Lion Links: 7/28/23

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s finally Friday, meaning there’s not much left to separate us from enjoying Orlando soccer this week. Both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride have tournament games tomorrow night. Thankfully, the rise of streaming has mostly gotten rid of the past hassle of having to record matches to watch them later when games overlap. Let’s get to today’s links!

Orlando City Prepares for Santos Laguna

The Lions take on Santos Laguna tomorrow night in their second game of the Leagues Cup group stage. It will be a rematch of the game between the two in the 2021 edition of the tournament, when Orlando fell 1-0 at Exploria Stadium. Both sides enter this match after draws with the Houston Dynamo, although Orlando did what Santos couldn’t by winning its shootout. Center back Antonio Carlos’ next appearance will be his 100th as a Lion and forward Duncan McGuire could score his 10th professional goal tomorrow night. It should be an exciting match, with plenty on the line for both teams.

Orlando Pride Hit the Road for Challenge Cup Match

The Orlando Pride are back in action tomorrow night against the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL Challenge Cup. The Courage are coming off of a 6-0 win over the Washington Spirit at home, with six different players finding the back of the net for them. Meanwhile, the Pride are still searching for their first win of the tournament and fell 3-1 to NJ/NY Gotham FC at Exploria Stadium. These two teams battled to a 1-1 draw in Orlando earlier in the tournament back in April. Pride defender Megan Montefusco spoke on how the team is preparing for tomorrow’s match.

Takeaways From USWNT’s Second World Cup Match

Although the United States Women’s National Team didn’t have its best performance in its draw against the Netherlands, it did show plenty of fight to come back and get a result. That was on full display in Lindsey Horan’s equalizer, as her strong header came shortly after a hard tackle and heated exchange with Olympique Lyonnais teammate Danielle van de Donk.

“That’s where you get the best football from Lindsey,” Horan said afterward. “I don’t think you ever want to get me mad because I don’t react in a good way. Usually I just go and I want something more — I want to win more, I want to score more, I want to do more for my team.

That ability to turn things up a notch when facing adversity will be crucial for the USWNT this tournament. The USWNT remains in a solid position to qualify for the knockout stage, needing just a win or draw against Portugal.

Nigeria Upsets Australia in World Cup

Nigeria made a huge statement in the Women’s World Cup by beating Australia 3-2 in Brisbane. Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala came off the bench and provided Nigeria’s third goal, which was needed, because former Pride player Alanna Kennedy scored late in the match. After drawing Canada in its first game, Nigeria can advance with just a win or draw against Ireland. The result also sets up a do-or-die match between Canada and Australia on Monday.

Pride forward Mariana Larroquette started for Argentina in a thrilling 2-2 draw with South Africa. Leading 2-0, it looked like South Africa was going to win its first World Cup match, but Argentina scored twice in quick succession out of seemingly nowhere in the second half. Both teams will need to win their next games for a chance to reach the round of 16.

Free Kicks

• Forward Sebastian Ferreira was loaned from the Houston Dynamo to Brazilian club Vasco da Gama for the rest of the year. He led the Dynamo in goals last year, but has only started in two games this season.
• D.C. United bolstered its midfield by adding Gabriel Pirani on loan through the end of the year from Santos in Brazil.
• The Courage added Japanese midfielder Manaka Matsukubo on loan Mynavi Sendai. She turns 19 years old today and will be on loan with the Courage through June of next year.
• Arsenal Head Coach Mikel Arteta stated that a foot injury has kept American forward Folarin Balogun from playing in the English club’s past two preseason friendlies.
• Barcelona was cleared to play in the Champions League by UEFA, although more evidence could reopen the investigation into the club paying a referee $7 million.
• David Silva, who made 436 appearances and won three titles with Manchester City, is retiring after suffering a knee injury in Real Sociedad’s preseason.

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