Lion Links: 11/10/23

It’s Friday, which means it’s practically already the weekend. I’m starting to get a little more accustomed to things after daylight savings time came to a close, but I do miss being able to walk outside in the sun after work. Thankfully, it’s not as severe here in Florida compared to the sunsets up north though. I plan on taking full advantage this weekend with some plant shopping while knocking out a few errands. But enough about me. Let’s get to the links.

NWSL Unveils New Broadcasting Deal

There will be new ways to watch the Orlando Pride in 2024 after the NWSL announced a four-year contract with CBS Sports, ESPN, Prime Video, and Scripps Sports to broadcast 118 of next year’s games. There will now be a game on Prime Video on Friday nights to kick off each weekend’s slate of matches, while Scripps’ ION network will be home to a double-header each Saturday night. CBS will have a minimum of 18 games throughout the regular season, along with a quarterfinal, semifinal, and the NWSL Championship match. ESPN will have 17 regular-season games, two quarterfinals, and a semifinal shown across its networks, with each match also streaming live on ESPN+. There is also mention of a domestic direct-to-consumer package distributed by the league for the remaining games.

All in all, I’m not a huge fan of the Frankenstein-like coverage split across the four partners, although I do like the idea of a weekly Friday night game and Saturday night double-header to help sell the consistent feel of primetime matches. Other notable things from the league’s announcement are that the partners committed to cross-marketing each other’s broadcasts, the playoffs will expand thanks to the addition of the Utah Royals and Bay FC, and ION will air the NWSL Draft in January.

Hernan Losada and CF Montreal Go Their Separate Ways

The MLS coaching carousel continues to turn, as CF Montreal parted ways with Hernan Losada. Montreal finished 10th in the Eastern Conference standings in Losada’s first and only year with the club after joining last December. Assistant coach Sebastián Setti will not be with the team moving forward either. While I wouldn’t call Montreal’s season successful by any means, the Canadian club won 10 home games this year and was only two points away from sneaking into the playoffs. Considering the amount of turnover during the off-season, injuries to Romell Quioto and Mason Toye, and how Victor Wanyama was the only Designated Player on the roster, I think Losada did a decent job with the cards he was dealt. I’m curious to see if another MLS team takes a chance on him heading into 2024.

Roman Burki Named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year

St. Louis City’s Roman Burki received the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award, beating out Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and FC Cincinnati’s Roman Celentano. Burki is the first player to win the award while with an expansion side since Zach Thornton did it with the Chicago Fire 25 years ago. In his first year in the league, Burki recorded 123 saves, eight clean sheets, and 17 wins to help his team finish atop the Western Conference. Gallese and Celentano tied for second in the voting, each garnering 4.8% of the votes.

Cincinnati Duo Claim MLS Save and Goal of the Year

This year’s MLS Goal of the Year and Save of the Year went to a pair of teammates, as Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta and the aforementioned Celentano received the honors, respectively. While it stings a bit that Duncan McGuire didn’t win Goal of the Year for his Decision Day strike from distance, it’s easy to see why Acosta’s solo effort won the fan voting. The MVP candidate weaved his way past defenders from the midfield into Charlotte FC’s box and comfortably beat Kristijan Kahlina.

Celentano won Save of the Year for swatting away Steven Moreira’s header at point-blank range on a set piece in stoppage time, preserving Cincinnati’s lead in a 3-2 win over the rival Columbus Crew. It was a heroic moment at home for the 23-year-old and one of his many highlights during a stellar season.

Jenna Nighswonger Wins NWSL Rookie of the Year

NJ/NY Gotham FC’s Jenna Nighswonger was named NWSL Rookie of the Year, winning the award over Orlando Pride forward Messiah Bright and Angel City FC’s Alyssa Thompson. Nighswonger impressed on both sides of the ball, contributing three goals, 35 won tackles, and 18 interceptions across 20 appearances. The former Florida State Seminole was drafted with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft and was also named to the 2023 Best XI Second Team earlier this week.

USMNT Roster Announced for Nations League Quarterfinals

United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Gregg Berhalter called up 24 players for the training camp in preparation of the team’s pair of games against Trinidad & Tobago in the Concacaf Nations League. Only four of the players called up were not part of the team’s in last month’s camp. Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah are notable absentees due to injuries. Atlanta United center back Miles Robinson was the only MLS player called up, with all other players coming to camp from Europe. The USMNT will host Trinidad & Tobago in Austin on Nov. 16 before the away leg on Nov. 20. The winner of this series will qualify for both the Concacaf Nations League semifinals and the 2024 Copa America.

Free Kicks

• Enjoy these sights and sounds from the watch party for Orlando City’s playoff win over Nashville SC earlier this week.

• Crystal Dunn announced that she will not be returning to the Portland Thorns next season, making her a notable player to keep an eye out for during this off-season’s free agency.
• In the Europa League, Liverpool fell 3-2 to Toulouse, Slavia Prague beat AS Roma 2-0, and Brighton beat Ajax 2-0 on the road.
• Here’s a great article that delves into how former Pride defender Ali Krieger’s journey has led to her final match this Sunday in the NWSL Championship match.
• Diego Simeone signed a three-year contract extension with Atletico Madrid that will keep him managing the Spanish club through 2027.
• We end our links with some great news as Liverpool forward Luis Diaz’s father was released 12 days after being kidnapped by the National Liberation Army in Colombia.

That’s all I have for you today. If looking for a new book, Fourth Wing was pretty great and the sequel just dropped this week, so I’ll be sinking my teeth into that if I can get my hands on a copy while out and about. Have a fantastic Friday!