Lion Links: 3/19/24

Happy Tuesday, everyone. It might not have been the weekend Orlando City fans were hoping for, but Orlando City B and the Orlando Pride both gave fans plenty to cheer about. As usual, we have a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s jump into today’s links.

U.S. Soccer Releases New Kits

U.S. Soccer has unveiled the two new kits that its national teams will wear during 2024. The leaks that were making the rounds several weeks ago were accurate, with the home jersey being white with stripes on the sleeves and collar, and the away jersey evoking memories of the 2014 bomb pop kit. The kits go on sale this Thursday, just in time for the United States Men’s National Team’s Concacaf Nations League semifinal clash against Jamaica.

Nottingham Forest Deducted Points

Nottingham Forest has been deducted four points as punishment for violating the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. That deduction takes Forest from 25 points down to 21, and drops the team into the relegation zone in 18th place, one point shy of newcomers Luton Town. The deduction is the second this season, following Everton being docked 10 points (reduced to six after an appeal), and the Toffees might still be in line for another deduction. The independent commission charged with looking into Forest’s breach had determined that the violation was originally worth a six-point deduction, but it was reduced to four due to cooperation with the investigation.

Seattle Reign Sale Announced

OL Groupe has announced the sale of the Seattle Reign to a group that includes the Seattle Sounders and the investment firm Carlyle. OL Groupe will sell the entirety of its 97% stake in the team, with the price of the deal coming to $58 million. The sale is subject to approval by the Board of Governors for both Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League, but there are not expected to be any issues. OL Groupe got a good return on its investment, as it bought the team in 2019 for an estimated $3.5 million.

International Absences Galore

A number of high profile players will not be joining up with their countries during the international break due to injury. Antoine Griezmann’s record of playing in 84 straight games for his country will come to an end, as the forward has suffered an ankle injury and will be replaced by Matteo Guendouzi. Darwin Nunez has withdrawn from the Uruguayan squad after picking up a hamstring injury during Liverpool’s FA Cup quarterfinal loss to Manchester United. Lionel Messi will also be missing for Argentina due to a hamstring injury.

Lion Links

• Hats off to the City Beautiful for winning some recognition.

• The Orlando Pride come in at the fifth spot in CBSSports.com’s NWSL power rankings.
• The Biden administration has urged the Supreme Court to allow an antitrust lawsuit against FIFA and U.S. Soccer to proceed to trial.
• Francesco Acerbi has left Italy’s training camp following allegations that he racially abused Napoli’s Juan Jesus.
• Fiorentina General Manager Joe Barone is on life support after suffering cardiac arrest.

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!