Lion Links: 8/9/24

Happy Friday! Orlando City is in action tonight against Cruz Azul, so we have plenty of excitment and anticipation to help get us through the work day. European soccer leagues are also starting up this weekend, while the Olympic action nears its end. It all sets up for an exciting weekend. But first, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City Homegrown Player Alex Freeman!

Yutaro Tsukada Reportedly Nears First-Team Contract

A report surfaced that Orlando City B forward Yutaro Tsukada will sign a contract with the first team that will last through 2025, with options for 2026 and 2027 as well.

The club drafted Tsukada in the first round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft with the 25th overall pick, later signing him to a one-year MLS NEXT Pro contract. He’s recorded four goals and four assists so far this season, and was also named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month for May. I can’t imagine he’d get many minutes with the first team this year, but this could be a solid move by the club for the future if it comes to pass.

Ally Lemos Called Up For U-20 World Cup

Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos was one of 21 players called up by the United States U-20 Women’s National Team for the World Cup that kicks off at the end of this month in Colombia. Lemos has represented the U.S. across multiple youth levels and played in the 2023 U-20 Concacaf Championship. Selected by the Pride with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, Lemos has made 14 appearances across all competitions so far this year. The first match of the upcoming World Cup for the U.S. will be Sept. 1 against Spain before the Yanks face Morocco on Sept. 4 and Paraguay on Sept. 7.

Analyzing Brazil Ahead of Gold Medal Game

The United States Women’s National Team will square off against Brazil on Saturday in the gold medal game of this year’s Olympics. For Pride fans, Brazil has a few familiar faces. Center back Rafaelle is unfortunately injured, but Marta will be eligible for the first time since being sent off in the final game of the group stage. Adriana and Angelina both started in Brazil’s 4-2 semifinal win over Spain with Adriana scoring. As for other notable Brazilian players heading into this match, goalkeeper Lorena has come up with crucial saves this tournament and versatile attacker Gabi Portilho has scored in Brazil’s past two games. Plenty of attention will be on Marta in her international finale, but this Brazil team boasts many players who can give the USWNT headaches. It should be a thrilling game and it looks like NBC is going to give the match center stage.

MLS Transfer News as Deadline Looms

With less than a week left before the transfer window closes, several MLS teams are improving their squad to finish the season strongly. The Vancouver Whitecaps added fullback Edier Ocampo from Atlético Nacional in Colombia’s top flight and he will be an MLS U22 Initiative Player for the Canadian club.

Minnesota United sent $50,000 in 2024 General Allocation Money (GAM) and a second-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft to CF Montreal in exchange for 21-year-old midfielder Caden Clark. The Loons retain a sell-on percentage if Clark is later moved and could also get another $100,000 in GAM if conditions are met.

In other news, the Philadelphia Union signed Haitian midfielder Danley Jean Jacques from French club FC Metz, sending $100,000 in GAM to the Portland Timbers for his discovery rights. FC Cincinnati terminated Aaron Boupendza’s contract, opening up a Designated Player spot. Inter Miami transferred Homegrown Player Shanyder Borgelin to Vendsyssel FF in Denmark’s second division.

Free Kicks

• The buzz for Mauricio Pochettino to become the next United States Men’s National Team head coach continues to grow, as the 52-year-old is reportedly the leading candidate for the job.
• Utah Royals forward Ally Sentnor was named both NWSL Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month after a July that included three goals and an assist.
• Morocco breezed past Egypt 6-0 to claim the bronze medal in the men’s Olympic soccer tournament. Soufiane Rahimi scored twice to finish with eight goals this Olympics, helping Morocco win its first medal in soccer.
• Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is reportedly joining Fiorentina in Serie A.

• Portuguese center back Pepe is hanging up his cleats at age 41, retiring after a career that included plenty of silverware at both the club and international levels.
• Our condolences go out to the friends and family of former FIFA interim president Issa Hayatou, who passed away in Paris at age 77.

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