Lion Links: 8/12/24

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I was out of town visiting friends in Indianapolis this past week and also got to check out an Indy Eleven match. With high school sports starting up this week in the Chicago area, I’ll be out shooting highlights again soon. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links. 

Lions Eliminated From Leagues Cup

Orlando City lost 5-4 on penalties to Liga MX side Cruz Azul after a scoreless draw at Inter&Co Stadium in the round of 32 in the Leagues Cup. The Lions outplayed Cruz Azul for most of the match, but neither side could find the back of the net. The ensuing penalty shootout went into sudden death, with Kevin Mier saving Dagur Dan Thorhallsson’s shot and Cruz Azul converting to advance. Despite the elimination, Orlando extended its unbeaten streak to eight matches across all competitions. Orlando City’s next match is on Aug. 24 against Sporting Kansas City.

Kerry Abello Named to NWSL Best XI for July

Orlando Pride midfielder Kerry Abello was named to the NWSL Best XI for the month of July, the league announced on Friday. Abello played 210 minutes and had a 78.82% passing accuracy during the month of July. The league also highlighted her versatility on the wing, as she did well when attacking and defending. The Orlando Pride will be back in action on Aug. 23 on the road against the Houston Dash.

OCB Draws Against Crown Legacy FC

Orlando City B played to a scoreless draw against Crown Legacy FC on Sunday at Osceola County Stadium. Both teams only created a few chances in this match as they combined for just four shots on target. OCB also went down to 10 men when Thomas Williams received a second yellow card for a foul in the second half and was sent off. The Young Lions came close to getting a goal but hit the woodwork twice. After 90 minutes of play, the match went to a shootout and OCB fell 3-1 in penalties. OCB remains 10th in the Eastern Conference with 28 points and sits just two spots away from Chattanooga FC, which holds the eighth and final playoff spot. OCB’s next match is on Sunday at home against New York City FC II.

USWNT Defeats Brazil to Win Gold Medal

The United States Women’s National Team won its first gold medal at the Olympics since 2012 with a 1-0 win against Brazil on Saturday. Mallory Swanson scored the lone goal in the match, while goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made a clutch save on Pride forward Adriana’s header in stoppage time to seal the win. Fellow Pride players Angelina, Rafaelle, and Marta all came off the bench in the second half. It’s also the third victory for the USWNT over Brazil in an Olympic gold medal game, and it won every game this tournament to secure its fifth gold medal. The Pride ended up with five players receiving a medal, with Marta, Rafaelle, Adriana, and Angelina getting silver medals, while Emily Sams received a gold medal.

Free Kicks

• Former Pride defender Kristen Edmonds has mutually agreed to part ways with NJ/NY Gotham FC.

• The NWSL and the NWSLPA have reached an agreement on a new long-term CBA and will announce more details later this month.
• Chelsea goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina will join EFL League One side Barnsley on a one-year loan deal.
• Brenden Aaronson scored an equalizer for Leeds United in stoppage time in his first match back at Elland Road to help secure a 3-3 draw in the club’s EFL Championship opener against Portsmouth.

• University of North Carolina Women’s Soccer Head Coach Anson Dorrance has announced his retirement from coaching after 45 seasons. He led the program to 21 NCAA National Championship titles.

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