Lion Links
Lion Links: 7/9/25
Gold Cup reactions, Club World Cup semifinals, Lions rank up, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Thankfully, the fun never ends when it comes to soccer. Yes, the USMNT lost to Mexico which makes me sad, but we’re also now less than a month until the Orlando Pride are back in action. I know it seems like a long time, but I have to hold on to something. In the meantime, check out these links.
Gold Cup Reactions
Sadly, the USMNT lost the Concacaf Gold Cup final 2-1 to Mexico. Now, the reactions and reflections on the competition begin. The USMNT has long had a striker (or lack thereof) problem, but is Patrick Agyemang up for the job? There are those who continue to question whether Mauricio Pochettino is the right man to coach the U.S., but former USMNT forward Clint Dempsey isn’t one of them. Finally, what can the USMNT take from this tournament, and from this loss to Mexico?
Chelsea Awaits PSG-Real Madrid Winner in Club World Cup
Chelsea defeated Fluminense 2-0 to reach the final of the 2025 Club World Cup. Joao Pedro scored a brace in his first start for Chelsea against his boyhood team. Chelsea will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. PSG and Real Madrid are two of the best teams in this competition, but only one will advance following today’s match. The two European giants will play today at 3 p.m. at the aforementioned MetLife Stadium.
Minnesota, Austin Advance to U.S. Open Cup Semifinals
The U.S. Open Cup resumed Tuesday with two quarterfinal matches. Minnesota United came back from a goal down after Chicago defender Omar Gonzalez was sent off, but could not find a game winner until extra time, when the Loons struck twice to win 3-1 in St. Paul. In the late game, Chicho Arango gave the San Jose Earthquakes an early lead at home, only to see Austin’s Brandon Vazquez equalize in the second half. The teams traded goals in extra time and Austin FC advanced by winning the penalty shootout, 4-2. It wasn’t all good news for Austin, however, as Vazquez was stretchered off in the 72nd minute after suffering a non-contact injury.
Tonight, the other two quarterfinal matches will take place. The Philadelphia Union will face the New York Red Bulls and Nashville SC will face D.C. United.
Free Kicks
- Hey, look at this. Orlando City moved up one spot to No. 8 in the all-important MLS power rankings. Cool, cool, cool, cool.
- OL Lyonnes added USWNT players Lily Yohannes and Korbin Albert to the midfield.
- Camping World Stadium is going to get some renovations and also the naming rights are up for grabs. We just need enough readers to donate to our Buy Me A Coffee so that we can have Mane Land Stadium.
- Giorgio Chiellini has joined LAFC’s ownership group.
- FC Cincinnati has added winger Ender Echenique from Caracas FC in Venezuela’s first division.
That will do it for today. Check back and we get you ready for Orlando City’s match this weekend. Vamos Orlando!