Lion Links: 12/27/24

Welcome to the final Friday of 2024! The weird limbo week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve rolls on as we get ready for the weekend. Looking back at my resolutions from last year, I wasn’t able to hit my reading goal, but did get a cat like I’ve always wanted. It’s the last time I’ll be bringing you links this year, so let’s dive right in!

Yazmeen Ryan Reportedly Headed to Houston

The Houston Dash are reportedly sending $400,000 to NJ/NY Gotham FC in exchange for versatile attacker Yazmeen Ryan. That hefty fee would be a league record when it comes to internal league trades. Ryan was a regular starter for Gotham this year and recorded five assists and five goals. The 25-year-old also made her debut with the United States Women’s National Team this year. While $400,000 is quite the price to pay, the Dash need plenty of help after finishing last in the NWSL this past season.

Reviewing the USWNT’s 2024

It was a year of highs and lows for the USWNT, but things are looking pretty up for the team heading into 2025. It feels like forever ago that the team lost to Mexico in the Concacaf W Gold Cup, a result that called attention to the amount of work needed before the Olympics. It didn’t take long for Head Coach Emma Hayes to bring success, as she made tough decisions on who to bring to Paris and guided the team to a gold medal. Center back Naomi Girma proved why she was one of the best defenders on the planet and the forward line of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson ushered in a new era for the USWNT. That being said, it will be weird not having veterans like Alyssa Naeher, Alex Morgan, or Becky Sauerbrunn playing for the USWNT next year.

Grading EPL Boxing Day Performances

There was plenty of action in the English Premier League for this year’s Boxing Day and each team was graded for its performance. Manchester City got a D following its 1-1 draw against Everton, with Erling Haaland missing a penalty. Things didn’t go any better for Manchester United, which received an F for losing 2-0 to Wolverhampton in a match that included a red card to Bruno Fernandes and an Olimpico from Matheus Cunha. Chelsea was also given an F after conceding a pair of late goals in a 2-1 loss to Fulham. Top marks went to Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. Forest held on for a 1-0 victory against Tottenham while Newcastle cruised to a 3-0 win over Aston Villa. Newcastle’s day was made easier by Jhon Duran being sent off in the first half after using Fabian Schar as a doormat.

Spectator Arrested for Alleged Racism in Scotland

A supporter was arrested for allegedly racially abusing Jordan Obita in Thursday’s match between rivals Hibernian and Hearts in the Scottish Premiership. Obita, who was a substitute for Hibernian to help see out the team’s win, received abuse from the spectator and that person was ejected from the stadium and then arrested. Hibernian thanked Hearts for the swift action in dealing with the supporter. Racism has no place in soccer or anywhere else, and it’s nice to see such an immediate and strong response from a club to help stamp it out.

Free Kicks

• ESPN named its top players, teams, and moments from 2024. I personally think the Orlando Pride got snubbed for Women’s Team of the Year, which went to Barcelona, but I’m admittedly biased.
• Americans Griffin Yow and Bryan Reynolds starred in Westerlo’s match against Club Brugge, with Yow scoring a goal and Reynolds providing two assists.
• Arsenal is reportedly interested in signing aforementioned Wolves forward Matheus Cunha. While I think he would bring a major boost to Arsenal’s title hopes, I can’t see Wolves letting him go for anything other than a king’s ransom amid their relegation fight.
• You may have to squint a bit due to the fog, but Paul Mullin scored quite the goal for Wrexham in a 2-1 win over Blackpool.

That’s all I have for you this time around, Mane Landers. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your year. I’ll see you all in 2025!