Lion Links: 9/10/18

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! While there might not be anything exciting to report like wins, I still think we should have a good attitude. I mean, why not? You heard James O’Connor. We’re officially into building for next season mode. That means the pressure is off of the fans. Sure, the players are going to be trying to get or extend contracts. Or maybe they’re auditioning for another team or coach. All I’m saying is that you can take a page from The Dude. Sit back, bowl some frames, and just abide. Of course, that’s just like my opinion man.

But before we get to the links, let’s give a big happy birthday to both Orlando City midfielder Jose Villarreal (26) and Orlando Pride forward Chioma Ubogagu (27). Now, let’s get to the links!

Sermanni Gives Thoughts on Player Performances

Last season, the Orlando Pride finished the season on a nine-game unbeaten streak, winning five straight. This season, the team lost four consecutive matches, and was winless in its final six matches. It’s no surprise the team failed to make the playoffs this year after playing that way. However, while Tom Sermanni feels that his players were “OK,” there weren’t any that were better than just “OK,” and that was what was needed to make the difference down the stretch. The team’s form had everyone from the players and coaches to the fans looking for answers that just didn’t come. There’s going to be a ton of questions this off-season, including which players and coaches will be back in 2019.

Sarachan Not Focused on Job

I know that sounds bad, but I’m sure that you figured that United States Men’s National Team interim head coach Dave Sarachan is focused on getting the USMNT ready for its next match against Mexico Tuesday night, and he is not focused on the open head coaching position. That’s not to say Sarachan isn’t interested in the job, he’s just not making a big deal about it. The match against Brazil certainly had some positives, especially given the lineup that Brazil put out to face the young Americans. It seems that Sarachan is focusing on bringing in a ton of younger players for these friendly matches and getting them some valuable international experience. Whether or not he gets a look for the post permanently, what he’s currently doing is still good for U.S. soccer in my opinion.

USMNT Ready For Showdown Against Mexico

Speaking of the boys in red, white, and blue, the Yanks take on El Tri tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. in Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. There have been hundreds of matches between the two sides, dating back to 1916, including some of our favorite Dos a Cero results. With all that history, the current squad is looking to make its own mark on the series. Wil Trapp and the boys are well aware of this rivalry, and it should have a very different feel than the match they lost to Brazil.

Yoshi Against Germany

It was actually Peru playing Germany, but Orlando City’s Yoshimar Yotún made quite a difference in the match considering that it was 1-1 when he was in the match, and became 2-1 for Gemany after he was subbed off. It seems that he might be just as important for Peru as he is for the Lions.

Unfortunately for Peru, Nico Schulz got his first cap for Germany and opened his account on the same day as the Hoffenheim defender scored a late goal in front of his home crowd to give Germany the victory. Next, Peru will take on Chile on Oct. 12, and Germany will take on Russia on Nov. 15.

Free Kicks

• Tragedy struck at the Stade Municipal de Mahamasina in Antananarivo, Madagascar. as one person was killed and 40 more were injured in a stampede outside the match. The contest between Madagascar and Senegal was an African Nations Cup qualifier. After the 22,000-seat stadium was full and the gates were closed, many fans were trapped against the gates as more fans were still pushing forwards.
• We know that Jonathan Gonzalez’s decision to play for Mexico rather than the U.S. was an unfortunate one for the Yanks. However, take heart as there are other youngsters that could make a different decision.
• U.S. U-20s and U-19s squads both got results in an invitational tournament in Florida with the U-20s beating Jamaica 3-1, and the U-19s drawing Venezuela, 2-2.
• I guess when you say all the stuff that Jose Mourinho has been recently it’s going to generate some clicks. The Manchester United boss has become the most “tweeted” English Premier League manager. Good job, Jose.

That’ll do it for this edition of Links. Don’t forget to stop back for coverage of the USMNT match against Mexico, and of course coverage of Orlando City and the Orlando Pride.