Lion Links: 10/3/18

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s shaping up to be a great week of soccer with the UEFA Champions League continuing today, the United States Women’s National Team starting its qualifying tomorrow, and of course some Orlando City soccer this weekend. But before we get to what’s ahead, let’s catch you up on anything you may have missed in the world of soccer with some links!

Amro Tarek Called Up Once More For Egypt

Orlando City center back Amro Tarek was called up yet again by Egyptian National Team Head Coach Javier Aguirre for Egypt’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Swaziland on Oct. 12 and Oct. 16. However, Tarek is far from settling with just a call-up and is eager to take the field with his fellow Pharaohs.

“I think in the beginning, when you join the national team, you’re just happy to join the group,” Tarek told Pro Soccer USA. “For me, it’s time to play some games. Before, I was only excited to be called up. Now I have bigger goals – to be a starter. I hope it’s coming soon.”

While this means that Tarek will be absent for Orlando’s match with the New England Revolution on Oct. 13, this is still great news for OCSC fans as the defender continues to impress with his national team. Congrats, Tarek!

Josué Colmán in the Mix of Promising Prospects

While Tyler Adams and Alphonso Davies are sure to headline this year’s 22 under 22 listing by MLSsoccer.com, the other 20 names set to make the list are a little less certain. Andrew Wiebe tried sorting out the list of youngsters and it looks like Orlando City play-maker Josué Colmán could make a surprise appearance despite a quiet season. With one goal and five assists in less than 1,000 minutes, the 20-year-old Paraguayan carries a lot of potential as he continues to get used to MLS and life in the U.S.

USMNT New Faces and the Four Nations Tournament

With a new set of USMNT friendlies upon us this month, meet some of the team’s newest faces as they join the squad for the first time. Just think, this could be the first time learning about one of your new favorite players, although time will tell how well they do. While most attention is on the senior squad, the U-17 USMNT also released its roster as it prepares for the Four Nations Tournament so make sure to check out some other rising stars in the country.

Madrid Stunned and Juventus Cruises in UEFA Champions League

The biggest upset so far this Champions League came yesterday when Real Madrid was beaten 1-0 by CSKA Moscow. A horrendous Toni Kroos giveaway led to Nikola Vlasic scoring in the second minute for the Russian side and Madrid just couldn’t find the back of the net in the shocking defeat. Elsewhere in Europe, Juventus didn’t need Cristiano Ronaldo to coast to a comfortable 3-0 win over Young Boys thanks to a hat trick from Paulo Dybala. Check out how Manchester City, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich did in the rest of yesterday’s action.

As for today’s matches, there are two heavyweight bouts, with Barcelona heading to Wembley Stadium to face Tottenham and Napoli hosting Liverpool in Italy.

Free Kicks

• Learn more about N.E.H.S., one of the four artists who will showcase their Orlando City game day poster work this Saturday, Oct. 6.
• Here’s some more footage of OCSC Head Coach James O’Connor and the Lions at the Footgolf charity event earlier this week.

• The scheduling for the Generation Adidas Cup qualifying matches has been unveiled with the young Lions in Group C for both age groups.
• In National Women’s Soccer League news, none of the seven eligible players were selected off of the re-entry wire.
• Reports are surfacing that 32-year-old forward Radamel Falcao could be making his way to the U.S. to join the Columbus Crew or Inter Miami.
• We end our links with Men In Blazers co-host Roger Bennett’s great choice in attire as he repped the purple.

That’s all from me today, folks. Thanks for starting your day here at The Mane Land and make sure to check back in with us throughout the day for more coverage of Orlando City and the Orlando Pride.