Lion Links: 7/24/23

Welcome to Monday, Mane Landers. I hope your weekend was everything you hoped for. I spent my own traveling, but I’m back in town and ready to get things back to normal for a while. Yesterday, we saw the Young Lions extinguish the flame of Chicago Fire II, while the Pride dropped a Challenge Cup match to Gotham FC. Let’s break it all down in today’s links.

Jack Lynn Nets Brace in OCB’s 3-2 Victory vs. Chicago

Orlando City’s first-round selection of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft found the net not once, but twice, in the Young Lions’ 3-2 win over Chicago Fire II. Forward Jack Lynn opened the scoring in just the 10th minute of the match before bagging a brace in the 72nd minute. While Lynn might be walking out with a brace, OCB midfielder Juninho likely walks out with the best goal of the match for his individual dribbling effort in the 65th minute.

Orlando Pride Outclassed in NWSL Challenge Cup

Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines made four changes to the team’s starting lineup from the team’s last league match for his side’s third NWSL Challenge Cup fixture. Despite an early brilliant Erika Tymrak free kick headed into goal by Megan Montefusco, the Pride could not hold on to the lead and fell 3-1 to NJ/NY Gotham FC. The tides changed in the visitors’ favor following a Brianna Martinez foul in the box that Jenna Nighswonger converted from the spot. Two more goals in the second half was all the insurance Gotham needed to walk away with all three points.

Early USWNT MVP Conversations

Following the USWNT’s victory against Vietnam to begin the Yanks’ latest World Cup campaign, questions have arisen as to whether midfielder Lindsey Horan will be the team’s standout star this tournament. Only nine players from the 2019 squad were retained and will feature in the 2023 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Lyon midfielder will be the engine and leader in the center of the park for the foreseeable future and remains composed under pressure and in high stress games. Horan loves to have the ball at her feet and boasts world-class stats in progressive passes and carries categories. She is a versatile player, constantly shedding her markers and creating space, while also driving into deeper areas to push defenses out of position. Whether she will be the MVP of the tournament remains to be seen, but for the United States to be successful, Horan will need to come up with a handful of world-class performances.

Leagues Cup Roundup

The Sunday matches of Leagues Cup brought loads of excitement. Following an early deficit, FC Cincinnati fought back to draw Sporting Kansas City 3-3 and take the extra point in penalties. Atlas defeated NYCFC 1-0 in Citi Field. Nashville’s talisman Hany Mukhtar scored minutes after coming into the match to inspire a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids. But one of the most impressive performances of the night came from Minnesota United, which continued to pour on the goals against Club Puebla, despite an early red card to Michael Boxall in the 30th minute. The game ended 4-0 in favor of the Loons.

Free Kicks

• The Houston Dynamo transferred Homegrown midfielder Juan Castilla to Colombian top-flight club Deportivo Cali.
• The USWNT players love eating just as much as they love scoring goals. Ever wonder what the menu is like for an extended stay at a tournament?
• USMNT captain Christian Pulisic made his debut in the starting XI for AC Milan in a friendly against Real Madrid.
• Fulham has agreed a £5 million deal with Wolves to sign striker Raul Jimenez.
• Alex Telles has left Manchester United to join Ronaldo at Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr on a contract until 2025.
• Newcastle United gained a new attacker in Harvey Barnes from Leicester City on a five-year contract.

That’s a wrap on today’s edition of Lion Links. I wish you all the best as you start the weekly work grind. Vamos Orlando!