Lion Links: 11/11/23

Happy Saturday, Mane Landers. I started my weekend a little early with a round of golf yesterday, putting the Christmas tree and decorations up with my wife, and relaxing with a movie on the couch. We have a few more decorations to get up today, but for the most part there will be plenty of time to catch some soccer action around the globe on television. She has already called dibs on the TV for the NWSL Championship tonight, so we’ll definitely be tuning in to that. More on that match and everything else down below in today’s links.

2023 NWSL Championship Preview

Snapdragon Stadium will be the ninth different venue to host an NWSL Championship when OL Reign clashes with Gotham FC tonight at 8 p.m. While both clubs want to raise a major trophy, the biggest storylines surround two of the women’s game’s great players finishing their careers following the match. Gotham’s Ali Krieger is coming off one of her best club seasons and OL Reign’s Megan Rapinoe is looking to stamp a successful career. The two long-time friends and former USWNT teammates are looking forward to sharing this special moment and final match together.

“It’s really special, to be honest,” said Rapinoe about playing Krieger in the final. “I mean obviously only one of us is going to be able to win and that’s going to be sad for whoever the person is that doesn’t win. But it’s really special to share the length of career that we have [had]. I know if I win, she’ll be happy for me; if she wins, I’ll be thrilled for her.”

Kerolin Named 2023 NWSL Most Valuable Player

Brazilian forward Kerolin of the North Carolina Courage has been named the 2023 NWSL Most Valuable Player. She is the first South American-born player and the fourth international player to win the award. In her season, Kerolin recorded a career-high 10 goals and three assists in 19 regular-season games.

San Diego FC Breaks Ground

In 2025, MLS is set to add its 30th club in San Diego FC. The club has now officially broken ground on its training facility that will also house its Right to Dream Youth Development Academy. The Right to Dream Academy San Diego is a major part of the club’s 125,000-square-foot campus, which boasts a 50,000-square-foot sports performance facility shared by the first team and academy teams. It will have five full-sized soccer fields, including three natural turf fields and two synthetic turf fields. The residential academy will house male students between the ages of 12 through 18 across sixth through 12th grade. The first group of residential athletes will be enrolled in fall 2025. Additionally, San Diego FC will create a non-residential girls pathway at the academy.

“This is a foundational moment for our club. Our performance center and Right to Dream Academy will enable us to develop future generations of world-class players across greater San Diego. This groundbreaking initiative reaffirms our commitment to create opportunities for young talent to flourish and our vision to become the epicenter of football excellence and innovation in North America,” said Tom Penn, CEO of San Diego FC.

Emma Hayes Announces Farewell Season

The speculation of Chelsea manager Emma Hayes leaving her club for the United States Women’s National Team seems to be confirmed after she has said the “time is right” to leave the club after 12 years in charge of the six-time Women’s Super League champions. Previous sources have confirmed that Hayes’ contract will be a record for women’s football and of equal to that of USMNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. Hayes hasn’t confirmed her link to the vacant USWNT managerial post quite yet and reiterated her work still to be done at Chelsea for the time being.

“I’ve got a team to focus on; I’ve got games to win,” she said. “The time is right. I will work with the club in the succession plan and do everything I can to make sure there is as good of a transition as possible so my successor can have the same level of success as I can.”

Darren Powell Lands USL One Head Coaching Job

Former Orlando City Soccer Club Academy Director Darren Powell is set to join USL League One side Lexington Sporting Club entering the team’s second season. Powell was with Orlando from 2014-2016 before heading to San Antonio FC and later Fort Lauderdale CF and the Inter Miami organization.

“We are really excited to be in Lexington and looking forward to meeting with the players. We have been meeting with the staff and getting to know them, and everyone has been super welcoming. Soon, we can meet with the fans and engage with the supporters that seem very passionate about Lexington soccer and obviously want to grow that support during the coming months. Very grateful for the fans we have and the support we’ve been given and looking forward to meeting them.”

Free Kicks

• Get to know Orlando Pride defender Brianna Martinez.

• The Orlando Pride have three players called into Brazil’s November camp in captain Marta, Adriana, and Rafaelle.

• Manchester United and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe are hopeful of announcing their partnership over the international break, as Ratcliffe is set to acquire a 25% stake in the club for around £1.25 billion.
• Karim Benzema scored his first Saudi Pro League hat trick in a 4-2 home win for Al Ittihad.
• After only bagging five wins in 12 games since taking over, José “Pacheta” Rojo has been relieved of his duties as Villarreal’s head coach.
• Tottenham’s James Maddison is out until 2024 with an ankle injury following the 4-1 home defeat to Chelsea.

That’s a wrap on today’s links. Enjoy the rest of your weekend folks. Never fear, the Lions will be back in action soon enough. Vamos Orlando!