Lion Links: 10/24/23

Happy Tuesday, everyone! The postseason is upon us, and Orlando City will take on Nashville SC in just under a week’s time at Exploria Stadium. Despite the Lions getting a nice little layoff before their first playoff game this year, there’s still plenty happening in the soccer world, which means there is much to discuss today. Let’s jump in.

Duncan McGuire Makes MLS Team of the Matchday

Duncan McGuire has been rewarded for his efforts in Orlando City’s Decision Day victory over Toronto FC with a place in the MLS Team of the Matchday. McGuire came off the bench with just under 30 minutes to play and scored two goals to help the Lions ease to a 2-0 victory. The first goal was absolutely phenomenal and earned him a nomination for Goal of the Matchday. At the time of this writing, he is in a dead heat with Luciano Acosta, even though his goal is clear of Lucho’s by several city blocks no matter how you slice it.

Kansas City Current Name New Head Coach

Vlatko Andonovski has been named the new head coach of the Kansas City Current. Kansas City had not had a permanent head coach since it fired Matt Potter all the way back in April, and struggled mightily during the 2023 season, finishing in 11th place. Andonovski has had success not just in the National Women’s Soccer League, but in Kansas City specifically, as he coached FC Kansas City to NWSL titles in 2014 and 2015. His most recent gig was as the head coach of the United States Women’s National Team, where he led the team to a disappointing exit in the round of 16 during this summer’s Women’s World Cup. He has plenty of club success and NWSL experience to draw on though, and it’ll be interesting to see what he can do with a Current team that won’t hurt for investment.

UEFA Champions League Preview

The UEFA Champions League rolls on today and there are several storylines to keep an eye on as the competition resumes. Erik ten Hag says that Manchester United faces a must-win game against FC Copenhagen if the Red Devils want to have a chance at qualifying for the round of 16. United currently sits bottom of Group A with no points after two matches played.

At the opposite end of Group A is Bayern Munich, which has won 15 straight UCL group stage games, and will try to extend that streak despite only bringing an 18-man squad to today’s match against Galatasaray due to a ballooning injury list.

Finally, Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya ahead of today’s match against Sevilla, despite a shaky outing from the Spaniard during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea. Today’s match is a big one, as Sevilla trails Arsenal by a single point in Group B, and Arteta will likely hope for a more convincing performance than the one he saw over the weekend from the man who replaced Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal’s starter.

European Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer carousel never truly stops spinning, and that means that we have some interesting rumors to talk about today. First up, Manchester City is reportedly interested in signing Jamal Musiala. The German youngster has started just two games for Bayern Munich this season, and his frustrations over a lack of playing time mean that he could potentially be on the move.

Juventus reportedly has its eyes on making two signings to strengthen its ranks. The Italian club is said to want to sign Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg during the January window, with Nice’s Khephren Thuram following during the summer.

Finally, despite rumors linking him to Inter Miami and Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid do not reportedly plan on selling Luka Modric.

Free Kicks

• Thomas Williams and Alex Freeman got the start for the USMNT U-19 side in the team’s 1-0 loss to Brazil at the Pan American Games.

• Michael Bradley isn’t wasting any time on choosing his next step following his retirement from playing.

• This made me incredibly sad, and its such a shame that the San Diego Loyal have played their last game.

That’s all I have for you today. Vamos Orlando!