Lion Links: 8/26/23

Orlando Pride fall at home, Eastern Conference teams fight for playoff contention, Austin to host Concacaf quarterfinal, and more.

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Welcome to the weekend, Mane Landers. My folks came to town, and we’ll be heading to a food and music festival here. I’m optimistic that I might be able to catch enough cell service to stream some of the match tonight at 7:30 p.m. against St. Louis City in between gorging myself from food vendor to food vendor. If not, well, I’m sure enough early Oktoberfest releases will keep me occupied along the way.

But I’m curious, do you think it is too early to bust out the Oktoberfest or pumpkin-spiced whatever items? Let me know in the comments down below if you’re holding out on principle or already cashing in on some delicious fall season treats. Now let’s get to the soccer stuff down in today’s links!

The Star Wars Night festivities came and went, but it was the San Diego Wave that took all three points with a 2-1 victory. Wave defender Abby Dahlkemper used the force to get things going in the seventh minute as she put away a rebound from a blocked shot and willed it in off the bottom of the cross bar. In the 44th minute, Pride midfielder Marta used some clever footwork — similar to Darth Maul wielding a double-sided light saber — before whipping a cross towards teammate Adriana. The Brazilian forward equalized just before the half. However, the Pride were undone by another failure to deal with a corner kick in the second half and saw their three-game winning streak end in a game that could have pushed them above the playoff line.

MLS Decision Day comes on Oct. 21 this year. With the top of the Eastern conference starting to take shape, there are those few bottom-feeding teams who are hoping to break in over their last 10 matches. CF Montréal and the Chicago Fire are tied on points with 32 apiece, but the table tiebreakers go first to most wins, then goal differential, then goals scored. So, despite having a better goal differential that would place the Fire higher in most leagues, they find themselves looking up at Montréal for the time being. D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls are also still both within striking distance, but the odds are not currently in their favor. Who do you think might just sneak above the line? Do you think the top seven teams really are all that secure? Could Orlando find itself on the outside looking in down the stretch? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments section.

With the season winding down, every match matters for quite a few teams, so there is plenty to watch on Matchday 28. D.C. United aims to slide into playoff contention but will have to find points against the Eastern Conference’s third-place Philadelphia Union, who are always formidable late in the season. The Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake might have just played to a 3-1 scoreline midweek in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal match, but they are right back at it again at 9:30 p.m. tonight. For the Portland Timbers, it will be the first time they take the field without Gio Savarese in charge since 2018, when the Vancouver Whitecaps enter Providence Park. In Texas, FC Dallas and Austin FC play their latest in-state rivalry match — a six-pointer with major playoff implications for one of the Western Conference’s final playoff spots.

The U.S. Soccer Federation has selected Austin as the host venue for the USMNT’s critical 2023-2024 Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal home leg on Nov. 16. The match is set for 8:30 p.m. The quarterfinal round also serves as qualification for the 2024 Copa America, which will be hosted in the United States next summer. The 2024 tournament will include 10 CONMEBOL nations and six Concacaf guest nations.

“With this game being critical to our objectives of advancing in the Concacaf Nations League and qualifying for the 2024 Copa America, we think in all ways that Austin is the perfect host,” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said. “Along with the world-class facilities, the fan support and the atmosphere in the stadium has been incredible every time we play there. We’re looking forward to coming back in November.”

FT | Alejandro Granados (17) legt de 0-3 eindstand vast tegen Jong Genk! 🙌 #GNKNXT pic.twitter.com/O52gWthMwo

I hope you all enjoy your match. It is always great when the club gets to test its mettle against a new opponent. Let’s hope today the Lions can stand tall against their latest foe. Vamos Orlando!

Former Lion Nicholas Gioacchini Makes First Return to Exploria Stadium

Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. St. Louis City

Orlando City vs. St. Louis City SC: Player Grades and Man of the Match

Orlando City vs. St. Louis City SC: Five Takeaways

Orlando City vs. St. Louis City SC: Final Score 2-1 as Lions Ride Facundo Torres Brace to Victory

Zontar

August 26, 2023 at 10:10 am

Three things of note about the Nov. 16 CONCACAF Nations League qualifier in Austin. The USA can’t play Canada, Mexico or Costa Rica as all 4 have byes in the tournament, so the fact that Mexico can’t be the opponent probably played some into the decision. Also it’s important to note that USA has NOT qualified for the 2024 Copa America and must do so via CNL play. While it is unlikely, it is possible that the USA could host the tournament and actually not be in it. Finally it’s crystal clear now that Gold Cup is worthless and only CNL has any meaning. CNL play also determines World Cup qualifying for the region. It’s time to admit that Gold Cup is trash and only play it once every 4 years.

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Orlando City gets ready for St. Louis City, Orlando Pride play the San Diego Wave tonight, new food options at Exploria Stadium, and more.

