Lion Links: 3/8/24

Happy Friday! It’s a little hard to believe we’re already over a week into March. This year has flown by a bit, but this week has also felt like an eternity. I have some driving ahead of me this weekend, but am looking forward to being able to relax with family. The time changes this weekend as well, so I hope that transition goes fairly smoothly for all of you. Now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando Pride Officially Sign Barbra Banda

Zambian forward Barbra Banda has officially joined the Orlando Pride, signing a four-year contract through the 2027 season. The Pride used Allocation Money to sign Banda from Chinese club Shanghai Shengli FC for a $740,000 transfer fee, and the deal includes a sell-on fee for future transfers as well. The 23-year-old has scored 41 goals in 52 games for Shangai, and has excelled at the international level. Banda had two hat tricks in the Tokyo Olympics, won the Golden Ball in the COSAFA Women’s Championship after scoring 10 goals, and led Zambia to its first World Cup win last year. She’s one of the most promising attackers in the world and I’m excited to see her spearhead Orlando’s attack this year.

New Designated Player Joins Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC has added Israeli winger Liel Abada as a Young Designated Player, signing him to a contract through 2026 with an option for 2027 as well. He joins the club from Celtic for a reported transfer fee hovering around $8 million. The 22-year-old recorded 29 goals and 22 assists across 112 matches with Celtic and should fill some of the void left by the departures of both Kamil Jozwiak and Karol Swiderski.

Speaking of Designated Players, two other Eastern Conference teams made sure to lock down their star players. Nashville SC signed Hany Mukhtar to a contract extension through the 2026 season, with an option for 2027. The New England Revolution signed captain Carles Gil to a similar extension that will keep him with the club through the 2026 season, with an option for 2027 as well.

U.S. and Brazil Gear Up for W Gold Cup Final

The inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup will be won by either the United States Women’s National Team or Brazil, with the two sides squaring off this Sunday. Both nations are in similar spots after early exits in last year’s World Cup. The USWNT may have exorcised some of those demons after beating Canada in a penalty shootout in the semifinals. Alyssa Naeher has all but cemented herself as the team’s goalkeeper for the Olympics, and Brazil didn’t make it out of the World Cup’s group stage, but Head Coach Arthur Elias has found success this tournament with a young roster that’s found ways to score without Marta facilitating things. Fellow Pride players Adriana and Rafaelle have been great, and Brazil has won every game it’s played this tournament, although the USWNT will be its toughest test so far.

Europa League Round of 16 Kicks Off

The Europa League’s round of 16 is officially underway and there are some exciting matchups as teams fight for a spot in the quarterfinals. After a tense pair of draws against Feyenoord in the previous round, Roma was at its best at home in a 4-0 win against Brighton. Elsewhere in Italy, Christian Pulisic scored to help AC Milan win 4-2 against a Slavia Prague side that was reduced to 10 men in the first half. In Azerbaijan, Qarabag FK had a two-goal lead heading into halftime against Bayer Leverkusen, but the German club came back to earn a 2-2 draw on the road. Liverpool, Marseille, and SC Freiburg also came up with wins in their first legs, while Benfica and Rangers battled to a 2-2 draw.

Free Kicks

• The Orlando Pride’s Citrus Kit placed near the top of ESPN‘s rankings of each NWSL club’s new kits.
• Brandon Vazquez scored against his former club as Monterrey beat FC Cincinnati 1-0 at TQL Stadium in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
• Zackory Campagnolo, who left Orlando City’s academy to join the Colorado Rapids’, was noted as a goalkeeper to keep an eye on this MLS NEXT Pro season.
• Cole Campbell, an 18-year-old forward who is currently with Borussia Dortmund’s youth team, has decided to play for the United States rather than Iceland.

That’s all I have for you this time. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!