Lion Links: 9/1/23

How’s it going, Mane Landers? September is here, which means things should be cooling off a bit as time goes on. It still may be some time before we can go outside without instantly sweating, but it’s something to look forward to regardless. There’s plenty of soccer to enjoy this weekend, along with some football and tennis as well. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world.

Orlando City’s Road Trip Continues

After a 1-1 draw against Charlotte FC earlier this week, Orlando City will head to Ohio for a match against FC Cincinnati tomorrow night. Cincinnati is undefeated at home this season, winning 12 of their 13 games at TQL Stadium and drawing the other. On the other hand, the Lions have notched more points on the road than any other team in MLS this season.

This will be the second meeting between the two teams this year, as they played to a scoreless draw at Exploria Stadium in March. The Lions will definitely be underdogs against the league leaders, but it should be an exciting match between two of the Eastern Conference’s best.

Ercan Kara Reportedly Headed to Turkey

You’ll need Google Translate or something similar for the full details, but beIN Sports is reporting that an agreement was reached between Orlando City and Samsunspor for forward Ercan Kara. The Austrian forward is reportedly going to Istanbul today for a medical and will sign a three-year deal with the Turkish club. Talks between the two clubs have been reported on throughout the week, and Samsunspor may have given a good enough offer for the Lions to part with one of their Designated Players. Kara has only started in 11 games this season, but having him available as an option up top would be vital for Orlando’s playoff aspirations.

Orlando Pride Players Make NWSL Best XI of the Month

The Orlando Pride’s Messiah Bright, Kerry Abello, and Kylie Strom were all named to the NWSL Best XI of the Month for August. Bright scored three goals across the Pride’s four games in August, including a brace in a 5-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars. Abello provided the assist on Bright’s goal against NJ/NY Gotham FC in the NWSL Challenge Cup, and Strom did well as part of a Pride defense that only allowed three goals last month. The Kansas City Current also had three players make the Best XI of the Month, with Adrianna Franch, Lo’eau LaBonta, and Kristen Hamilton selected.

Pride Prepare for Reign

The Pride will play their first match of September on Sunday against OL Reign at Lumen Field. It will be a chance for the Pride to return to their winning ways after a 2-1 defeat to the San Diego Wave a week ago. It’s a pivotal match for both teams, as the Reign sit in sixth place and just two points above the Pride in the NWSL standings. The Reign have lost their past three league matches, including a 1-0 defeat to the Pride at Exploria Stadium on July 7. However, the Pride have struggled on the road this season and have never beaten the Reign in an away game.

Julie Ertz Hangs Up Her Cleats

United States Women’s National Team star Julie Ertz announced that she is retiring from professional soccer. She excelled during the USWNT’s winning campaigns at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups and took part in this year’s World Cup as well. Ertz was named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2017 and 2019, and was also named U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year in 2012. At the club level, she was drafted by the Chicago Red Stars in 2014 and helped them reach the playoffs in all seven of the seasons she was there. Earlier this year, she joined Angel City FC and scored in her debut with the Californian club.

Champions League Group Stage is Set

The draw for the UEFA Champions League’s group stage is complete, with all 32 teams learning their paths to the knockout stage. The toughest group on paper is Group F, which includes Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Newcastle. That should be an exciting group to keep an eye on, and Christian Pulisic will get to play against his former club. Group C is also formidable, as it features Real Madrid, Napoli, Union Berlin, and Braga. Also, Manchester United was drawn with Bayern Munich in Group A, while Sevilla and Arsenal will contend with PSV Eindhoven and Lens in Group B.

Free Kicks

• Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter praised goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse’s performance this year.

• Orlando City B moved up to ninth in the MLS NEXT Pro power rankings after a 4-1 win over Columbus Crew 2.
• Speaking of OCB, defender Nabi Kibunguchy was noted as an MLS NEXT Pro player who could get some action with the first team during the last stretch of the MLS season.
• Minnesota United’s Emanuel Reynoso was named MLS Player of the Matchday after scoring twice in the Loons’ 3-0 win against the Colorado Rapids.
• Here’s a great breakdown on how the Americans playing abroad performed this week.
• Crystal Palace signed Dean Henderson from Manchester United, inking the goalkeeper to a five-year deal.
• Jordan Pefok officially joined Borussia Monchengladbach on loan from Union Berlin.

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