Lion Links: 3/21/24

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope the work week has been treating you well as we get ready for yet another weekend filled with Orlando soccer. I’ve definitely been enjoying having all three of Orlando’s teams in full swing again. Between those games and the United States Men’s National Team’s game tonight, it should be a pretty busy couple of days. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando Pride Will Play in Inaugural Summer Tournament

As part of a new partnership between the NWSL and Liga MXF, a new club tournament is coming this summer. The NWSL X Liga MXF Summer Cup is a bit of a mouthful to say, but also aptly named, as it will pit the 14 NWSL teams against six clubs from Liga MXF. There will be five groups of four teams, with the winner of each group moving on to the semifinals. The Orlando Pride will travel to take on the North Carolina Courage on July 20 before home games against Monterrey and Racing Louisville on July 28 and Aug. 1, respectively. The tournament will take place during the Olympics, which should provide an opportunity for depth players across the league to get minutes.

OCB Makes MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings Top 5

The first power rankings of the MLS NEXT Pro season are out and the Orlando City B is one of the top 10 teams listed. The Young Lions are ranked fifth after kicking off their season with a wild 3-2 win against Atlanta United 2 this past weekend. Rookie Yutaro Tsukada scoring off of a free kick was one highlight from the impressive road win, as Manuel Goldberg’s tenure as head coach got off to a solid start. OCB’s next match is tomorrow at 8 p.m. against a Huntsville City team that drew 1-1 against Chattanooga but lost the penalty shootout.

USMNT Takes on Jamaica Tonight

The USMNT will play Jamaica tonight at 7 p.m. in the Concacaf Nations League. The USMNT is the reigning champion of the tournament, winning it twice. Even if the U.S. will be the favored side, Jamaica is a strong opponent and beat Canada to reach the semifinals. Having Tyler Adams back should give the Yanks a needed boost in controlling the midfield, although he’s not expected to play the full match. The USMNT will need to capitalize on its chances and make Jamaica earn its chances the hard way. Jamaica is a bit shorthanded as well and will be without West Ham forward Michail Antonio, who withdrew from the squad.

Draws for Olympic Soccer Tournaments Unveiled

In this summer’s Olympics, the United States Women’s National Team will take on Germany, Australia, and whichever team advances between Zambia and Morocco. The qualifiers between Zambia and Morocco will take place in early April and the USWNT’s opening match will be against the victor. It’s a difficult group and will be a tough test for new USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes. Brazil, which will likely have Pride players make the trip to Paris, was drawn in a group with Spain, Japan, and either Nigeria or South Africa. The host, France, will take on Canada, Colombia, and New Zealand. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout round, along with the two best third-place finishers.

The draw for the men’s tournament was also complete, and the U.S. U-23 team will face France, New Zealand, and the winner of a playoff between Guinea and an AFC representative. It’s the first time in the men’s tournament for the U.S. since 2008.

Free Kicks

• The Portland Timbers have a new Designated Player after signing Jonathan Rodriguez from Club America. The 30-year-old forward is signed through 2026, with an option year for 2027, and has spent the past eight seasons in Liga MX.
• Matt Lampson is reportedly no longer the goalkeeping coach of the Houston Dash due to an alleged relationship with a Dash player. The NWSL’s policy prohibits a relationship between players and coaches due to the power imbalance.
• Mexican striker Daniel Rios is returning to MLS, joining Atlanta United on loan from Chivas through this season.
• St. Louis forward Joakim Nilsson’s bicycle kick was named MLS Goal of the Matchday, claiming 43% of the vote.
• AFC World Cup qualifying returns this week and here’s everything you need to know. I’m most interested in seeing if group leaders like Japan and Australia can use these matches to pull away or if we’ll have some dramatic finishes for the last set of group games in June.
• Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer won’t play in Germany’s upcoming friendlies and could miss important games for Bayern Munich after sustaining a thigh injury.