Lion Links: 9/28/18

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope you all are enjoying this break between matches for Orlando City as the Lions have this weekend off. It has been a draining season for Orlando players and fans alike so now is a great time to recharge and enjoy the weekend after today. But before we can kick back with our friends and family, let’s start this Friday off with some links!

Lions Eager to Make Their Presence Known

With the Lions’ playoff hopes gone, Head Coach James O’Connor will spend the remainder of this season assessing the players on the roster and figuring out a plan for 2019. Among those being evaluated are players personally sought out and acquired by former coach Jason Kreis like defenders Chris Schuler and RJ Allen. Both were coached by Kreis before 2018, but even though Kreis is gone, they are determined to work hard enough to earn their spot with the team next year.

“Obviously, Jason is someone that brought me in and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him,” Allen said. “He acquired me from New York and you can consider me a ‘Kreis guy,’ but at the end of the day, James O’Connor is the new head coach and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and what he’s done in his playing career and his coaching career.”

Marta Reacts to Being “The Best”

In case you missed it, Orlando Pride and Brazilian midfielder Marta was named The Best FIFA Women’s Player for 2018 earlier this week. It was Marta’s sixth time winning and she fielded some questions after being awarded one of the greatest distinctions in soccer. The 32-year-old superstar talked about her respect toward the fellow nominees, her excitement about winning, and her expectations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup next summer.

Pride Players Take the Next Step Toward Coaching

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer and defender Ali Krieger are two of many NWSL players who will be taking the U.S. Soccer C License Course. The 10-week coaching course will give the players the chance to take what they’ve learned on the field and become coaches once they retire. The game could always use more female coaches and the course should be a great chance for the players to work towards their futures.

“I’m really excited to begin this coaching course because I strive to be a good teacher of the beautiful game as a player and as a future coach,” Orlando Pride defender Ali Krieger said. “I know this is the best place to advance this journey and am grateful for the opportunity.”

Orlando City Happenings and Events

With the month of September coming to a close, let’s look a bit ahead to some club events where you can meet some players, make some friends, and check out some awesome art.

Tomorrow afternoon, come meet defensive midfielder Oriol “Uri” Rosell and center back Shane O’Neill as they will meet with fans on their weekend off.

Also, don’t forget that the Orlando City Foundation’s annual Footgolf is Monday, Oct. 1, with the proceeds going towards creating a new after-school soccer program for kids in central Florida. Those with tickets will kick a round of footgolf with some players and celebrities, but make sure to read the details because there is a dress code. You can check out some of last year’s event in the video below.

The final club activity you should definitely check out is an art show that will showcase some of the amazing Orlando gameday posters from local artists in the community. Opening night will be on Oct. 6 and you can purchase some limited edition shirts and posters featuring the art as well as attend the watch party for Orlando City’s game with FC Dallas that night. The event will feature the works of four artists, including Dizevez and German Lemus, and will last until Oct. 31.

Free Kicks

• Portland Thorns goalkeeper Adrianna Franch has been named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year for the second straight year, this time with three clean sheets and 45 saves. In more NWSL news, Abby Erceg of the North Carolina Courage played every minute this season and was named NWSL Defender of the Year.
• As far as MLS honors go, Tito Villalba scored the Goal of the Week for his curling strike from distance in Atlanta’s 4-3 win against the San Jose Earthquakes.

• Fan voting for MLSsoccer.com’s Best 22 Under 22 has begun so make sure to go vote for some young Lions! Chris Mueller barely missed the cutoff but Cameron Lindley, Josué Colmán, and Pierre Da Silva are all eligible.
• Soccer is back on the menu in St. Louis, MO, as the mayor has revealed that a local group is in the market for a expansion team.
• Cristiano Ronaldo will only miss one Champions League game after his red card in Juventus’ 2-0 win over Valencia in the group stage. This means that he will return to the field on Oct. 23 against his former club, Manchester United. Circle the date on the calendar if you haven’t already.
• The 2024 European Championship will be held in Germany after the nation won the right to host the tournament for the first time since 1988. Former player Philipp Lahm will head the organizing committee.
• It has been confirmed that next year’s UEFA Champions League will include video assistant referees.
• Here are FOX Sports’ final broadcast plans for the U.S. Women’s National Team matches during next month’s qualifying. At least the semifinal won’t be on FS2.

• FIFA 19 is releasing today and it turns out the brilliant minds at EA Sports didn’t think to give Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech a model without his iconic headgear on.

That’s the stone cold look of a man willing to do whatever it takes to get a better contract.

That’s all from me folks. Have a great Friday and try to relax this weekend!