Lion Links: 10/16/23

How’s it going, Mane Landers? Hopefully this past weekend has you rested and ready for the week, as we all get back into the swing of things. I’m currently settling into a new apartment that has been equal parts great and time-consuming. Before we dive right into today’s links, let’s celebrate the nine-year anniversary of the groundbreaking at what is now known as Exploria Stadium! It’s great to have such a phenomenal stadium to call home, and even greater knowing the Lions will play there this postseason.

Orlando Pride Win But Miss Out On Playoffs

The Pride ultimately took care of business in a 1-0 win against the Houston Dash in their final game of the NWSL season. However, due to other results in the league that we’ll get into in a bit, the Pride end up on the outside of the playoff picture. It’s a tough end to the year for the Pride, as they finished the season with an impressive 10 wins. Given how they’ve proven capable of punching above their weight class to take down some of the best teams in the league this year, I believe the Pride really would have made some noise in the postseason. Regardless of how it all ended, the Pride got to finish their season with a win and had a fairly positive season in the grand scheme of things.

NWSL Playoffs Set After Decision Day

The Pride were eliminated by slim margins on a dramatic Decision Day, as Angel City FC and NJ/NY Gotham FC both finished above them solely due to goal differential. Angel City had five different players score in an unexpected 5-1 victory over the Portland Thorns, while Gotham survived in a 2-2 draw with the Kansas City Current. The San Diego Wave made the most of Portland’s implosion, with former Pride forward Alex Morgan providing a goal and an assist in a 2-0 win over Racing Louisville to win the NWSL Shield. All in all, it was a pretty eventful Decision Day to cap off a season that showcased the NWSL’s parity all year long. It just stings that the Pride didn’t end up having practically any of the results go their way.

Pedro Gallese and Peru Prepare for Argentina

Tomorrow’s CONMEBOL clash between Peru and Argentina will have some MLS rivalry flair to it, as Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese will need to be at the top of his game against an Argentine attack that could include Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada and Inter Miami duo Lionel Messi and Facundo Farias. Up to eight MLS players could see the field in tomorrow night’s match, including Orlando midfielder Wilder Cartagena as well. Things aren’t exactly dire for Peru just yet due to how early into World Cup qualifying things are and more spots being available than in the past. However, Peru has just one point from its first three matches and another loss could make things desperate in a hurry.

Analyzing Ghana Ahead of USMNT Clash

The United States Men’s National Team will aim to bounce back after a 3-1 loss to Germany when it takes on Ghana tomorrow in Nashville. It will be the fifth meeting between the two nations. Although a friendly, it will be the latest edition of what has grown into a rivalry of sorts, with plenty of bragging rights on the line. Although Ghana may not be as imposing as in the past, the USMNT will still need to find a way to break down a Ghanaian defense and midfield that plays behind the ball and doesn’t allow much breathing room for opponents to build possession. Jordan Ayew is a notable name to watch in Ghana’s attack, but left winger Ernest Nuamah has the pace and skill on the ball to give the USMNT’s back line fits. Tomorrow’s match should be a great test for Head Coach Gregg Berhalter to see where his team is at in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Free Kicks

• In case you missed it, Orlando City rookie defender Abdi Salim served as Somalia’s captain in a friendly.
• Former Orlando City B forward Albert Dikwa won the 2023 USL Championship Golden Boot after scoring 20 goals for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds this season.
• Gotham supporters unveiled a nice tribute to former Pride defender Ali Krieger.

• Spain booked its spot in next year’s Euros with a 1-0 win over Norway, which eliminated Erling Haaland’s side in the process.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful start to your work week!