Lion Links: 3/7/24

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope the work week has been treating you well as we power our way towards the weekend. Things have been pretty hectic at work, but I’m looking forward to heading to my hometown over the next few days for an escape room and dinner for my mom’s birthday. It should be a fun time. But first, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world.

Pride Players Star in Brazil’s Win Over Mexico

Brazil beat Mexico 3-0 to book its spot in the Concacaf W Gold Cup final, with the Orlando Pride’s Adriana and Rafaelle both impressing. They linked up for Brazil’s first goal, with Rafaelle whipping in a dangerous ball and Adriana delivering an acrobatic strike to give her team the lead.

Adriana was also credited with an assist on Brazil’s second goal for getting a loose ball into the path of Antonia, who buried her shot from outside the box. Rafaelle was Brazil’s captain and helped shut out a Mexico side that scored 13 goals this tournament, although Mexico only had 10 players for a majority of the match. Adriana was named Player of the Match and I’m really looking forward to seeing her and the Pride this year.

Orlando Pride Announce Theme Nights

We’re another day closer to the start of the 2024 NWSL season, with the Orlando Pride opening the season on the road on March 16 against Racing Louisville FC. Their first home match on March 22 will be the first of seven theme nights announced by the club for this year. From seeing the Pride wear their new away kits at home on April 19 to bringing dogs to the match against Bay FC on May 11, the slate of events includes plenty of fun for fans. The Pride’s final game of the regular season on Nov. 2 will also be Fan Appreciation Night to celebrate the club’s supporters.

USWNT Advances to Concacaf W Gold Cup Final

The United States Women’s National Team beat Canada in a penalty shootout following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Concacaf W Gold Cup semifinals. The rainy conditions were definitely a factor in the USWNT’s first goal, with Jaedyn Shaw pouncing on a back pass that had no chance to reach Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan due to the water on the field. Canada then found an equalizer in the second half to send the game to extra time. Sophia Smith restored the USWNT’s lead in extra time, but a late penalty gave Canada another equalizer. USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher redeemed herself in the shootout, making three saves and converting her own penalty kick to ensure her team advanced. The U.S. will take on Brazil in the tournament final this Sunday night.

Gregg Berhalter Prepares for Concacaf Nations League

The United States Men’s National Team is also in action this month, with a Concacaf Nations League semifinal match against Jamaica set for March 21 in Texas. After a loss to Slovenia in a friendly earlier this year, Head Coach Gregg Berhalter will need to select a strong roster and have the USMNT firing on all cylinders to win this tournament. It will be a tough game for the U.S., as Jamaica took down Canada to reach this point and has played the Yanks to draws in their past two meetings.

“I think the most important thing is it’s a resilient team,” Berhalter said. “They lost in Jamaica to Canada, and they had to go away to Canada and get the victory. They went down in the game, and they still were able to come back and win. So, it’s a very strong mentality. You can tell the coach has been through major tournaments before; a very experienced coach. … It’s going to be a difficult match, but we’re excited because difficult matches will help us grow.”

Free Kicks

• The New England Revolution beat Costa Rican club Alajuelense 4-0 in the first leg of the two teams’ Concacaf Champions Cup matchup.
• Toronto FC’s Lorenzo Insigne won MLS Goal of the Matchday for picking out the top corner in his team’s 1-0 win over the New England Revolution.

• Real Salt Lake midfielder Pablo Ruiz is out for the season after an ACL tear. It’s tough news for the 25-year-old, who underwent surgery last August due to a knee injury in his other leg.
• The NWSL will reportedly expand the number of international roster spots to seven for each team for the upcoming season.

• More reported details regarding the allegations against Australian forward Sam Kerr were unveiled.

• Real Madrid and Manchester City both advanced to the next round of the UEFA Champions League.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!