Lion Links: 1/29/24

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. I’ll be honest, the turnout by Orlando City supporters for the Flamengo friendly was less than optimal. Hopefully, you all watched it online since it was an excellent match that was fun to watch. The season is closer than ever and I don’t want to wait, but we have to. In the meantime, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Draws Flamengo

The Lions took to the pitch for the first time in 2024 in a friendly against Brazilian side Flamengo. Despite going down early, the Lions tied it up on a sweet give-and-go with Ivan Angulo, who scored the first goal of the year. If you haven’t had a chance to watch it, you still can on YouTube. Oscar Pareja was impressed with how his players showed a level of fitness and skill that belied the team only being in preseason training for such a short amount of time.

Lions Reject McGuire Offer

Sheffield Wednesday supposedly really wants Duncan McGuire, but so far the club hasn’t ponied up the funds that Orlando City would need to allow the Lions’ starting striker to make the jump to England. So far, Orlando City has rejected all offers for the young forward.

As Tom Bogert reported in The Athletic (paywall), Sheffield Wednesday is not the only Championship club after McGuire. It isn’t surprising that McGuire is in demand, but unless it’s an absolute ton of money, Orlando City needs him more.

Orlando’s New Away Kit Among Kit Leaks

EA FC took over as big time producer of the soccer video game each year. It is a big responsibility that requires tact and restraint, so of course EA leaked every new MLS kit for the 2024 season. This is just a rendering of the leaked Orlando City road kit, but it is a clearer image.

I have plenty of thoughts on all of this. First, I love the throwback to the USL logo and colors. I’m not a big white kit person, but I might have to get this one. I feel really bad for those who might get in trouble because of the leak. All that is left is for the league or Adidas to confirm that it is real.

FA Cup Results

The FA Cup rolled on this weekend with the big clubs winning as expected. Manchester United had a little trouble putting Newport County in its place. It took until late in the second half for Manchester United to go up two goals and ultimately win 4-2 over the League Two opponent.

Meanwhile, Liverpool dispatched Championship side Norwich City 5-2 in the first match after Jurgen Klopp announced he is leaving following the end of the season. Things were much crazier at the match between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The match was temporarily suspended because fans stormed the pitch. Eventually, Wolves won 2-0.

Free Kicks

• Egypt really missed Mo Salah as it lost in penalty kicks to DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations. Congo will move on to the quarterfinals.
• Luis “Matador” Tejada died on Sunday at the age of 41. The former Panama striker was playing in a veterans game when he collapsed and was taken to a clinic where he passed away.
• Inter Miami is down yet another player, though this one is on the younger side. Homegrown midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi has undergone sports hernia surgery.
• Klopp isn’t the only coach leaving at the end of the season. Barcelona manager Xavi is also leaving as he knows that change needs to happen at the club and he’s not the answer.
• The boys from Flamengo took in some other sports while they were in town.

That will do it for today. The Lions are headed to Mexico, but we have to stay here. See you in February. Vamos Orlando!