Lion Links: 4/8/24

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida and that you had a great weekend. I was busy getting the broadcast operations setup prepared with NISA clubs for their opening matches this past Saturday, but I got through matchday one. Besides that, I got to cover some water polo and catch up on some shows. There is plenty to cover today (and please don’t stare directly at the eclipse today, wherever you are), so let’s get to the links.

USWNT Defeats Japan to Advance to SheBelieves Cup Final

The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Japan 2-1 before a record breaking crowd in Atlanta to advance to tomorrow’s SheBelieves Cup final. Jaedyn Shaw extended her goal-scoring streak as she became the first USWNT player to score a goal in each of her first five starts. We also saw Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario return to action on the pitch after being out with injuries. Lindsey Horan converted her penalty kick late in the second half to seal the match for the USWNT, and the Yanks will play Canada in the final tomorrow night in Columbus.

Brazil Loses to Canada on Penalties in SheBelieves Cup Semifinals

Brazil lost 4-2 on penalties to Canada after a 1-1 draw in the other semifinal match of the SheBelieves Cup. Orlando Pride forward Marta and midfielder Angelina came off the bench late in the second half. Brazil got off to a good start, getting a penalty kick goal from Tarciane in the first half. However, in the second half, Canada got the equalizer from Vanessa Gilles to tie the match. In penalties, Marta was her country’s first shooter — after Canada had missed — but her kick was poor, and it was saved by goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. Canada then converted four straight penalties, while Antonia missed another for Brazil to give the Canadians the edge and move on to the final to face the USWNT. Brazil will play Japan in the third-place match tomorrow afternoon.

MLS Weekend Roundup

Orlando City wasn’t in action this weekend, but there were plenty of good MLS games to watch. Let’s start in California, where LAFC beat the LA Galaxy 2-1, giving its rival its first loss of the season. The New York Red Bulls fought back from being down 1-0 to defeat FC Cincinnati 2-1 and stay at the top of the Eastern Conference. The most entertaining match from the weekend was down in Texas, as Austin FC and the San Jose Earthquakes went back and forth, trading goals in a thrilling match. However, late in stoppage time, Sebastian Driussi scored to give Austin a 4-3 victory over the Earthquakes and a second consecutive win for his team. The lone MLS Sunday match saw the Portland Timbers come back from a 3-0 deficit to tie Sporting Kansas City 3-3.

Manchester United and Liverpool Draw

Another marquee matchup with Premier League title implications took place in England at Old Trafford, as Liverpool’s title hopes took a hit. Luis Diaz put Liverpool ahead early in the first half. Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo scored for Manchester United in the second half to put the Red Devils in front 2-1. Mohammed Salah then scored a late equalizer for Liverpool from the penalty spot, as Liverpool and Manchester United each got a point in a 2-2 draw. That result means Arsenal stays in first and Liverpool is in second, with both sides tied at 71 points, but Arsenal is ahead on goal difference. Manchester City is right behind both clubs, in third with 70 points, while Manchester United stays in sixth with 49 points.

Free Kicks

• Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos recorded an assist for the U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team in its 3-1 win against Canada in a friendly.

• Former Orlando Pride head coach Marc Skinner, who coaches the Manchester United Women’s Team, may not be offered a new contract with the club after this season. His side is in fourth in the Women’s Super League and the club hierarchy reportedly has doubts about Skinner taking the team to the next level.
• Flamengo has withdrawn its U-17 squad from the Generation Adidas Cup after a 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union in the semifinals. MLS Next has launched an investigation following accusations that both teams had allegedly engaged in misconduct including discriminatory language.
• Fenerbahce players walked off the pitch after one minute in their Turkish Super Cup match against Galatasaray and forfeited the match.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday, and I’ll see you next time.