Lion Links: 3/11/24

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. I know that it might not feel that way after the loss to Minnesota United. The loss hurt, but the Lions have a big match in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup tie against Tigres UANL tomorrow night. At least Orlando City remembered how to score goals and will hopefully do so in Mexico. For now, let’s get to the links.

Lions Lose to Loons

As I mentioned, Orlando City dopped the home match against Minnesota 3-2 on a last-minute, second-half, stoppage-time goal by Bongokuhle Hlongwane. Things started out better with Duncan McGuire scoring the fastest goal in Orlando City history only 14 seconds in, tying the fifth-fastest goal from the start of a game in MLS history.

Even a brace from McGuire on the night wasn’t enough to earn any points. Michael Citro has your match recap.

Defensive Deprivation

Orlando City’s defensive midfield took a big hit Saturday night when Cesar Araujo headed into the tunnel with an injury. We are still waiting to hear the extent of the injury and how long Araujo may be out. Adding insult to injury, Wilder Cartagena was given a red card after full time for a tussle with Minnesota’s Joseph Rosales. Both are suspended for their next MLS match. That means Orlando City could be without either of the two starting defensive midfielders against Atlanta United.

Charley Out for the Season

The Orlando Pride were dealt a roster blow before the season has even started. Simone Charley ruptured her Achilles tendon on her right ankle this week during training. It is the second straight year Charley has dealt with this injury. The forward was brought in to provide more attacking depth for the Pride. Despite the addition of forward Barbra Banda, this is still a big loss for the Pride heading into the NWSL season.

USWNT Wins the W Gold Cup

The USWNT won the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup 1-0 over Brazil thanks to a Lindsey Horan header that put the U.S. on top in first-half stoppage time. The Orlando Pride’s Adriana made the start for Brazil but was not able to provide a goal for her country. In Concacaf style, it was a rough and tumble match, though ultimately Brazil wasn’t able to take advantage.

Free Kicks

• You might be upset with some of the missed opportunities from Orlando City’s last match, but there wasn’t anything this bad.

• I’m not even a little bit surprised, but it turns out that Jordan Morris is a good dude.

• Liverpool and Manchester City played to a 1-1 draw which allowed Arsenal to take over the top of the English Premier League table. Of course, the Gunners did their part in a 2-1 win over Brentford.
• CF Montreal did what Orlando City could not in defeating Inter Miami, 3-2. Of course, Lionel Messi didn’t play, and Luis Suarez was on the bench, but I’ll still take the result.
• Christian Pulisic continued his excellent run of form for AC Milan, scoring the winning goal over Empoli in the 1-0 victory.

• Weston McKennie made his return to the Juventus lineup where he promptly provided two assists in the draw with Atalanta.

That will do it for today. Please check back as we get you ready for the matches against Tigres and Atlanta United later this week. Vamos Orlando!