Lion Links: 4/12/24

Happy Friday! I hope this week has gone smoothly for you as we gear up for even more Orlando soccer tonight and tomorrow. It should be a nice next few days, even if I’m working for most of it. I don’t have many plans outside of work beyond bonding with my cat and trying a new stuffed bread recipe. Let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando Pride Play the Utah Royals Tonight

The Orlando Pride are on the road tonight for a showdown with the Utah Royals at 9:30 p.m., and you can catch the game on NWSL+ or through Bally Sports if you’re local. Although the Royals are an expansion team this year, the Pride last squared off against the previous Royals back in 2019, with Orlando losing all three games to Utah that season. This season, the Pride are riding a three-game unbeaten streak. However, they are also still on the hunt for their first win after three consecutive draws. While the offense awaits the arrival of Zambian striker Barbra Banda, the Pride have managed to score off of a set piece in each of their three games so far. While a draw on the road wouldn’t be awful by any means, hopefully the Pride can get a solid tally in the win column tonight.

Orlando City B Draws Philadelphia Union II

OCB went on the road to take on Philadelphia Union II and earned a single point after a 1-1 draw and penalty shootout. The two teams traded goals in the first half, but the Young Lions were on the back foot for most of the second half. While Orlando’s offense sputtered, the defense survived chance after chance from Philadelphia to send the game to a shootout. Orlando lost the lengthy shootout, 7-6, claiming just one point, but at least the Young Lions didn’t leave Pennsylvania empty handed. Hopefully OCB can return to its winning ways when it faces off with Crown Legacy FC on April 19.

New York City FC Stadium Plans Finally Approved

Plans to build a soccer-specific stadium in Queens for new grounds for New York City FC were approved by New York City officials. It will be a $780 million stadium expected to open in 2027 and serves as the centerpiece of a redevelopment project in the neighborhood. The 25,000-seat stadium will be right next to Citi Field, which has been one of the many home venues for NYCFC over the years since joining as an expansion side alongside Orlando City in 2015. It’s a bit wild that this stadium is set to open 10 years after Orlando christened its own soccer-specific stadium back in 2017. At least the Lions won’t have to play road games at baseball stadiums for much longer.

Europa League Quarterfinals Kick Off

The Europa League quarterfinals are underway, with the remaining eight teams squaring off in the first legs of their matchups. In England, Atalanta leaned on a brace from Gianluca Scamacca and stellar defense to win 3-0 against Liverpool. Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak stretched to 42 games after it beat West Ham United 2-0, thanks to a pair of late goals. The first match between Italian clubs AC Milan and Roma went to the visitors, as Roma scored early on and held on for a 1-0 win at San Siro. The only quarterfinal that wasn’t a shutout took place in Portugal, with Benfica beating Marseille, 2-1. The second legs will all take place at the same time next week, which should make for an exciting Thursday afternoon of soccer.

Free Kicks

• American defender Sofia Huerta and the Seattle Reign have agreed to a contract extension that will keep her with the team through the 2027 season.
• After getting bounced from the Concacaf Champions League, Inter Miami Head Coach Gerardo Martino stated that roster rules need to change for MLS teams to compete at the same level as Liga MX teams.
• The injury bug can’t seem to stop biting American forward Josh Sargent, who is doubtful for Norwich City’s important match against Preston North End tomorrow.
• Olympique Lyonnais Head Coach Sonia Bompastor will reportedly replace Emma Hayes as Chelsea’s next head coach.
• The English Premier League will use semi-automated offside technology next season to help cut down on time during checks while providing clearer visualizations. It won’t be used at the start of the season, but will be implemented before 2025.
• Bayer Leverkusen can clinch the Bundesliga league title this weekend if it beats Werder Bremen on Sunday. Even if it does, there will still be reason to keep an eye on its remaining matches, as it can become the first Bundesliga team to have a season without a single loss.
• New financial rules are reportedly on the way for the English Premier League to replace the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules. Those existing rules, along with the points deductions incurred from them, will still be around during a transitory next season.

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