Lion Links: 9/26/24

For those of us here in Florida, Hurricane Helene is here and dumping plenty of rainfall all over the state. If affected, don’t underestimate the storm, keep your wits about you, and err on the side of caution. Hopefully it’s a smooth next couple of days for you all as we get ready for a weekend filled with soccer. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Orlando City Prepares for FC Dallas

After a loss on the road to the Columbus Crew, Orlando City will aim to bounce back when it takes on FC Dallas in Texas on Saturday. The match presents a good opportunity for both clubs, as Orlando is fighting to host in the first round of the playoffs while Dallas is five points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference. A win in Dallas guarantees a place in the playoffs for the Lions, although there are various scenarios in which the Lions can still clinch if they lose or draw. Head Coach Oscar Pareja, who coached FC Dallas for five years after stints there as an assistant coach, spoke on the team’s mentality heading into this match at his old stomping ground.

Alex Freeman Named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek

Orlando City B clinched a spot in the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs after a 3-0 win over Chicago Fire FC II and right back Alex Freeman was honored as MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek for his role in the win. Although he didn’t score, Freeman assisted on OCB’s first and final goals of the match and helped the team secure its second consecutive shutout at home. The 20-year-old has been a major reason why the Young Lions have climbed the Eastern Conference standings, as he’s recorded five goals and four assists in their last six games.

Alyssa Naeher Will Stay in Chicago

The Chicago Red Stars have re-signed American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher to a contract that will keep her with the club through the 2025 season. Naeher has been with the Red Stars since the 2016 season, after she was traded to the club from the Boston Breakers. The 36-year-old has started in 135 games for Chicago, and she’s the first NWSL goalkeeper to reach 50 wins with one club. At the international level, Naeher has excelled with the United States Women’s National Team and played every minute of the team’s winning campaign in this summer’s Olympics. Her contract was set to end after this season, so it’s a good move by Chicago to make sure she stays with the team.

Europa League Kicks Off

The Europa League is officially underway this week, with 36 teams participating in the revamped format. Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen, who is on loan from Napoli, caused an own goal and had an assist in his team’s 3-1 victory against Greece’s PAOK. Manchester United was held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford by Dutch club FC Twente. Porto struck first against FC Bodø/Glimt but fell 3-2 to the Norwegian club despite playing a man up for the most of the second half. Lazio cruised to a 3-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv, Real Sociedad and Nice battled to a 1-1 draw, and Anderlecht held on for a 2-1 win against Ferencváros of Hungary.

Some of the matches highlighting today’s action in the tournament include AS Roma hosting Athletic Bilbao, Lyon and Olympiacos squaring off in France, and an interesting matchup between Ajax and Besiktas.

Free Kicks

• OCB returned to the top 10 of the MLS NEXT Pro power rankings, placing eighth as one of the most in-form teams in the league.
• The Columbus Crew drew Club America in the Campeones Cup, but fell in the penalty shootout after the match. Liga MX won its third Campeones Cup title, tying MLS at 3-3 over the competition’s history.
• Portland Timbers midfielder Evander won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his strike from a free kick against Real Salt Lake.
• Kylian Mbappe will be out due to a hamstring injury according to Real Madrid, although a time frame on how long he’ll be sidelined was not provided.
• Center back Raphael Varane is retiring after a career that included winning the 2018 World Cup with France and four Champions League titles with Real Madrid. The 31-year-old signed with Como in July, but sustained an injury in his only appearance with the Serie A side.
• CBS Sports ranked the top five American strikers ahead of the United States Men’s National Team’s friendlies against Panama and Mexico next month. AS Monaco’s Folarin Balogun tops the list, with Haji Wright and Josh Sargent as other options up top for the USMNT in October.
• The draw for the Carabao Cup’s fourth round is complete and Tottenham Hotspur will host Manchester City. Other intriguing matchups include Manchester United’s match against Leicester City, Brighton & Hove Albion’s game with Liverpool, and a showdown between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.
• Speaking of the Carabao Cup, Arsenal started 16-year-old Jack Porter in goal for the team’s 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers, making him the youngest player to ever start for Arsenal’s first team.
• Wojciech Szczęsny’s retirement may only last a month, as the 34-year-old goalkeeper will reportedly sign with Barcelona just a month after announcing his retirement. He’ll help replace Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who could miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury.

That’s all I have for you all today. Stay safe out there and be neighborly. Have a great Thursday!