Lion Links
Lion Links: 8/15/24
Duncan McGuire will reportedly sign new contract, Lions near deal for Heine Gikling Bruseth, Grace Chanda out for the season, and more.
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How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve spent most of my week so far reading after going a bit overboard at a book sale near me. It’s been a nice way to spend the wait before Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are back in action. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City defender Thomas Williams!
Duncan McGuire Will Reportedly Sign New OCSC Contract
An agreement has reportedly been reached between Orlando City and forward Duncan McGuire for him to sign a new contract that will last through 2027, with an option for 2028. The Lions have been trying to secure McGuire’s signature throughout the year, and McGuire endured a whirlwind of a transfer saga in February involving a failed loan to Blackburn Rovers. McGuire scored 13 goals as a rookie last season and has seven to his name so far this season. He didn’t exactly turn heads at the Olympics this summer, but he can finish the year strongly with the Lions.
Lions Near Deal for Heine Gikling Bruseth
Orlando City is reportedly close to signing Norwegian midfielder Heine Gikling Bruseth from Kristiansund BK in Norway’s top flight for a $1 million transfer fee. The 20-year-old would join the Lions as an MLS U22 Initiative player if the move comes to fruition. The talks between the two clubs were reported on earlier this month but reportedly broke down for a bit due to the fee. I’m interested to see what role the young midfielder would have with the team this year should he become a Lion.
Pride’s Grace Chanda Out for the Season
Zambian midfielder Grace Chanda won’t be making her Orlando Pride debut this year after being placed on the season-ending list due to a ruptured quadriceps tendon sustained while at the Olympics. It’s tough news for Chanda, who missed out on last year’s World Cup and most of Real Madrid’s season due to an illness. Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Haley Carter did not mince words in detailing how Zambia’s mismanagement contributed to Chanda’s injury.
Chanda’s contract with the Pride lasts through 2025 and hopefully she has a smooth healing process. The Pride will now have to hold onto the top spot in the league without their big summer signing while other teams have spent this break in the season upgrading their rosters.
Chicago Fire and Xherdan Shaqiri Part Ways
Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri’s time with the Chicago Fire has come to an end, with the two sides agreeing to terminate his contract. In 75 appearances across all competitions since joining in 2022, Shaqiri recorded 16 goals and 20 assists. Chicago is currently 14th in the Eastern Conference and Shaqiri has not played for the club since May. The 32-year-old is now a free agent after an underwhelming spell in MLS, while the Fire will have an open Designated Player spot to help turn things around in 2025.
Free Kicks
- Orlando will host one of five Talent ID Events announced by MLS NEXT to give players outside of MLS NEXT a platform to show their skills. The first event is on Wednesday in Denver, and the last event will be in Orlando on Nov. 15.
- Real Salt Lake added Polish winger Dominik Marczuk as an MLS U22 Initiative player. The 20-year-old heads to MLS with 128 professional appearances already under his belt.
- The Fire traded away $75,000 in 2024 General Allocation Money to CF Montreal in exchange for Costa Rican forward Ariel Lassiter.
- Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes signed a contract extension with Manchester United that will keep him at the club through 2027, with an option for 2028 as well.
- Kylian Mbappe scored in his Real Madrid debut to help the Spanish club beat Atalanta to win the European Super Cup, which pits the most recent winners of the Champions League and Europa League against each other.
- The English Premier League has a plan in place to make video review more effective by making the threshold for VAR intervention higher and improving clarity on decisions.
- Mounir Nasraoui, the father of 17-year-old Barcelona player Lamine Yamal, has reportedly been hospitalized after being stabbed multiple times. He’s in stable condition and Barcelona police are investigating the incident.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/10/24
Marta nominated for NWSL Goal of the Week, Orlando Pride happy to clinch playoff spot, Lions on international duty, and more.
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Happy Tuesday, everyone! It was another good weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B combined to pick up all six points on offer. Hopefully that trend can continue and get even better once Orlando City resumes play this Saturday. We’ve got a lot to talk through this morning, so let’s get after it.
Marta Nominated for Goal of the Week
The Pride took down the Chicago Red Stars 1-0 on Sunday, with Marta singlehandedly winning the game for the Pride courtesy of an absolutely outstanding strike from outside the box. Unsurprisingly, that effort has earned her a nomination for NWSL Goal of the Week. While she’s facing some stiff competition, I think it’s safe to say that her goal is comfortably the best of the bunch. Go make sure everyone else knows it, and vote for her to win this week’s award!
Pride Speak On Clinched Playoff Spot
The Pride discussed the team’s mentality after clinching a playoff spot following this weekend’s results. Head Coach Seb Hines highlighted the heartbreak of narrowly missing the postseason in 2023 and how that was a motivator this season. That sentiment was echoed by both Marta and Haley McCutcheon, with both players speaking on making the postseason and the team’s bigger goals this year.
