Lion Links: 8/22/24

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been having a fairly good week as we all get ready to enjoy some soccer. The wait for the MLS and NWSL seasons to resume is nearly over and we also have plenty of European soccer to tide us over between matches. Before we get to the action, let’s enjoy these links from around the soccer world!

Getting to Know Jack Lynn

Orlando City forward Jack Lynn was the latest Lion to field questions as part of the club’s video series to learn more about the club’s players. The 24-year-old spoke about starting soccer at a young age and how his dad’s experience as a player helped him. As for what he does when he’s not on the field trying to score goals, Lynn boasted about beating teammates Mason Stajduhar and Duncan McGuire on the golf course. He also revealed he went to middle school with Ottawa Senators captain Braeden Tkachuk and that his celebrity dinner guest of choice is Cristiano Ronaldo.

McKinley Crone Discusses Her Pro Debut

Orlando Pride goalkeeper McKinley Crone made her professional soccer debut last month in a momentous start for the 25-year-old. She’s cut her teeth with the Pride since graduating from the University of Alabama, and her wait to start ended when the Pride took on the North Carolina Courage on July 20 in the NWSL Summer Cup. The match was also held at the same field in Cary, NC that her collegiate career came to an end at, adding some more significance to the match for her.

“I don’t have words to really express how amazing it felt to be able to finally get to be on that field. The field that I ended my college career on and hadn’t played in another game since. It was just an amazing experience to go in and just enjoy it. That was one thing I kept saying to myself was just no matter what happened, I wanted to enjoy it. I’d worked so hard to be able to be there, and I didn’t want to waste it away being stressed and not get to really savor that moment.”

She had five saves in that match, and came up with a pair of saves in the ensuing shootout. Crone and her family have roots in Orlando’s soccer community, so it’s nice that she was able to make her first professional start with the team she’s supported since its existence.

Analyzing the USWNT Pool After Olympics

The Olympics are over, the USWNT is back on top, and now attention turns to the future of the program. The pool is deep for Emma Hayes to choose from, as multiple players across several positions have a case for minutes. Pride defender Emily Sams didn’t play in the Olympics but is in the mix at center back at just 25 years old. It will be interesting to see if she can get minutes over Emily Sonnett or Sam Staab once she’s recovered from injury. It may be a bit early for Pride midfielder Ally Lemos to get playing time, but she’s one of many options in a crowded midfield. As for the forwards, I’m most interested to see if Mia Fishel can break through once she’s back from injury.

NWSL Reportedly Eliminating College Draft

According to The Equalizer‘s Dan Lauletta, there have been reports that the NWSL will get rid of the draft of college players as part of the new collective bargaining agreement.

It would be major news if it comes to fruition, even if it’s not entirely unexpected. There has been buzz in recent years about the league’s players not having enough agency in where they play due to trades, the college draft, and expansion draft. The Pride have made efforts to trade players to clubs they wish to play for and were also burned when Fishel chose to play in Mexico after being drafted by the Pride. Free agency itself is still fairly new in the league as well. Unlike free agency, however, this would be a bit more revolutionary when compared to other professional leagues here in the U.S. and I’m interested to see how it shakes out.

Free Kicks

• Let’s give our congratulations to Pride teammates Carrie Lawrence and Marta, who are now engaged!

• The Kansas City Current signed South African forward Hildah Magaia on loan. The loan lasts through the year, but there’s an option to buy for the Current as well.
• The Portland Thorns traded winger Janine Beckie to Racing Louisville in exchange for striker Reilyn Turner. Louisville now has an experienced winger for a playoff push, while the Thorns add another talented young player to their roster.
• Wolfsburg will be without American attacker Kevin Paredes for its first two Bundesliga matches after he suffered a foot injury.
• Borussia Dortmund’s season will start with protests from its supporters due to the club’s sponsorship with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall.
• Goalkeeping legend Manuel Neuer is retiring from international soccer after 15 years representing Germany.
• Chelsea officially signed Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on a permanent transfer. The 24-year-old has signed a seven-year contract with the English club.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!