Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/12/24
Duncan McGuire’s play recognized, Orlando Pride announce signings, Orlando City B names new head coach, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! I hope you’ve got your caffeinated beverage picked out, because Orlando City has a massive Concacaf Champions Cup game against Tigres at 10:30 p.m. The week started off on a very busy note, and that means we have plenty to talk about today. Join me in wishing a happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Ally Watt, and let’s get into today’s links!
Duncan McGuire Makes Team of the Matchday Bench
Duncan McGuire’s performance in Saturday’s loss was enough to earn him a spot on the bench in the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Matchday. McGuire scored the fastest goal in club history when he netted after just 14 seconds against Minnesota United, and he rifled in a late goal that knotted the game at 2-2 before Minnesota scored the winner in stoppage time. He was given a grade of 6.5 out of 10 from Sean Rollins, a number which would have been higher had he not missed a golden chance in the 64th minute. Still, he’s a worthy inclusion for the weekly honors, and hopefully this is far from the last time we see his name mentioned.
Orlando Pride Sign McKinley Krone
The Orlando Pride have announced the signing of goalkeeper McKinley Crone to a contract that runs through the end of the 2024 season. This will be Crone’s third stint with the team, as she made two previous appearances as a National Team Replacement Player. Crone was in the Pride’s preseason camp as a non-roster invitee, and her play was good enough to earn her a spot on the team this year. Crone joins a group of goalkeepers that includes Anna Moorhouse and Sofia Manner, with Kaylie Collins currently on loan with Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia.
Cori Dyke Signs Contract
It was an exceedingly busy day for the Pride on Monday, as the team also announced the signing of 2024 NWSL Draft pick Cori Dyke to a contract. The team’s second-round pick joins on a one-year-deal, which runs through the end of the 2024 season. Dyke can play defender, and the team certainly needs some depth in that position at the moment. Megan Montefusco had season-ending surgery, while Rafaelle fractured her foot with Brazil during the Concacaf W Gold Cup. Dyke provides depth at center back and has a chance to prove herself and try earning a longer contract.
Manuel Goldberg Becomes OCB Head Coach
Orlando City B has named Manuel Goldberg as the team’s new head coach. Previously an assistant with the team, Goldberg has been promoted following former coach Martin Perelman joining the staff of the senior team as an assistant. Goldberg is now the Young Lions’ second head coach in the MLS NEXT Pro era, and is the youngest in league history at the tender age of 30. This will be his third season with the team as he looks to try to build on a strong year in 2023 that saw the team qualify for the playoffs.
Free Kicks
- Orlando City is ready for a huge match against Tigres tonight.
- There are a number of American players taking part in midweek games, so make sure you tune in and cheer them on.
- Barcelona has reportedly hit a speed bump in its quest to sign Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich.
- The United States Women’s National Team’s grind to win the Concacaf W Gold Cup should help the team grow.
- Lecce has fired head coach Roberto D’Aversa after he headbutted an opposition player at the end of a loss over the weekend.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has produced a submission for the worst miss of the season.
That’s all I have for you today. Vamos Orlando!