Lion Links: 8/23/24

Not only is today Friday, but we have Orlando soccer to look forward to with both the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B in action tonight. Hopefully it will be a good start to what should be a fun weekend of soccer to enjoy. I’ll be spending most of it working and reading, but I’m still looking forward to it. Let’s get this Friday started with today’s links from around the soccer world!

Duncan McGuire Signs New Orlando City Contract

Orlando City and Duncan McGuire have reached an agreement for the forward to stick around in Orlando, as McGuire officially signed a new contract that lasts through 2027, with an option for 2028 as well. Selected by Orlando with the sixth overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, McGuire has scored 23 goals in 63 appearances across all competitions as a Lion. The 23-year-old would have departed the club for Blackburn Rovers earlier this year if not for an administrative error by the English club, so it’s nice that Orlando was able to secure his talents amid transfer buzz. It’s an important bit of business done by the club and McGuire should provide a boost to the club’s playoff push.

Orlando City Prepares for Sporting Kansas City

The Lions return to action tomorrow night for a road match against Sporting Kansas City. Orlando City may have been eliminated from the Leagues Cup in the knockout round, but the club is still on an eight-game unbeaten streak heading into this game. Taking on a Kansas City side that’s struggled mightily this season is a decent opportunity for the Lions to get back in the swing of things. Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke on how the team has spent the break in the schedule recovering and getting ready for the rest of the season.

Orlando City B Takes On Atlanta United 2 Tonight

With the playoff race heating up, Orlando City B is on the road tonight for a game against Atlanta United 2 at 7:30 p.m. The Young Lions have not lost this month and are coming off of a win at home against New York City FC II on Sunday. Meanwhile, Atlanta has won three of its past four games to fight its way back into the playoff race. Orlando hasn’t lost to Atlanta yet this season, but it should still be a tough match on the road and you can check it out on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.

New NWSL Collective Bargaining Agreement Reached

The NWSL and the NWSL Players Association announced a new collective bargaining agreement that will bring major changes to the league. NWSL players now possibly have more freedom in where they want to play than any other professional athletes in the U.S. The annual draft of college players is no more, and future expansion drafts won’t be taking place either. Trades and transfers will require consent from the players involved, and unrestricted free agency was granted as well. All of this introduces plenty of questions and concerns regarding parity, recruitment, and how expansion will work moving forward.

The minimum salary will increase to $82,500 by 2030, the salary cap has increased, and the bonuses players receive for awards at the end of the year have gone up as well. Players will also have more health benefits, including expanded maternity leave and additional charter flights for team travel. All in all, I think this will all make the league an even more appealing destination for players all over the world.

Free Kicks

• Charlotte FC signed 32-year-old midfielder Jamie Paterson, who most recently played for Swansea City in the EFL Championship. It’s been a busy summer for Charlotte, which also signed Tim Ream and Pep Biel earlier this month.
• The San Diego Wave signed French left back Perle Morroni. The 26-year-old has spent the past three seasons with Lyon and has 11 appearances with France’s senior team.
• American midfielder Tanner Tessmann is reportedly close to signing a five-year deal with Lyon. The 22-year-old served as the U.S. captain at the recent Olympics in Paris.
• Arsenal is reportedly close to signing midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, as well as transferring striker Eddie Nketiah to Nottingham Forest. Merino played in all seven of Spain’s matches in its winning Euro 2024 campaign.
• Jurgen Klinsmann spoke about how many Mexican players are too comfortable playing in Liga MX and that the international team would benefit from them seeking playing time abroad.

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