Lion Links: 7/30/24

Happy Tuesday, everyone! It was a very busy weekend of soccer, and things aren’t going to slow down anytime soon. This week we’ve got Orlando City, Orlando Pride, Orlando City B, and men’s and women’s Olympic soccer. With a plate that full, we have plenty to discuss today, so let’s get after it.

U.S. Olympic Men Face Guinea

The United State’s Men’s Olympic Soccer Team faces Guinea at 1 p.m. today in its final match of group play. The Yanks are currently second in Group A with three points, and another win in this final match will ensure a place in the next round. The U.S. beat Guinea 3-0 in a friendly during the spring, so there’s a level of familiarity between the two sides. Guinea often plays in a 4-3-3 with an emphasis on speed and physicality and looks to do damage from set pieces and counterattacks. Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita is the side’s big name overage player, and he’ll need to be well marked in the midfield to prevent him from controlling play.

Canada Appeals Points Deduction

Canada has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport over the six-point deduction the team was given at the Olympics due to using drones to spy on New Zealand’s practice. A hearing is likely to take place today, with a decision expected on Wednesday, the same day as Canada’s final group stage game against Colombia. The Canadians have won both of their first two games but sit third in Group A on zero points due to the deduction. It’s worth noting that the year-long suspension of coach Bev Priestman is not part of the appeal.

MLS Transfer Roundup

With the summer transfer window open, MLS clubs are continuing to conduct business, and that means we have some things to catch up on. We start with Minnesota United, which signed forward Kelvin Yeboah as a Designated Player from Genoa on a deal through 2027 with an option for 2028. The Loons have also signed center back Jefferson Diaz from Deportivo Cali, again on a deal through 2027 with an option year for 2028. Manchester City is reportedly finishing up a deal to sign left back Christian McFarlane from New York City FC.

On the other hand, the Columbus Crew have rebuffed offers from Scotland for Jacen Russell-Rowe.

Manchester United Favor a New Stadium

Manchester United is reportedly leaning towards constructing a new stadium that would seat 100,000 rather than making renovations to Old Trafford. The club owns vast amounts of land surrounding Old Trafford, and is eyeing the construction of a stadium with various businesses, housing options, and other amenities surrounding it, similar to SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The current stadium has long been in need of repairs, but if the club chooses to go the route of a new 100,000 capacity construction, it would become the largest stadium in the United Kingdom.

Free Kicks

• The United States Women’s National Team is looking threatening after a commanding 4-1 win over Germany.
• FIFA has received formal bids for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups.
• Fulham has reportedly signed Emile Smith-Rowe from Arsenal.
• Former Tigres coach Roberto Dante Siboldi has sued the club for falsely accusing his assistant of selling information to rival Monterrey.