Lion Links: 10/21/16

It’s the weekend, baby! Game week is also here with Orlando City getting ready to play D.C. United on Sunday. Even though the team is out of the race, the players are competing for spots on the roster next year so it should still be an entertaining game.

Yesterday was also a great day for Orlando Pride fans as they celebrated their first year anniversary, so here’s to many more and a successful season next year.

Let’s get on to the links now.

Final Piece Laid for New Orlando Downtown Stadium

That’s right, an update as the new stadium is starting to come together. The video shows the progress and it’s great to see this getting ready for next season. Also, check out some Orlando City players checking out the new grounds. These are exciting times for fans and hopefully, with a new stadium and new coach, Orlando can have a more prosperous season next year.

Humanitarians of MLS

MLS Works, the charity foundation of MLS has released the nominees for the Humanitarian of the Year and every team has one. Orlando City’s nominee is Luke Boden, who has done tremendous work for the community as this quote shows-

Luke is also a frequent visitor to patients at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando. One of the doctor’s remarked that Luke was so familiar to the staff, the patients, and their families, that they should give him a personalized name badge and a paycheck

Luke is also an advocate for those diagnosed with nystagmus, a rare condition that causes an involuntary shaking movement of the eyes. He supports this because his son has nystagmus and he, together with other Orlando City players, has raised $8,000 toward research on the condition.

Jordan Morris is Very Good.

USMNT fans are happy to read about the success of Jordan Morris. Sports Illustrated’s Brian Straus discusses the trials and tribulations of the rookie and some of the pressure he faces as one of the faces of the Seattle Sounders. I really like Morris and think he can be a hugely important player for the USMNT and its hopes for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

More from USWNT vs. Switzerland

The pride of American soccer took on the Swiss ladies and put on a dominating performance, winning 4-0. Along with our full recap at the Mane Land, our friends over at Stars and Stripes FC gave us five things we learned from the match too. One of note was the great play of reigning NWSL MVP Lynn Williams, who played her part well in the shutout victory. The USWNT now looks forward to the match on Oct. 23 — again against Switzerland — in Minneapolis

USMNT Fall in Latest FIFA Rankings

Not the best news for USMNT fans as the Yanks fell two spots to 24. Coming off two friendlies against less than stellar competition in Cuba and New Zealand, it’s no surprise the team dropped a couple spots. Wales has shown us how to rig the rankings in your favor and the USMNT certainly didn't do itself any favors with those games. Looking forward to the hex, the U.S. has an opportunity to improve its ranking with tough games against Mexico and Costa Rica. Being official FIFA qualifying matches, a good showing will likely result in a jump up the rankings.

That’s all, folks. Hopefully Orlando can end the season on a high note with a win over D.C. United and send us into the off-season with happy thoughts.