Lion Links: 9/16/17

Here we go, Orlando! Exciting weekend ahead filled with an MLS rivalry game, Halloween Horror Nights kicking off, and EPCOT Food & Wine in full effect with Plain White T's and Sister Hazel jamming. (If you haven't figured out, I'm a parks guy so sue me).

I myself finally got back in the state so I'm happy to distract myself this weekend with all of the below:

Morgan Helps USWNT Down New Zealand

Julie Ertz scored a brace and Orlando Pride star Alex Morgan added an insurance goal after New Zealand pulled within one in the second half, as the USWNT won a friendly in Colorado, 3-1. Morgan’s goal was the 75th of her career and tied her with Cindy Parlow for seventh in U.S. women’s history. Kelley O’Hara wore the captain’s armband in her 100th career cap and Sofia Huerta celebrated her first U.S. cap by assisting on Morgan’s goal. For more on Alex Morgan scoring goals, read on, below.

Kreis Still Hopeful

Tonight, Orlando City takes on Atlanta United as our Southeast rival continues driving towards a playoff spot. Kreis, unfazed by Atlanta’s current success, talks below on the upcoming match:

Orlando City Roster Set for End of Season Stretch

MLS rosters had to be locked in by yesterday morning. This means as of today, the roster you see is the full roster for the remaining run of the season.

One of many questions were answered, one we specifically covered on Earl Edwards, that sees Edwards staying up as the No. 2 goalkeeper behind Joe Bendik. Fingers are crossed he gets an opportunity to show his quality at some point this season. 

Kaká and other DPs on the Market

A lot of questions surround Kaká's future in Orlando moving forward. But he's not the only one who could hit the free agency market in 2018. Take a look here at 10 of the MLS' best available players next season.

Atlanta United Proving a Fertile Soccer Community

If there's one thing we know in Orlando it’s quality of supporters. And while you may hate the success of our first-year rivals, we have to respect what they're doing for the game.

Atlanta recently announced tonight's match will break the single-match attendance record with a total of 69,256, with another roughly 2,000+ in hand. 

All I can do is give them a hand. Any successful MLS team in revenue, is success for us all.

Looking Back at Morgan's Best

Very few can doubt in Alex Morgan's recent form. From her time with Lyon to her current run in the NWSL, Morgan has been on a tear. FourFourTwo takes a look at her 10 best goals.

Sofia Huerta USWNT Transfer Upheld

Sofia Huerta, former teammate of Pride midfielder Dani Weatherholt at UC-Santa Clara, recently filed for a one-time switch from Mexico to the USWNT. FIFA has upheld the request and Huerta has joined the USWNT for its pair of friendlies against New Zealand. As mentioned above, Huerta got her first cap and assist last night.

Huerta, a midfielder for Chicago Red Stars, has been a camp invitee and is beyond excited for this opportunity towards the upcoming Olympics and World Cup. But besides being a great player changing from Mexico, why should you care? Well, Ali Krieger probably does and so should Pride fans. As Jill Ellis looks to revamp the defensive line, Huerta has been training as a defender rather than her traditional midfield role. She played right back last night.

Free Kicks:

• We hope all your loved ones and homes stayed safe, but if you're in need, The Central Florida Foundation has activated relief funds that may help you.
• Orlando sets up to be the site of a brutal, must-win match against Panama for the USMNT Oct. 6.
• Vote Dom Dwyer to be a FIFA 18 MLS Cover Athlete!
• Specializing in one sport can be damaging. Read here on how to better avoid early onset injuries for your child.

I love Orlando City's willingness to engage the fans with the pro players. And I really love it when I get to watch one of my friends lose in anything. So, without further ado, I give you my friend, the trash talker in the video (will remain nameless, Dave), who would lose to me, the goalkeeper, after this horrid display. Plus check out Giles Barnes, pretty beast.