Lion Links: 8/23/23

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It will be another busy weekend for me working both the Guns N’ Roses and the Jonas Brothers concerts at Wrigley Field. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Duncan McGuire Discusses His Rookie Season

Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire has been in stellar form during his first season with the Lions. The rookie leads Orlando with 10 goals in 1,085 minutes across all competitions this year. McGuire gave some insight into his performance with the Lions and said there is still room to improve his game.

“It definitely meant a lot for them [coaching staff] to have some trust in me, to play early in my career and early in my first season,” McGuire told SBI in an interview. “It was a big help and I have a good relationship with the coaches which is something that has really helped. I’m pleased with how the first season is going, but I feel like I have some more goals in me. I feel I still have some work to do.”

McGuire also discusses the challenges he faced while in college at Creighton and what it meant to him to win the MAC Hermann Trophy. He gave credit to his teammates for his quick adjustment to the league after college and said Orlando has what it takes to win the MLS Cup.

Marta Speaks On Return to Exploria Stadium

Following the Orlando Pride’s 5-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars this past weekend, Marta discussed how she is happy to be back with the club in her first match since returning from the World Cup. She had an assist in the match, while Adriana had a pair of assists, and both Rafaelle and Mariana Larroquette scored in their Pride debuts.

Marta also said she feels at home at Exploria Stadium and is helping the Pride’s young players. The Pride have six NWSL matches left this season and are in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Messiah Bright Officially Named NWSL Player of the Week

Orlando Pride forward Messiah Bright was officially announced as the NWSL Player of the Week. The rookie scored the first brace of her career in the Pride’s win over Chicago. It’s the second time she’s been named NWSL Player of the Week, as she received the honor in July as well. Bright leads the Pride with six goals this season, the most among the league’s rookies.

The U.S. Open Cup Semifinals Kick Off Tonight

The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinals are set to take place tonight. Inter Miami will take on FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Miami went on a seven-match unbeaten run to win the Leagues Cup tournament. FC Cincinnati sits atop the MLS standings, but looks to rebound after losing 3-0 to the Columbus Crew this past weekend. The club returns to the semifinal round of the U.S. Open Cup for the first time since 2017, when it reached the semifinals as a United Soccer League club. Tonight’s other semifinal is between the Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston crushed the Portland Timbers 5-0 on Sunday in league play and looks to build on that momentum. Real Salt Lake has done well in this year’s tournament, winning three times on the road. The winners will face off in the final on Sept. 27.

Americans in Action in UEFA Champions League Qualifying

The playoff round of the UEFA Champions League’s qualifying phase kicked off, as six teams battle to advance to the group stage. PSV Eindhoven traveled to Ibrox Stadium to take on Rangers, with American defender Sergino Dest making his debut for the Dutch club and playing 81 minutes. Fellow Americans Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman were on the bench. The match went back and forth, but the first leg ended in a 2-2 draw.

Elsewhere, Sam Vines came off the bench in the second half as Royal Antwerp secured a 1-0 win in its first leg against AEK Athens. We could see Erik Palmer-Brown in action today when Panathinaikos goes on the road to take on Braga later today.

Free Kicks

• The latest MLS power rankings have been released. Orlando City remains in 10th despite a 3-1 victory against the Chicago Fire this past Sunday.
• In case you missed it, check out the latest sights and sounds video on the Lions win in Chicago.

• Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s second deputy prime minister, has called for Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales to resign following his actions after he kissed Jenni Hermoso during the award ceremony after Spain won its first Women’s World Cup.
• Check out these predictions for what could happen in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
• Pep Guardiola will miss Manchester City’s upcoming matches against Sheffield United and Fulham while he recovers from back surgery.
• Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr has purchased a minority stake in La Liga side Mallorca.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday and I’ll see you next time.