Lion Links: 3/29/24

Happy Friday! Today marks one year since we here at The Mane Land published our first story here at our new independent home. It’s a bit hard to believe that it’s already been a year. Thank you all for sticking with us or checking us out since our move. That kind of support goes farther than you might think. I joined the team back in October of 2016 as an editor and it’s only just now hitting me that I’ve been here for nearly a quarter of my entire life. Here’s hoping for another great year of independence and Orlando soccer!

Orlando City Set to Host New York Red Bulls

Orlando City’s match at home Saturday night against the New York Red Bulls was noted as one of the top matches in the league this weekend. The Lions earned their first win of the MLS season last weekend and will look to build on that momentum heading into tomorrow. The Lions will also get a boost from players returning from international duty, with Duncan McGuire, Facundo Torres, David Brekalo, and Peruvian duo Pedro Gallese and Wilder Cartagena back. They’ll have their hands full against a New York team that’s coming off of a 4-0 win over Inter Miami. Lewis Morgan had a hat trick in that match and Orlando’s defense will have to find a way to keep him and the rest of the Red Bulls from running rampant.

Orlando Pride Take On Chicago Tonight

The Orlando Pride’s third match of the NWSL season kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. when they host the Chicago Red Stars. The Pride enter this match following a gritty 1-1 draw against Angel City FC, with Brazilians Angelina and Marta linking up on a corner kick for a late equalizer. One thing to keep an eye on in tonight’s match will be how the Pride’s shorthanded defense can limit Chicago’s attack. The Pride have targeted versatile players while rebuilding, and that proved to be worth it last week as multiple players stepped up to fortify the back line. The last time these two sides squared off in Orlando was in August of last year, with the Pride coming up with a big 5-0 win. Hopefully we get to see a similar result tonight.

OCB Match Will Be Part of Generation Adidas Cup

Tuesday’s MLS NEXT Pro match between Orlando City B and Inter Miami II will take place at IMG Academy in Bradenton and will be part of this year’s Generation Adidas Cup. The participating teams of the tournament were invited to attend the match, along with their families, and fans can watch the match for free on the league website. The match will be broadcast in English, but a new AI dubbing platform will be used to instantly translate it into Spanish, French, and Portuguese. It will supposedly maintain voice and tone, so I’m morbidly curious to hear just how artificial it will sound.

Generations Adidas Cup Kicks Off Tomorrow

Speaking of the Generation Adidas Cup, the youth tournament kicks off tomorrow. All MLS academy teams will compete alongside some of the top youth teams from around the world in both the U-15 and U-17 age groups. Orlando City’s U-15 side was noted as one to watch after a strong run of form this year. Caleb Trombino has been solid defensively and Jakob Garcia has the attacking talent to light it up in this tournament. The team can make a statement when it takes on Arsenal’s U-15 squad at 10 a.m. this Sunday. That match, along with 27 others, will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass.

Free Kicks

• The Lions received some special visitors for their training.

• Somehow, the Seattle Reign’s Ji So-Yun beat Marta to win NWSL Goal of the Week.

• The NWSL hired Sarah Jones Simmer as its chief operating officer to lead business strategy starting in April.
• FC Cincinnati signed former D.C. United midfielder Yamil Asad to a deal through this season, with an option for 2025 as well.
• San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Daniel is out for the next four to six months after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury. William Yarbrough will fill in in the meantime. Yarbrough had five saves in San Jose’s 3-2 win over the Seattle Sounders this past weekend.
• Inter Miami has a new right back after adding Marcelo Weigandt on loan from Boca Juniors. The loan lasts through this season, with an option to be extended through 2025 as well.
• Christen Press is back in training with Angel City FC as she nears her return from an ACL injury.
• The UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals are set, with Chelsea set to play Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain taking on Lyon.
• Willie Kirk was fired as the manager of Leicester City’s women’s team following an investigation into an alleged relationship with a player.
• Here’s an interesting dive into the brutal run of schedule congestion that Truro City must endure to avoid relegation in the National League South.

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