Lion Links: 8/9/17

Tonight, sees the secondary MLS transfer window slam shut and with Orlando City already having done some business this window expect it to be a quiet Wednesday Lions fans. However, if something breaks we will be there to cover it, and with that little PSA out the way, let’s move on to today’s Lion Links.

Orlando Pride Blanks Washington, 3-0

 Marta, Camila, and Alex Morgan scored in the second half to blow open a game the Orlando Pride had to win. The Pride got their first win against Washington in a 3-0 affair at Orlando City Stadium in the second game of their current home stand. Sitting just one point behind Seattle for the fourth spot in the NWSL standings, the Pride will welcome Sky Blue FC to town on Saturday night.

Zach Carroll Makes USL TOTW

After helping OCB grab two draws last weekend, Defender Zach Carroll has made the USL Team of the Week. Carroll had a high completion percentage and compiled nine clearances across the two games for an impressive return on his selection against Harrisburg City Islanders and FC Cincinnati, especially when that Cincinnati game took place in front of another record crowd at Nippert Stadium.

Nashville Pushing For MLS

After failing to win the Minnesota MLS bid, Minnesota Vikings owners the Wilfs, are throwing their support (and money) behind Nashville in their push for MLS. With soccer growing fast in the United States and with expansion fees now in the hundreds of millions, more billionaires will be required to back bids in the future. With four spots left in the league, the next two are expected to be announced towards the end of the season.

LAFC Signs its First DP

Two weeks ago, LAFC announced Bob Bradley as its new head coach for the club’s inaugural season and this week sees the new team announce it has signed its first DP in Mexican international winger Carlos Vela. Vela, who will join up with the team in January, makes an exciting addition to the MLS landscape and gives LA a good attacking piece to build around as the club crafts the rest of the roster — especially after their troubles trying to attract talent.

Disney Goes It Solo

Disney has announced that the company will be creating their own streaming service and leaving other content providers. What this means for the Disney-owned ESPN remains to be seen in the grand scheme, but expect to be required to pay for the station to watch your MLS games or at least be required to subscribe to MLS Live (if you don’t already) to get your soccer fix.

2018 MLS/NWSL Draft Watchlist

Yesterday saw the announcement of the MAC Hermann trophy watch list for 2017. This list details the best men and women in today’s collegiate teams and should allow people to start scouting who they would like to see the Orlando City and the Orlando Pride pick up in next year’s drafts.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City seeks to break out of its summer slump.
• Columbus Crew SC sign DP Portuguese winger Pedro Santos.
• Birmingham, AL, is coming to USL in 2018.
• Former USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo looks to revive her career overseas.
• The good folks over at the New York Times give us infographics nerds something to enjoy over the Neymar transfer.
• Forbes Magazine highlights the power of MLS DP signings.
• Italian club Fiorentina has released four away kits because you know people will buy them.
• The Washington Post looks at the global politics of Neymar’s move to Paris Saint-Germain.

That’s it for today, folks. We will be looking ahead to this weekend’s game against the New York Red Bulls later on this week so keep it clicked to The Mane Land for your OC needs.