Lion Links: 11/5/18

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Here we are, ankle deep in the off-season for Orlando City. Of course, there are still other teams playing but we’ll get to them later. There was plenty of soccer this weekend, and I hope you took some time to enjoy it. Let’s get to the links!

O’Connor Confident for Next Season

If you’re looking for a deep dive into what happened this season with the front office, Jason Kreis, James O’Connor, and the team, then take a minute and read this article. If, like me and O’Connor, you’re more interested in where the club goes from here, skip to the end. O’Connor has a plan with everything from player health monitoring, to the new practice facility, to a shift in the culture. O’Connor has already identified the players that he thinks will fit in the winning culture he’s wanting to instill in the club and hopefully he succeeds.

Pickett is on a Roll

After the Orlando Pride’s season ended, Carson Pickett and other players headed down under to play in the Australian W-League. Pickett signed with the Brisbane Roar, and already has two goals this season. The most recent came in the Roar’s match against the Western Sydney Wanderers in Marconi Stadium. Pickett scored on a free kick just outside of the box, continuing her perfect record against the Wanderers.

MLS Rewind

It was a busy weekend in MLS as teams vied to continue their seasons in the MLS playoffs. The Portland Timbers defeated the Seattle Sounders, 2-1 in the first leg of their Western Conference semifinal. Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City finished level at 1-1 as the series now heads to Kansas City. The Columbus Crew upset the New York Red Bulls. 1-0 in the first leg of their Eastern Conference semifinal match-up. In the other Eastern Conference semifinal, Atlanta United FC defeated New York City FC, 1-0 in its first leg match.

USL Final is Set

When you’re the 40-year-old owner and player of a USL team, there’s only one way to become even more of a legend for your team. You score the winning goal to capture the Western Conference final and send Phoenix Rising FC to the USL final. Didier Drogba did just that when he put back his own rebound to score his third goal of the playoffs in the 2-1 victory. Phoenix will take on former Orlando City affiliate Louisville City FC after the club defeated New York Red Bulls II, 5-1 on Friday.

Free Kicks

• I’m sure you all remember I’m a Liverpool supporter, but I’m not sure what to make of this.

• It seems that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be interested in a move to AC Milan, assuming the Italian side offers a long enough contract.
• LSU football might not have been able to score against Alabama, but LSU women’s soccer’s Shannon Cooke scored on South Carolina in unreal fashion. LSU went on to advance 4-1 on penalty kicks.

• In the ACC women’s final, Florida State defeated the University of North Carolina for its sixth title in school history all within the past eight years. Dallas Dorosy scored two first half goals, and assisted on the game-winner to lead FSU to victory.

That’s going to do it for Monday. Bohemian Rhapsody is out in theaters, and I enjoyed it, despite mixed reviews. Regardless, we can honor the greatest rock ‘n’ roll front man of all time. Ladies and gentlemen, Freddie Mercury and Queen!