Lion Links: 8/2/24

Happy Friday! The Olympics remain in full swing and I’ve been reveling in the buffet of sports all week long. Both of the U.S. soccer teams are just two wins away from earning a medal, which is pretty exciting. Let’s get this Friday started with today’s links from around the soccer world.

Orlando Pride Draw, Lose Shootout vs. Racing Louisville

In their final game of the  NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, the Orlando Pride drew 1-1 against Racing Louisville FC and lost the ensuing shootout. The result extends Orlando’s unbeaten streak to 19 games, although it’s a bit disappointing the Pride weren’t able to get a win in this inaugural tournament. The Pride struck first, but Louisville clawed its way back with an equalizer and then left Orlando with an extra point by winning the shootout. In the end, neither side advanced to the semifinals and the Pride finished third in the group after drawing in all three games. Orlando will be back in action on Aug. 23 against the Houston Dash when the NWSL season returns.

USMNT Plays Morocco Today

The United States Men’s Olympic Soccer Team advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2000 and takes on Morocco today at 9 a.m. in Paris. The U.S. reached this point thanks to wins against New Zealand and Guinea after losing to France in the opener. As for Morocco, this is the African nation’s first trip to the Olympics since 2012 and it won its group after victories against Argentina and Iraq. Morocco’s  Soufiane Rahimi leads the tournament with four goals so far, while Americans Djordje Mihailovic and Kevin Paredes have both scored twice. The victor of this morning’s match will claim a spot in the semifinals, which would be a first for either side.

USWNT Prepares for Olympic Match With Japan

The quarterfinals for the women’s tournament kick off on Saturday, with the United States Women’s National Team set to take on Japan at 9 a.m. The U.S. won all three of its games to win its group, and has looked revitalized in its first tournament under Emma Hayes. Japan lost against Spain before victories over Brazil and Nigeria to claim second place in its group. The last time these two sides have squared off in the Olympics was in the gold medal game in 2012, with Carli Lloyd scoring twice to lift the U.S. to a 2-1 win. The USWNT also beat Japan 2-1 in the SheBelieves Cup earlier this year. This match should be a good one between two teams that have a similar mix of veteran and rising players.

Americans to Watch in the EFL

The upcoming English Football League season will be one to watch due to the many American players who are plying their trade in the second division. Former Lion Daryl Dike is certainly on the list, although it may take a few months for him to see the field for West Brom due to injury. Coventry City’s Haji Wright scored 19 goals across all competitions in his first year with the club and could be the key to his team’s promotion hopes. Norwich City’s Josh Sargent, Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson, and Cardiff City goalkeeper Ethan Horvath are a few of the other Americans to check out. There are more Yanks as well, and their inclusion in the league should add another element to the promotion and relegation races in the league.

Free Kicks

• St. Louis City goalkeeper Roman Burki wrote about his struggles with mental health over the course of his career. It’s an insightful read into the kind of toll anxiety can have on athletes, as well as encouragement to reach out for help.
• Tony Gustavsson is no longer the head coach of Australia’s women’s team, with the two sides parting ways after an exit in the group stage of this Olympics. The 50-year-old’s contract was set to end in September after four years at the helm.
• Cesar Palacios reportedly tore his ACL in his debut for Real Madrid in a preseason game at Soldier Field in Chicago.
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic weighed in on the growth of MLS, stating that it’s moving in the right direction but that progress has been slow due to the rules in place.
• Both Marcus Ashford and Antony had to leave Manchester United’s game against Real Betis in San Diego due to injury. It’s the latest bad news for the club, with Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund also sustaining injuries this preseason.
• Fulham has reportedly made another bid for Manchester United defender Scott McTominay, this time for $25.5 million.
• FIFA offered to talk with leagues and player unions in regards to the congested match schedule that has sparked threats of legal action.

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