Lion Links: 8/6/24

Happy Tuesday, everyone. I hope you’re all dry with your heads above water after Tropical Storm / Hurricane Debby finished making her way through Florida. Fortunately the effects weren’t too crazy in my neck of the woods, so I’m here to bring you today’s links. Between Olympic programming and games for two of Orlando’s three soccer teams, we have a lot going on this week. That means there’s plenty to talk through, so let’s get after it.

USWNT Takes On Germany Today

The United States Women’s National Team takes on Germany at noon today in the semifinals of the Olympic tournament. It’ll be the second time the USWNT faces Germany in the tournament after winning 4-1 in the group stage. Sam Coffey will be eligible for selection again after serving a yellow card suspension in the previous match against Japan, and Tierna Davidson may also make her return from a knee injury. It can be tough to beat a good team twice in one tournament, and the Yanks will have to contend with a German team that places an emphasis on fast, physical play, and pressing from the front.

MLS Transfer News

There are several pieces of MLS transfer business that we need to catch up on. First, United States Men’s National Team defender Tim Ream is reportedly close to finalizing a deal to join Charlotte FC. Speaking of defenders, Minnesota United has signed right back Matus Kmet from AS Trencin in the Slovakian top flight, continuing a busy summer for the Loons. Finally, Real Salt Lake is reportedly close to signing Diogo Goncalves as a Designated Player.

USWNT Announces Friendly

The USWNT has announced one more friendly to round out its October slate. The team will take on Argentina on Oct. 30 in Louisville at Lynn Family Stadium where Racing Louisville plays its home games. This will be the fifth meeting between the two teams, with the last one coming in February of 2021 at the venue formerly known as Exploria Stadium in a 6-0 beatdown in SheBelieves Cup play. Prior to facing Argentina, the USWNT will play a pair of friendlies against Iceland in Austin on Oct. 24 and again on Oct. 27 in Nashville.

Spain Will Face France for Men’s Gold Medal

The men’s Olympic gold medal match is set after a pair of thrilling matches on Monday. In the early game, Spain scored twice in 20 minutes during the second half to overturn a one-goal deficit and beat Morocco. A penalty kick in the 37th minute gave the African team the lead, but Juanlu Sanchez scored a late goal to complete the Spanish comeback and put his team in the final. The second match of the day involved more drama, as France scored a late equalizer against Egypt to force extra time. Egyptian center back Omar Fayed picked up a red card just two minutes into extra time, and that paved the way for a pair of French goals to secure a spot in the gold medal game on home soil.

Free Kicks

• Snapdragon is interested in helping fund a potential new stadium for Manchester United by purchasing naming rights.
• Niclas Fullkrug signed for West Ham United from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year deal.
• Xavi Simons extended his loan stay at Red Bull Leipzig despite intense interest from Bayern Munich.
• New Zealand’s Rebekah Stott was quick to notice Canada using a drone to spy on practices because she’s a self-described drone enthusiast.

That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!