Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/3/24
Orlando City visits Toronto, Pride players called up, Orlando City MLS NEXT All-Stars, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday and match day, Mane Landers. Orlando City is back in action on the road at Toronto FC. I know you might be feeling some anxiety about Orlando City right now, but you’re probably off on Thursday for Independence Day, so you may as well watch the match. While you wait, let’s get to today’s links.
Toronto Prepares for Orlando
Toronto is riding a three-match home losing streak, and will be hoping to turn that around against the Lions tonight. Take a look at the numbers behind the match, including which Toronto players are not expected to play. This is a winnable match for the Lions at a time that the club could really use three points. Check back later for our match preview.
Orlando Pride’s Brazilians Called Up
The Orlando Pride’s Marta, Rafaelle, Adriana, and Angelina have all been called up by Brazil for the 2024 Olympics. Marta, Rafaelle, and Adriana will all be in the 18-player roster, while Angelina will be one of the traveling alternates. This news is not unexpected, though missing Angelina as an alternate does sting a little. Marta will have the opportunity to make history if she scores in her sixth Olympics, which is a feat no male or female player has accomplished. Brazil opens the Olympics on July 25 against Nigeria.
All-Star Young Lions
The MLS NEXT All-Star Game will take place at Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH on July 23. Of the 44 players attending, two of them — Colin Guske and Juan Rojas — will represent Orlando City SC. It’s been a big year for Guske, who has become a regular starter for OCB in 2024. It is an honor for Guske and Rojas to be recognized by MLS NEXT as two of the top young prospects throughout the country. Good luck to the lads at the game.
USMNT Falls Short of Expectations
In case you hadn’t noticed, the United States is hosting this year’s Copa America. As such, it was important for the USMNT to do well in this tournament on home soil. Instead, Gregg Berhalter’s squad crashed out of the group stages following losses to Panama and Uruguay. It is a big enough disappointment that normally calm U.S. supporters are now calling for Berhalter to be fired. I joke, of course, since they have been calling for his dismissal since well before the Copa America.
U.S. Soccer released a statement including the following:
“We will be conducting a comprehensive review of our performance in Copa America and how best to improve the team and results as we look towards the 2026 World Cup.”
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. You may remember that U.S. Soccer said something similar after the last World Cup, yet here we are. Taylor Twellman sums it up nicely.
U.S. Soccer supporters are rarely happy, if we’re to be honest, but that doesn’t mean they are not correct about the current situation.
Free Kicks
- The Orlando Pride’s Ally Lemos received another call-up to the U-20 USWNT’s training camp.
- St. Louis City FC has signed midfielder Marcel Hartel to a Designated Player contract. Hartel was most recently with FC St. Pauli, where he helped the club get promoted to the Bundesliga.
- To be fair, Christian Pulisic supposedly had some harsh words for referee Kevin Ortega following the USMNT’s loss to Uruguay, but Ortega almost certainly deserved a tongue-lashing. Pulisic at least made the effort to shake hands, though Ortega didn’t reciprocate.
- You were probably missing Pedro Gallese during Orlando City’s last match, but no worries, he is back with the team after Peru failed to advance in the Copa America. Here is an example of why he is one of the best in MLS.
- Speaking of great saves, check out this one from Turkey’s keeper, Mert Günok.
That will do it for today. Check back later today as we get you ready for the match tonight. Vamos Orlando!