Lion Links: 10/11/23

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well down in Florida. I’m doing good and have just been staying busy up here in Chicago covering high school soccer and football, with the postseason set to kick off next week. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Prepare for Upcoming Matches During International Break

There were six Orlando City players called up to their respective national teams during the international break. Facundo Torres is with Uruguay, as it takes on Colombia tomorrow and Brazil on Tuesday in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. Lions goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and midfielder Wilder Cartagena’s Peru side will face Chile tomorrow before hosting Argentina on Tuesday. Wilfredo Rivera and Puerto Rico will be busy in Concacaf Nations League B action, as it takes Guyana this Saturday and again on Tuesday. Duncan McGuire received his first call-up for the U-23 United States National Team for upcoming friendlies against Mexico and Japan in preparation for next summer’s Olympics. Also, center back Abdi Salim is with Somalia for its two friendlies against Niger and Sierra Leone, with CAF World Cup qualifying set to start next month.

Duncan McGuire Aims to Seize Olympic Opportunity

Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire has been in stellar form during his first season with the Lions. He was recently selected to the U-23 U.S. team and is in training camp in Phoenix. McGuire gave insight on this new challenge at the international level.

“It definitely means so much to me that all my hard work has paid off,” he said. “I’ve watched the Olympics and the national team, so this is a step in the right direction. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, playing for the national team. So getting the call-up to camp is definitely very special, and I’m very excited for the opportunity.”

Orlando City Moves Up in Latest Power Rankings

Orlando City jumped up one spot to second in the latest MLS power rankings. The Lions defeated the New England Revolution 3-2 this past weekend and are unbeaten in their last four league matches. That win also helped the Lions clinch the second overall seed for the upcoming playoffs, and booked them a spot in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup. The Lions also became the second team to reach 60 points this season, just behind Supporters’ Shield winner FC Cincinnati, which has 68 points. The Lions’ regular season finale for Decision Day will be on Oct. 21 on the road against Toronto FC.

MLS Announces Full Off-Season Calendar

Major League Soccer announced the full calendar for the upcoming off-season. The deadline for clubs to submit bona fide offers to players will be on Nov. 22, and the deadline for clubs to exercise club options will be on Dec. 1. The MLS College Showcase will be from Dec. 6 to Dec. 9 in Phoenix. The trade window will open on Dec. 11, while the end-of-year waivers process will begin the following day on Dec. 12. Free agency will kick off on Dec. 13, followed by the 2024 MLS SuperDraft on Dec. 19.

USWNT Will Face China in December Friendlies

The United States Women’s National Team will close out the 2023 international calendar with two friendly matchups against China in December. The first match will be played on Dec. 2 in Fort Lauderdale, while the second match will be played on Dec. 5 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX. This will be the first time these two sides have met in a match in five years. The last time they played against each other was for a pair of international friendlies back in June of 2018, with the USWNT winning both matches. The USWNT will be in action later this month for friendlies against Colombia on Oct. 26 and Oct. 29.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City defenders Thomas Williams and Alex Freeman were called up to the U.S. roster for the upcoming Pan American Games in Chile.

• UCF defender Robbie Soronellas was named Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week.

• Sevilla has named former Inter Miami head coach Diego Alonso as its new manager.
• Former Chelsea, Lille, and Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard announced his retirement from professional soccer on Tuesday after a 16-year career.
• UEFA announced that the United Kingdom and Ireland will host Euro 2028, while Italy and Turkey will host the tournament in 2032.
• UEFA has also reversed course and will not allow Russia to play in U-17 European Championship qualifying games after facing widespread opposition from its member federations.

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