Lion Links: 7/14/23

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope the work week has treated you well as we get ready for another weekend of Orlando soccer. I’m looking forward to being able to watch Orlando City after missing out on last week’s match. We also have Orlando City B in action on Sunday, so it should be a nice couple of days. Let’s get this Friday started with today’s links!

Orlando City Hits the Road for Clash With Atlanta

Orlando City is on the road this weekend for its match against Atlanta United tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. While the Lions have done better against Atlanta in recent years compared to before Oscar Pareja took over, they’ve only beaten the Five Stripes on the road once in their last four tries. Atlanta has made Mercedes-Benz Stadium a fortress yet again, with the club only losing once in its 11 home games this season. However, Atlanta is on short rest heading into this match after a 2-1 loss on the road to the New England Revolution on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Orlando has a full week of rest under its belt following a 4-0 defeat to Real Salt Lake. It was only the third time the Lions have lost by at least four goals with Pareja at the helm, so hopefully they can shrug off the result and return to Orlando with three points.

Learning More About Anna Moorhouse

As part of the club’s video series of player profiles, Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse fielded questions regarding her soccer career. Moorhouse spoke about her commitment to becoming a professional soccer player that started from a young age. She’s been with many English clubs over the years, but starting for West Ham United in the FA Cup final was one of the most memorable moments of her career. She joined Orlando in January of 2022 and praised the city for its inclusivity. Moorhouse also stated that the most famous person in her contact list is English forward Beth Mead, although she noted that does have Marta’s number as well.

Analyzing the USWNT’s Keys to World Cup Success

The United States Women’s National Team will once again be one of the favorites in this year’s Women’s World Cup, although the competition has only gotten stiffer since the Yanks lifted the trophy in 2019. Claire Watkins of Just Women’s Sports dove into how the USWNT will need to play to its strengths to win. Wales played physically in the team’s recent match, and World Cup opponents may do the same to disrupt Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski’s system and prevent players from dribbling. The USWNT’s creative players will need to play with freedom and patience to start and then finish chances. Although there is plenty of depth up front, the lack of options at center back will be worth monitoring throughout the tournament. The World Cup is less than a week away, with the USWNT’s first game coming on July 21 against Vietnam.

BJ Callaghan Accepts Blame for USMNT’s Gold Cup Exit

BJ Callaghan, who has filled in as the United States Men’s National Team’s head coach for the Concacaf Gold Cup and Nations League, took responsibility for the team’s rough start against Panama in the Gold Cup semifinals.

“The first half is my fault. I didn’t set the team up the way they should have been set up,” he said. “We were able to make the adjustments at halftime and I was so proud of the group, the way they came out in the second half and the way they responded. So I don’t have anything but positive things to say about how the group handled this match.”

Personally, I wouldn’t put too much blame on the interim coach. The U.S. was outplayed by Panama for a majority of the match, needing a late goal from Jesus Ferreira to send the game to penalties. Panama also deserves credit and had many chances to score against a disorganized American back line and sloppy midfield. Head Coach Gregg Berhalter will likely be back at the helm for the USMNT’s friendlies this fall, and Callaghan may stay with the team as an assistant despite doing a decent job in an interim capacity.

Free Kicks

• Brazilian defender Rafaelle, who signed with the Pride earlier this month, scored in Brazil’s training match against China to prepare for the World Cup.

• Orlando City is sixth on the list of what each U.S. team was paid by FIFA for players who participated in last year’s World Cup was unveiled. Facundo Torres, who was called up by Uruguay, was the lone Lion at the tournament.

• No NWSL team has more followers on Instagram than the Pride.

• The New England Revolution traded away Ghanaian midfielder Latif Blessing and an international roster slot to Toronto FC in exchange for Mark-Anthony Kaye.
• Charlotte FC added Belgian midfielder Brecht Dejaegere on a free transfer. The 32-year-old served as Toulouse’s captain in Ligue 1 this past season.
• Voting is open for MLS Goal of the Matchday after a round of midweek matches. To me, it’s a tough decision between Xherdan Shaqiri and Miguel Trauco.

• In a move that’s been reported throughout July, Christian Pulisic officially signed with AC Milan. The American’s contract at the Italian club will run through June of 2027, with an option for another year as well.
• Everton midfielder Dele Alli revealed that he developed an addiction to sleep medication to help deal with childhood trauma that included sexual abuse from a family friend. The 27-year-old spent six weeks at a rehabilitation center and is hoping that sharing his story will help others decide to seek out help.
• Due to difficulties selling tickets to the Women’s World Cup matches taking place in New Zealand’s four host cities, FIFA is giving away 20,000 free tickets.
• FIFA banned Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr from registering new players until it pays Leicester City a debt of $513,000, plus interest.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!