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Welcome to Friday! It’s a pretty exciting weekend to be an Orlando soccer fan. The Orlando Pride, Orlando City, and Orlando City B will all play home games over the next few days, creating a purple gauntlet of sorts. If you’re heading out for any of the games, I hope your travel goes smoothly and that you stay cool in this August heat. But for now, let’s dive into the links!

The Lions will play the top team in the Western Conference tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m., with St. Louis City coming to the City Beautiful. Orlando is coming off of a 3-1 win in Chicago, with Facundo Torres providing a goal and an assist. It was Torres’ 22nd goal as a Lion, tying him with Tesho Akindele for sixth on the club’s scoring list. His next goal will have him tie Chris Mueller for fifth on the list. One thing to watch for in the upcoming match will be just how much playing time Junior Urso and Michael Halliday will get after returning last weekend. Tomorrow’s match will also include a pop-up shop at Section 10 for you to buy merch signed by players.

✍️ Coming this Saturday! Join us at the match this weekend and head over to section 10 to check out our City Memorabilia Pop Up Shop with signed merch available from your favorite players!

The Orlando Pride host the San Diego Wave tonight at 7 p.m. on Star Wars Night at Exploria Stadium. After a disappointing NWSL Challenge Cup campaign, the Pride received an immediate boost from their players who took part in the World Cup in the club’s 5-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars. Rafaelle and Mariana Larroquette both scored in their Pride debuts, while Marta and Adriana combined for three assists. Not only have the Pride won their past three league games, but they shut out their opponents during that stretch as well. The Pride have not lost to the Wave since the California club joined in 2022.

Exploria Stadium’s food and beverage options are expanding to include 13 local vendors across the stadium. This is the latest part of the venue’s efforts to feature more Orlando-area favorites for fans to enjoy at games. You’ll be able to get your first taste of the new food tonight at the Pride’s game, with Dexter Birdland, Sus Hi Eatstation, and Cholo Dogs available as part of the rotating vendor cart offerings. Fortuna Bakery, Norma’s Italian Eatery, and Chill in Tacos are a few of the other new options you can check out, and more will be on their way in the future.

After taking this past weekend off, Orlando City B faces Columbus Crew II at 7 p.m. on Sunday at Osceola Heritage Park. This is OCB’s first game since a 4-3 comeback win against New York City FC II back on Aug. 13. Jack Lynn had a brace in that match and is right in the thick of the Golden Boot race with 14 goals to his name this season. Shak Mohammed also had a brace, so hopefully he can keep building momentum in this final stretch of the season. A win would go a long way towards OCB qualifying for the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs, as the Young Lions are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with five games to go.

This Saturday will be Niko Gioacchini's 1st match against his previous team, Orlando City, where he was brought in from France last July, played in 6 games & started 2, all on the right, out of his natural position. He had a lot to say on what this means to him. 🧵#AllForCITY

Alexis Sánchez, in Milano right now to sign in as new Inter player on short term deal ⚫️🔵🇨🇱Medical tests booked on Friday.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday. Go Orlando!

Orlando City takes on St. Louis on Saturday, learning more about Facundo Torres, Orlando Pride host San Diego tomorrow, and more.

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How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been spending the week in my hometown to housesit for my parents, which basically means I’ve been watching more cable in the past few days than I have all year. Overall, it’s been a nice respite from my usual grind. Hopefully things have been going smoothly for you as well. Let’s jump into today’s links!

Orlando City will take on St. Louis City at Exploria Stadium on Saturday in the first ever meeting between the two sides. The Lions are unbeaten in their past eight home games across all competitions and have not lost at Exploria Stadium since April. However, St. Louis will be a tough opponent. The expansion club’s 49 goals this season are the most in the league, with former Lion Niko Gioacchini’s 10 goals leading the way. Pedro Gallese recorded his 300th save as a Lion in Chicago and his next win will be his 50th since joining Orlando in January of 2020.

Orlando City forward Facundo Torres is the latest Lion to field questions as part of the club’s video series for fans to learn more about the players. The 23-year-old talked about his boyhood club, the freedom he has in Orlando’s attack, and his friendship with fellow Uruguayan Luis Suarez. When asked which celebrity he’d invite to dinner, Torres chose Brazilian forward Neymar. Torres spoke more on how Neymar’s been his idol since he was little and that playing against him is a dream of his. He also stated he’s a fan of the NBA and has been to many Orlando Magic games.

From his hometown team to famous phone contacts, get to know @facutorresss 🎥 @YourSFD | #VamosOrlando

The Orlando Pride are back in action tomorrow night to take on the San Diego Wave at Exploria Stadium. It’s the second game between the two teams this season, with Orlando winning 3-1 at Snapdragon Stadium on April 29. The Pride have won their past three league games, including a 5-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars this past weekend. Mikayla Cluff, who scored against the Wave earlier this year, talked about the importance of this match, considering the Pride would move above the Wave and into a playoff position with a win.

Pressure is a privilege 😈@orlandohealth pic.twitter.com/4DZnhup49i

Lindsey Horan, who was a co-captain of the United States Women’s National Team during the recent World Cup, spoke on the team’s preparations prior to a disappointing campaign.