Lions on International Duty
David Brekalo is on international duty with Slovenia, and was part of his team’s victory in UEFA Nations League play on Monday. Brekalo started at right back and spent 87 minutes on the field, as Slovenia beat Kazakhstan 3-0 courtesy of a hat trick by star man Benjamin Sesko. The result leaves Slovenia atop League B Group 3 with four points after a 1-1 draw with Austria on Friday as well. Meanwhile, Facundo Torres and Uruguay face Venezuela at 6 p.m. tonight in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. Torres came on as a sub with 10 minutes to go in Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Paraguay on Friday, so we’ll see if he’s involved two matches in a row. Best of luck, Facu!
USMNT Takes On New Zealand Tonight
The United States Men’s National Team will try to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Canada when it takes on New Zealand today at 7 p.m. in Cincinnati. The All Whites are ranked 94th in the world and have won four of their last five games. The USMNT midfield will need to have a much better showing than it did against the Canadians, as Johnny Cardoso, Yunus Musah, and Malik Tillman were collectively outgunned by the opposition. It’ll also be worth keeping an eye on the goalkeeper situation, as Patrick Schulte played well in the 2-1 loss, and has probably earned another start. There’s plenty to watch for, so make sure you tune in and see if the team can get back on the right track.
International Break Roundup
With the international break still in full swing, there were a number of big games yesterday that we need to catch up on. In the marquee match of the day, France rebounded from a 3-1 loss to Italy in UEFA Nations League play by comfortably dispatching Belgium 2-0, courtesy of goals from Randal Kolo-Muania and Ousmane Dembele. Italy made it two wins in two attempts by knocking off Israel 2-1, with a 90th minute goal from Mohammad Abu Fani not enough to get Israel its first point in the competition. In the Concacaf Nations League, Curacao posted an eye-popping score by beating St. Martin 4-0, only for Haiti to better that result by hammering Sint Maarten 6-0.
Free Kicks
- In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Pride have been outstanding this year.
- Fenerbahce is reportedly interested in signing Antony, but the winger is said to be intent on staying at Manchester United.
- Martin Odegaard went off injured in Norway’s match against Austria on Monday, and he’s set to have an MRI to determine the extent of the damage.
That does it for me this morning. Vamos Orlando!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/9/24
Orlando Pride win in Chicago, McKinley Crone signs new contract, Orlando City B defeats Crown Legacy FC, and more.
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Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. Under Armour has been keeping me busy, and I got to cover some high school tennis and swimming this past week. The Orlando Pride and Orlando City B were in action this weekend and both teams got a win. We have plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.
Orlando Pride Shut Out Chicago Red Stars
On Sunday, the Orlando Pride got a 1-0 win on the road against the Chicago Red Stars to extend their unbeaten streak to 20 matches across all competitions. The run also ties the NWSL league record including playoff games, matching the Washington Spirit’s 20-match unbeaten run in 2021 and 2022. Marta scored the lone goal in the match to seal the win for Orlando. The Pride remain in first in the NWSL standings with 47 points, with the Washington Spirit in second with 41, and the Kansas City Current in third with 38. With a playoff spot already clinched, the Pride are aiming for the NWSL Shield as the top team in the league. The Pride will return home at Inter&Co Stadium on Friday to face the Kansas City Current.
Orlando Pride Sign McKinley Crone to New Contract
The Orlando Pride announced on Friday that the club reached an agreement with backup goalkeeper McKinley Crone on a new contract that runs through the 2026 NWSL season. Undrafted before joining Orlando as a non-roster invitee during the preseason in 2023, Crone progressed to being Orlando’s backup goalkeeper in 2024. Crone made her professional debut on July 20 in a 1-1 draw against the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. The 25-year-old made five saves on six shots to help the Pride stay unbeaten across all competitions. With this latest move, the club has secured Anna Moorhouse, Crone, and Sofia Manner as their goalkeepers for next season.
Orlando City B Defeats Crown Legacy FC
Orlando City B got a 4-1 victory on the road against Crown Legacy FC on Sunday. Alex Freeman scored twice in the first half to give the Young Lions a 2-0 lead going into halftime. Crown Legacy scored in the second half, but OCB continued to do well on both sides of the ball to take all three points. OCB is in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 40 points, and its next match will be back home on Sunday to take on New England Revolution II.
USMNT Falls to Canada in Friendly
On Saturday, the United States Men’s National Team lost 2-1 to Canada at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City in a friendly. It’s the USMNT’s first loss to Canada on home soil in 67 years, ending a 23-match unbeaten streak against Canada in the U.S. Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan David scored for Canada, while Luca de la Torre scored his first goal for the USMNT. The Yanks are on a three-match losing streak and will face New Zealand in Cincinnati on Tuesday at TQL Stadium.
