Lion Links: 8/29/24

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been spending most of the week taking care of errands and getting all my ducks in a row before a busy September. It’s crazy that there is only a little more than four months left in the year. Before the panic about how fast time passes sets in, let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando Pride Prepare for NJ/NY Gotham FC

After a nervy 1-0 win on the road against the Houston Dash, the Orlando Pride will host NJ/NY Gotham FC on Sunday. It will be the first regular-season game at home for the Pride since winning 6-0 against the Utah Royals on June 21. The Pride remain at the top of the table and are unbeaten this season, but Gotham is one of many contenders breathing down their necks. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on the team’s mindset after its close win, as well as how the team is excited to play in front of its home fans.

Orlando City B Loses On the Road

Orlando City B wasn’t able to get a result in a road match against New York City II, ultimately falling 5-2. Although the Young Lions kept things close for a majority of the match, they trailed for nearly all of it as well, and a pair of late goals by New York put the game on ice. The result ended OCB’s four-game unbeaten run and dented its goal difference a bit as well. Only five matches remain for the Young Lions to claim a playoff spot, as they are currently on the outside looking in. Their next match will be at home against Huntsville City FC, which has struggled this season but is riding a three-game win streak.

New Food Options Coming to Inter&Co Stadium

Starting this weekend, there will be new food and beverage options available for fans at Orlando City and Orlando Pride home games. Papi Smash’d Burger, which boasts Latin-inspired smash burgers, will be an option at the Heineken Market and joins the rotating cart lineup as well. The West Club’s premium area will get new specialty offerings from The Monroe and Reyes Mezcaleria, which are both concepts from the local Good Salt Restaurant Group. New items are coming to existing options as well, and I’m already salivating over the carnitas tamales that will be at Black Rooster.

Juan Izquierdo Dies After Collapse in Game

Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo, who died after collapsing in the team’s Copa Libertadores match last week. The 27-year-old fell to the ground unconscious in the match after a collision during the match and was taken to an intensive care unit by ambulance. He died due to a cardiopulmonary arrest related to an irregular heartbeat. Uruguay, CONMEBOL, and many others have expressed their condolences for the tragic loss. Orlando City also made a post in regards to the news, as former Orlando City captain Mauricio Pereyra and loanee Gaston Gonzalez are currently with Nacional.

Free Kicks

• D.C. United signed forward Christian Benteke to a contract extension that will keep him at the club through 2025, with an option for 2026 as well.
• Portland Timbers midfielder Evander won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his late equalizer from a free kick in a 4-4 draw at home against St. Louis City.
• American center back John Brooks is reportedly returning to Hertha Berlin on a two-year deal. He should boost a defense that’s conceded six goals in three games so far in Germany’s second division.
• The draw for the third round of the Carabao Cup is out and Liverpool’s home game against West Ham is one to keep an eye out for. The matchup I’m most intrigued by though is Tottenham Hotspur’s road match against Haji Wright and Coventry City.
• The draw for the UEFA Champions League is later today and it will rely on a software program due to the new 36-team format. Tournament organizers insist that it will be safe from hacking, but I’m sure fans of teams with tough paths forward will think something is afoot regardless.
• CONMEBOL finally handed out the bans to Uruguayan players for their actions following the Copa America semifinal against Colombia. Choosing now of all times to announce these while the Uruguayan federation grieves Izquierdo is odd to say the least.

• Vinicius Junior stated that he and his Real Madrid teammates are prepared to walk off the field if fans racially abuse him.
• A match between Feyenoord and Ajax was postponed due to a police strike. Police stated they would not work the game due to a campaign related to retirement regulations.

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