“When a coach comes in, it’s like, hey, how do we get the best out of every single individual player putting the most simplicity into a 10-day camp every few months and getting the best out of your team, and without overcomplicating everything?” Horan said.

“Because yes, I could talk about the last four-year cycle, and we don’t need to get into every single thing, but that’s not what we did. We did not get the best out of every single individual.”

The USWNT exited the World Cup in the group stage and Horan also talked about the “tense feeling” the team had while on the field. The Americans only won once while in Australia and Vlatko Andonovski has since stepped down as head coach.

Going back-to-back 🙌 Thank you, Orlando, for voting us as the best local sports team for the sixth time since 2013 💜 @OrlandoWeekly | #VamosOrlando

Cheeky finish 🔥Samuel Adeniran is your @ATT 5G Goal of the Matchday winner. #AllForCITY https://t.co/zFknzQbgFC pic.twitter.com/7KIZ4k4Wud

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

Duncan McGuire speaks on his rookie season, Marta happy to win in Orlando Pride return, Messiah Bright officially wins NWSL Player of the Week, and more.

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Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. It will be another busy weekend for me working both the Guns N’ Roses and the Jonas Brothers concerts at Wrigley Field. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire has been in stellar form during his first season with the Lions. The rookie leads Orlando with 10 goals in 1,085 minutes across all competitions this year. McGuire gave some insight into his performance with the Lions and said there is still room to improve his game.

“It definitely meant a lot for them [coaching staff] to have some trust in me, to play early in my career and early in my first season,” McGuire told SBI in an interview. “It was a big help and I have a good relationship with the coaches which is something that has really helped. I’m pleased with how the first season is going, but I feel like I have some more goals in me. I feel I still have some work to do.”

McGuire also discusses the challenges he faced while in college at Creighton and what it meant to him to win the MAC Hermann Trophy. He gave credit to his teammates for his quick adjustment to the league after college and said Orlando has what it takes to win the MLS Cup.

Following the Orlando Pride’s 5-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars this past weekend, Marta discussed how she is happy to be back with the club in her first match since returning from the World Cup. She had an assist in the match, while Adriana had a pair of assists, and both Rafaelle and Mariana Larroquette scored in their Pride debuts.

🐐 on the mic after Orlando matches a club record with five goals @martavieiras10 | #PrideOrDie pic.twitter.com/TGYfVcJqH2

Marta also said she feels at home at Exploria Stadium and is helping the Pride’s young players. The Pride have six NWSL matches left this season and are in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Orlando Pride forward Messiah Bright was officially announced as the NWSL Player of the Week. The rookie scored the first brace of her career in the Pride’s win over Chicago. It’s the second time she’s been named NWSL Player of the Week, as she received the honor in July as well. Bright leads the Pride with six goals this season, the most among the league’s rookies.

Simply Sensational 🔥 After bagging her first career brace, @messiah_bright is named @nwsl player of the week! Congratulations, Messi! pic.twitter.com/lEgs9Ct4fv

The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinals are set to take place tonight. Inter Miami will take on FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. Miami went on a seven-match unbeaten run to win the Leagues Cup tournament. FC Cincinnati sits atop the MLS standings, but looks to rebound after losing 3-0 to the Columbus Crew this past weekend. The club returns to the semifinal round of the U.S. Open Cup for the first time since 2017, when it reached the semifinals as a United Soccer League club. Tonight’s other semifinal is between the Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston crushed the Portland Timbers 5-0 on Sunday in league play and looks to build on that momentum. Real Salt Lake has done well in this year’s tournament, winning three times on the road. The winners will face off in the final on Sept. 27.

The playoff round of the UEFA Champions League’s qualifying phase kicked off, as six teams battle to advance to the group stage. PSV Eindhoven traveled to Ibrox Stadium to take on Rangers, with American defender Sergino Dest making his debut for the Dutch club and playing 81 minutes. Fellow Americans Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman were on the bench. The match went back and forth, but the first leg ended in a 2-2 draw.

Elsewhere, Sam Vines came off the bench in the second half as Royal Antwerp secured a 1-0 win in its first leg against AEK Athens. We could see Erik Palmer-Brown in action today when Panathinaikos goes on the road to take on Braga later today.

Fly the W 🏴 #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/jddsxpzK94

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday and I’ll see you next time.

Orlando City at Chicago Fire: Five Takeaways

Orlando City vs. Chicago Fire: Player Grades and Man of the Match

Orlando City vs. Chicago Fire: Final Score 3-1 as Lions Complete Season Sweep of Fire

Orlando City vs. Chicago Fire: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More

Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars: Preview, How to Watch, TV Info, Live Stream, Lineups, Match Thread, and More

Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars: Final Score 5-0 as Pride Dominate Chicago in Regular-Season Return

Lion Links: 8/18/23

Orlando City Signs Academy Product Gustavo Caraballo to MLS NEXT Pro Contract