Alex Morgan Plays Final Match
San Diego Wave forward Alex Morgan played in her final match as a professional soccer player on Sunday after a nearly 14-year career. Morgan had a penalty kick saved by Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy and was subbed off early in the first half, as the Wave lost 4-1 at Snapdragon Stadium. Morgan announced last week that she will retire from professional soccer after this match, while also announcing that she is pregnant with her second child. She played six seasons with the Pride and spent the last three seasons in San Diego, winning the NWSL Golden Boot in 2022 and helping the Wave win the NWSL Shield in 2023.
Free Kicks
- Pride defenders Kerry Abello and Kylie Strom made the NWSL Best XI for August.
- Orlando Pride midfielder Viviana Villacorta was removed from the season-ending injury list.
- The U.S. Soccer Federation is reportedly close to officially naming Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach for the USMNT.
- Tampa Bay Sun FC secured its first win in the USL Super League with a 3-2 win on the road against Lexington SC on Sunday.
That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/6/24
Amanda Allen loaned to Lexington SC, Alex Morgan announces retirement, USMNT prepares for Canada, and more.
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Happy Friday! I don’t have many plans this weekend, but am still looking forward to the next few days after a hectic week. When not working, I plan on finally starting Book of Night by Holly Black and figuring out how to make the most out of some dark rum I was gifted. For now though, let’s get to today’s links from around the soccer world!
Amanda Allen Loaned to Lexington SC
The Orlando Pride have loaned forward Amanda Allen to Lexington SC for the remainder of the USL Super League season. This decision should give Allen some valuable minutes, and the loan includes a right to recall as well. The 19-year-old has made 17 appearances since joining the Pride and had an assist in this year’s season opener. She is also currently in Colombia for the U-20 Women’s World Cup and her Canada squad takes on Brazil tonight. Hopefully she’s able to tear it up in the USL Super League’s inaugural season.
Alex Morgan Announces Her Retirement
American forward Alex Morgan has announced that she will retire after the San Diego Wave’s match on Sunday. She also announced that she is pregnant with her second child.
In her 224 international appearances, Morgan scored 123 goals and was a major force behind the USWNT’s back-to-back World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019. At the club level, she has played in every year of the NWSL’s existence and joined the Orlando Pride ahead of their inaugural season in 2016. In her six years in Orlando, Morgan recorded 23 goals and 10 assists in 69 appearances. Off the field, she’s been an outspoken supporter of equality and increased investment in women’s sports. We wish her the best of luck after a legendary career.
USMNT Faces Canada on Saturday
The United States Men’s National Team will take on Canada on Saturday in Kansas City in the first of two friendlies this month. Plenty has changed since the U.S. beat Canada in a penalty shootout in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals, particularly on the sideline. American coach Jesse Marsch was hired by Canada in May, while the U.S. will be led by Mikey Varas in an interim capacity amid buzz that Mauricio Pochettino will take over. The U.S. is without Giovanni Reyna for these friendlies due to injury, with Cade Cowell replacing him. Canada boasts a talented roster that includes a trio of former Lions in Cyle Larin, Richie Laryea, and Kamal Miller. After this match, the USMNT will take on New Zealand on Tuesday.
Keeping Up With International Soccer
San Marino may be one of the smallest countries in the world, but it arguably had the biggest win of a busy day of international soccer after beating Liechtenstein 1-0 for its first competitive victory. Elsewhere in the UEFA Nations League, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia, while Spain was held to a scoreless draw in Serbia.
The third round of AFC World Cup qualifying is underway and Australia was upset 1-0 at home by Bahrain. Japan suffered no such setback though, dominating China in a 7-0 home win. Palestine drew 0-0 against South Korea in Seoul, which is no easy task.
CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifiers have also resumed, and Bolivia came up with a huge 4-0 win in high altitude against Venezuela to move up the table. We may see some Lions in action today. Facundo Torres and Uruguay take on Paraguay, while Pedro Gallese, Wilder Cartagena, and Peru host Colombia.
Free Kicks
- FC Cincinnati’s Luca Orellano won MLS Goal of the Matchday for scoring from nearly 80 yards out to beat CF Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois. Orlando’s Facundo Torres placed second in the voting for his volleyed strike against Nashville SC.
- NJ/NY Gotham FC forward Ella Stevens was named NWSL Player of the Month after recording three goals and two assists in August.
- Argentina beat Brazil in blind soccer at the Paralympics, ending Brazil’s unbeaten streak that has lasted the past 20 years. France and Argentina will face off in the gold medal game on Saturday.
- Chris Jurasek has stepped down as Chelsea’s chief executive after a year in the position, with Jason Gannon replacing him.
That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!
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