Lion Links: 10/20/15

Welcome to Tuesday, Mane Landers! Despite our playoff hopes being virtually over, this is no time to despair. The soccer gods are still giving us lots to keep busy with and after last week's announcement of Orlando City B, don't expect Orlando City to be quiet on any front (especially not today).

With that teaser, let's get started with today's Lion Links

NWSL Pride

With an extension to the NWSL waiver wire last week to Oct. 21, it was highly expected that Orlando City would be announcing its expansion into women's soccer any day now. Well it would appear that that day is today. With a press conference scheduled for noon at Lake Eola Park, expect an update from us soon after with all of the pertinent news that you need to know about Orlando Pride (the anticipated team name) and, hopefully, its first signing and head coach.

Team(s) of the Week

After another two-goal performance against New York City FC, which extended the rookie goal scoring record to 17, Cyle Larin once again garnered an MLS and goal.com Team of the Week honors. Larin, who is currently tied with David Villa for fourth place in the league in goals scored, was not alone in being acknowledged this week. Carlos Rivas was recognized by MLS on the substitutes’ bench for his runs that kept NYCFC off guard all night on Friday, and goal.com went with Corey Ashe who didn’t quite make us say “Brek Who?” but had a solid performance playing out of position after missing several games through injury.

Pulis Raring to Go with OCB

After last week’s announcement of Orlando City’s USL team, Orlando City B, head coach Anthony Pulis will have his work cut out to replicate the successes enjoyed by the previous franchise that won three regular season titles and two league championships. However, he feels like he is up for the challenge and that it is an excellent opportunity for him to help follow in his father’s footsteps.

USWNT Trying for More Trophies

After winning it all at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, the USWNT has enjoyed a great 2015, and with the NWSL set to continue into a historic fourth season and expansion talks continuing among U.S. cities, 2016 is certainly also looking bright. For a chosen few, this year may still get even better. Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe are all on the shortlist for 2015 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award. The three U.S. players are the most from a single country on this year’s shortlist and if one of them wins, they will become the third U.S. women’s player to do so behind Mia Hamm in 2001 and 2002, and Abby Wambach in 2012.

Soccer on the Sofa

With the growth of soccer in the United States happening at a rate not really seen before, the ability to broadcast it on TV is becoming worthwhile and therefore the rights are becoming significantly more expensive to obtain. However, with that added expense, broadcasters are seeking to lock down longer term deals to help cash in on the cost. This week it was the European Championships (won by ESPN), last year it was the rights to the World Cup and up next is UEFA Champions League. The decision to broadcast more soccer is a welcome one, however, expect to feel the squeeze on your own wallets to keep watching with the anticipated renewal rights (for three years) expected to cost over $75,000,000.00

Other links to soccer news you can use

• UAE footballer jailed for insulting his coach.

• Carlo Ancelotti names the best players he has coached, and three of them currently ply their trade in MLS.

That all for today folks. Remember that despite probably missing the playoffs, things could be worse – you could support the Chicago Fire.