored two goals in the first 10 minutes to beat Atlanta, 2-1.
• FC Cincinnati midfielder Luciano Acosta was named as the MLS All-Stars captain for next week’s All-Star Game against Arsenal.
• Riqui Puig won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his shot from distance in the LA Galaxy’s 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union.
• Barcelona signed 18-year-old forward Vitor Roque to a contract through the 2030-31 season. Roque joins from Athletico Paranaense, scoring 22 goals in 65 appearances for the Brazilian club.
• Paul Pogba has reportedly been offered a three-year contract worth over $100 million to join Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
• Ipswich Town, which will play in the English Football League Championship this upcoming season, is reportedly interested in Auston Trusty. The American center back spent the past season with Birmingham City while on loan from Arsenal.
• Preston North End signed American midfielder Duane Holmes to a two-year contract.
• Zambian goalkeeper Hazel Nali is the latest player who will miss the Women’s World Cup due to a knee injury. It’s tough news for Zambia, which will now have to make its World Cup debut without its starting goalkeeper.
• Golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas became minority owners of Leeds United.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week. Go Orlando!