Lion Links: 7/8/24

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been swamped working throughout the holiday weekend between Under Armour and Chicago Cubs games at Wrigley Field. Orlando City and the Pride won, while OCB lost and fell short of the trifecta in the win column. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links. 

Lions Win at Home Against D.C. United

Orlando City rolled past D.C. United with a 5-0 win at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday, winning consecutive matches for the first time this season. It was also Orlando’s first clean sheet since May 18 and the Lions have won three out of their last four matches. D.C. United remained at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with 20 points. Orlando City moved up to seventh in the Eastern Conference with 27 points and improved its goal differential with this result. The Lions will be on the road Saturday to take on the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium.

Pride Win on the Road Against Kansas City Current

The Orlando Pride defeated the Kansas City Current 2-1 on the road at CPKC Stadium in the battle of undefeated teams atop the NWSL on Saturday. Despite going down to 10 players in the first half, the Pride took the lead, held on, and handed Kansas City its first loss of the season. Orlando has extended its unbeaten streak this season to 16 matches (17 overall, dating back to last year) and now moves to first in the NWSL with 38 points. The NWSL will take a break for the Olympics. Orlando’s next match will be against the North Carolina Courage on July 20 in the group stage of the NWSL X Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup.

OCB Falls at Home Against Carolina Core FC

Orlando City B lost 2-1 to Carolina Core FC at Osceola County Stadium Sunday. The Young Lions got off to a good start, but things fell apart for them in the second half. OCB gave up a penalty kick and Carolina Core scored the equalizer off of it and then another goal soon after to claim all three points. OCB is now 10th in the Eastern Conference with 21 points and its next match will be at home on Sunday against Inter Miami CF II.

Euro 2024 Quarterfinal Roundup

There was plenty of drama over the weekend in the quarterfinal round of the European Championship and four teams booked their spots in the semifinals. Spain eliminated Germany with a 2-1 win, with Mekel Merino scoring the late winner in extra time. Portugal and France played to a scoreless draw after extra time, and France won 5-3 in the shootout to advance to the semifinals. England and Switzerland battled to a 1-1 draw after extra time, and that match also went to penalties, with England winning 5-3 over Switzerland in the shootout. The Netherlands overturned a 1-0 deficit to knock out Turkey 2-1 to advance as well. The semifinals are set, as the Netherlands will face England Wednesday, while Spain will take on France Tuesday. The final is set for Sunday.

Copa America Semifinals Are Set

Copa America also wrapped up its quarterfinal matchups and there is one Concacaf team remaining. Argentina and Ecuador fought to a 1-1 draw before penalty kicks. Argentina won 4-2 against Ecuador in the shootout, as goalkeeper Emi Martinez made two clutch saves to advance. The match between Canada and Venezuela also ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation and went to penalties. Canada edged past Venezuela 4-3 and moved on to the semifinals. Panama lost 5-0 to Colombia in the only quarterfinal that didn’t go to penalties. Uruguay and Brazil played to a scoreless draw and Uruguay beat Brazil 4-2 in penalties to advance. In the semifinals, Argentina plays Canada Tuesday and Uruguay will take on Colombia Wednesday.

Free Kicks

• Orlando Pride General Manager Haley Carter shared some insight on The Late Sub with Claire Watkins on the process behind how the club was able to sign Barbra Banda.

• Former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise joined Bayern Munich on a five-year contract.
• Manchester United is reportedly close to signing Bologna forward Joshua Zirkee.
• Racing Louisville City FC Head Coach Bev Yanez missed Sunday’s match against the North Carolina Courage after suffering a miscarriage. We here at The Mane Land express our support and offer our condolences to her and her family during this difficult time.

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