Lion Links: 8/28/24

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s a big week for all three teams, with Orlando City needing to get back winning ways to make the playoffs, the Orlando Pride taking on a red-hot NJ/NY Gotham FC, and Orlando City B riding a two-match winning streak. I hope you’re looking forward to all the action as much as I am. Let’s get to the links.

Pride File Formal Complaint over Zambia’s Handling of Chanda Injury

The Orlando Pride have filed a formal grievance with FIFA over the poor handling of Grace Chanda’s injury by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ). The complaint was filed by Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager, Haley Carter. Chanda suffered a ruptured quadriceps tendon in her right leg during the Olympics. Carter expressed her frustration with the FAZ at the time, and has now made it official. Chanda will miss the remainder of the 2024 NWSL season as a result of the injury.

Pickett’s Happy Return

Carson Pickett has been gone from the Orlando Pride since 2021. The club is in a much different place now than when she was last here. It’s not just the Pride topping the NWSL standings that has changed, but the entire culture of the club. Carter and Head Coach Seb Hines have transformed the Pride into a club where players want to be, including Pickett. She said she feels like she has joined a new club rather than just returning to Orlando.

OCB Ready for NYCFC II

The Young Lions are riding a two-match winning streak, and a four-game undefeated streak heading into tonight’s meeting with New York City FC II. OCB is looking to move up the standings with a second win over the “Squabs” — that’s what you call baby pigeons. OCB defeated NYCFC II 3-2 in their last match on August 18. The match is at 5 p.m. this evening at Belson Stadium in New York. Check back for our match recap.

USMNT News

American midfielder Tanner Tessmann has signed a five-year deal with Lyon in France’s Ligue 1. Tessmann helped Venezia get promoted to Serie A last season. The deal is worth approximately €6 million.

Elsewhere, Gio Reyna is expected to stay with Borussia Dortmund after positive talks with the club. Reyna did not have any other offers and is expected to understand and accept his role with Dortmund. There are also some Americans making appearances in the EFL Cup.

USWNT Alternates Importance

I was disappointed when the Pride’s Emily Sams didn’t see the pitch for the USWNT at the Olympics, but that doesn’t mean she didn’t contribute and earn her gold medal. In fact, Emma Hayes specifically addressed the alternates regarding their contributions to the team. You can check out her comments and more in this video posted a few days ago.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City has dropped to 17 in the MLS Power Rankings thanks to the loss to Sporting Kansas City.
• Vancouver Whitecaps captain Ryan Gauld has been called up by Scotland for the first time in 10 years. The 28-year-old might finally get his first cap with his national team next month.
• The Philadelphia Union have transferred Damion Lowe to Saudi Pro League side Al-Akhdoud.
• Two goalkeepers are hanging up their gloves. Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has retired following his mutual departure from Juventus. Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is also retiring with 20 titles to his name in his long career.
• Champions League is up and running with Young Boys defeating Galatasaray 1-0 among other results.
• There are plenty of Brazilians in the Premier League, but not a lot of young attackers. The newer generation is hoping to change that.
• San Diego FC is expected to sign Mikey Varas as the club’s first manager according to Tom Bogert.

• Cristiano Ronaldo stated that Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League will “probably” be his last team. He expects to play a few more years at the club before retiring. That oil money must be pretty good.
• The National Soccer Hall of Fame has announced the semifinalists for veteran and builder ballots. Next, the screening committee will narrow the list down to 10 finalists.
• MLS Commissioner Don Garber recently celebrated 25 years in his current position. I suppose someone is happy about it.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the matches this weekend. I’d say try to stay cool, but it is still August in Florida.