Lion Links: 10/10/16

Welcome to the Monday morning edition of Lion Links. We have a long week ahead before Orlando City plays again, and the Lions will have to get it done without a key defender when they visit Philadelphia this weekend (more on that below). There's plenty of soccer coming up though, with Tommy Redding and the U.S. U-20s closing out the Four Nations Cup today and the USMNT in action tomorrow in the lead-up to Orlando's next game.

But for now, on to the Links!

Mateos Out for the Season with Torn MCL

David Mateos is out for the remainder of the season with an MCL injury. Indeed, he will be laid up for four to six weeks. While it is sad that David will not be able to complete in the last two games of the season, it doesn’t do much to affect anything in regards to what the Lions hope to accomplish. It might mean that someone else could get some much-needed playing time in hopes of impressing Jason Kreis and keeping their roster spot heading into 2017.

Western New York Flash Win NWSL Title

The Flash beat the Washington Spirit 3-2 on penalty kicks after a 120-minute, 2-2 draw. While we all hate penalty kick games, in a championship game in which we don’t have a stake, it’s pretty cool! Hopefully, the Pride will be in the hunt next season. Former Pride midfielder Lianne Sanderson did not play due to a knee injury, but we congratulate her on earning a ring with her new team.

CONCACAF Ditching the Hex?

So it seems that the eminently respectable organization that is CONCACAF is considering changing the rules around World Cup qualification. This may be a good thing for the USMNT, as the age-old "Hex" won’t be in effect if the proposed changes happen, although the U.S. has done well within that system. Or nothing will happen. We’ll wait and see.

USWNT Roster Changes Show Shift to NWSL

We may be seeing a sea change in regard to how Jill Ellis sees the U.S. Women’s National Team roster. Some of the stalwarts of the team are getting older, and retiring. Even those that are staying are getting older, and it is time to look to the future, and Ellis is doing just that. As part of that look, the NWSL appears to be taking on added importance in the process of team selection.

Colorado Clinches Playoff Bye

There was only one MLS match this weekend, and the Colorado Rapids topped the Houston Dynamo in that game. This match had nothing to do with Orlando City. It had no ramifications in the Eastern Conference. But you know what? It was the only game in MLS this weekend, and it not only helped the Rapids take a step toward the Supporters Shield, but it also earned the 'Pids a first-round playoff bye, so check it out.

That’s all for your Monday, but don’t worry we’ve got more for you the rest of the week leading up to the game on Sunday! Vamos Orlando!