Lion Links: 9/25/24

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Hopefully, most of you are not in the path of Helene like I am. Sure, it’s heading right towards Tallahassee as of this writing, but we’re as ready as we can be at Mane Land Studios North. Fortunately, I had plenty of time to get today’s links together for you before the storm arrives. Let’s get to it!

Orlando City Is Okay

If you’re like me, you were disappointed with Saturday’s 4-3 loss to the Columbus Crew. However, keep in mind that the Lions made it close after looking like it was going to be a blowout. The team didn’t give up and took things to the final whistle. That is the type of fight you want from this club heading down the stretch, and I’m not the only one who thinks so. Despite the loss, Orlando City is still at No. 10 in the MLS power rankings. The Crew are a very good club, so heads held high, and we go again this Saturday.

Pochettino Barks Back

There’s been quite a bit of talk around Mauricio Pochettino’s plan to bring success to the USMNT in the 2026 World Cup. Some are questioning whether he can transform the often-dubbed “golden generation” into a World Cup contender. There are those who think the only reason he took the job is because the U.S. is a host in 2026 with an automatic bid. Can he get the players to adapt to his philosophy and style of play? Pochettino took issue with such a suggestion. Hopefully, he can bring a winning mentality to the team, and secure a result that will make U.S. supporters happy.

USWNT Coaching Updates

U.S. Women’s National Team Assistant Coach Twila Kilgore is leaving to pursue other coaching opportunities. Kilgore was the longest-serving interim coach in USWNT history. She does not have a new coaching destination as of now, but her resume is impressive. She effectively bridged the gap between Vlatko Andonovski and Emma Hayes, even winning the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2024.

Speaking of Hayes, the USWNT head coach is back in the news, thanks to Pochettino. When Hayes was hired, her base salary matched that of then-head coach Gregg Berhalter at $1.6 million per year. Now, she is making significantly less than Pochettino, who will earn an estimated $6 million per year. Given the fight for equality between the men’s and women’s teams, questions are being asked about the discrepancy in salary. Alexi Lalas tried to bring it up with U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson. Ultimately, Batson didn’t give a straight answer, but take a look for yourself.

The U.S. Open Cup Final is Tonight

LAFC and Sporting Kansas City meet tonight in the final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Orlando City fans are well-versed on how important this competition is to supporters, despite Don Garber doing everything he can to steal the spotlight for the Leagues Cup. Two former USMNT players will face off, with Steve Cherundolo in charge of LAFC and Peter Vermes in charge of Kansas City. If you want to watch, you’ll need to stay up late, as it has a 10:30 p.m. start time.

Free Kicks

• Bay City FC is building a permanent training facility.

• UEFA has reopened bidding for the 2027 Champions League final after taking it away from AC Milan when officials couldn’t convince UEFA that planned redevelopment work wouldn’t interfere with the event.
• If you’re still confused by the NWSL’s new collective bargaining agreement, then look no further than this link for the clarification you need.
• I love when Haley Carter calls out examples of the Orlando Pride being ignored when they shouldn’t be ignored.

• Kyle Smith gave his rankings of some of the Orlando City jerseys over the years. See if you agree with him, and can we get that for all of us to rank as well?

That will do it for today. Everyone stay safe, and check back as we get you ready for the matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!