Lion Links: 7/4/24

Happy Fourth of July! I hope you all enjoy some hot dogs, fireworks, and a festive cocktail (if that’s your thing). I’ll be working for most of the day, but I should have some time in the evening to celebrate. For now though, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Beats Toronto FC

The Lions are headed back to Orlando with all three points after a 2-1 win against Toronto FC on the road. Orlando had a rough start, but managed to flip the script and hold on for a massive win. Peruvian duo Wilder Cartagena and Pedro Gallese returned to the starting lineup after their time at Copa America and did well. The team now sits in 10th in the Eastern Conference standings, but is tied on points with Toronto and Atlanta United for the last two playoff spots. Orlando will have another chance to climb up the table on Saturday when it hosts D.C. United.

Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda Called Up

The Orlando Pride’s Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda were both called up by Zambia for the Olympics later this month. Although Zambia did not advance out of the group stage in its debut during the 2020 Olympics, the African nation had a solid showing. Banda had two hat tricks during those Olympics, scoring six of the team’s seven goals. She’s been incredible since joining the Pride this year and had a brace in Zambia’s win over Morocco to secure a ticket to Paris. Chanda, who has missed time over the past year due to illness, took part in both of those qualifiers against Morocco as well. She signed with the Pride near the end of May and will join the team after the Olympics.

San Diego Wave Leadership Accused of Abuse

Former San Diego Wave employees have come forward to speak about abuse and discrimination from the club’s leadership. Brittany Alvarado, who moved to San Diego to be the Wave’s video and creative manager, spoke on the difficulties faced by her and others at the club, specifically calling out President Jill Ellis’ role in fostering an abusive environment. She also shared a concerning email she says she received from a senior leadership member of the Wave after she resigned for her mental health. The Wave released a statement calling Alvarado’s claims false and the email fabricated.

Photographer Jenny Chuang then shared how she was pressured to resign while her mental health declined and that she was placed on suicide watch while with the club. She also noted that the individuals she’s referring to no longer work at the club. The NWSL released a statement encouraging people to report misconduct to the safety officer or anonymously through Real Response.

Kansas City Will Host 2024 NWSL Championship

This year’s NWSL Championship game will officially be held at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City. I personally think the 11,500-seat capacity is a bit small for the event, but it makes sense that the league would want to put the spotlight on the first stadium built specifically for an NWSL team. The stadium opened earlier this year and has sold out for every Kansas City Current home game so far.

Nashville Hires B.J. Callaghan

B.J. Callaghan was appointed as the next head coach of Nashville SC and will join the club on July 22. The 43-year-old has been an assistant coach for the United States Men’s National Team since 2019, and served as the team’s interim head coach last summer. He now becomes Nashville’s second head coach since joining MLS in 2020, as Nashville and Gary Smith parted ways in May. Callaghan’s first matches at the helm will be in the Leagues Cup when Nashville takes on Mazatlan and the New England Revolution in the group stage.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City B goalkeeper Carlos Mercado was signed to the first team on a short-term agreement for Wednesday’s game to serve as Gallese’s backup in Toronto. This was necessary as Javier Otero’s current immigration status would not allow him to travel to Canada for Wednesday’s first-team match. The Venezuelan-born Otero is legally allowed to work in the United States with his current paperwork.
• Enjoy this highlight reel from the NWSL showcasing how well Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kerry Abello have done this season.

• Former Lion Kaká had plenty of praise for Orlando Pride attacker and fellow Brazilian legend Marta.

• Canadian winger Tajon Buchanan underwent surgery after breaking his leg in practice ahead of the team’s Copa America quarterfinal against Venezuela on Friday.
• CBS Sports ranked the remaining teams in Euro 2024, with Spain and Germany in the top two spots ahead of their clash on Friday.
• The Copa America quarterfinals kick off tonight with a match between Argentina and Ecuador, and here’s a nice breakdown on Ecuador’s chances to pull off the upset.

That’s all I have for you today. Make sure to celebrate the holiday responsibly and to be mindful of one another while out and about. Have a great Fourth of July!