Lion Links: 11/13/18

Happy Monday, dear readers. It was a long, relaxing weekend for me and I hope it was the same for you. Plenty of exciting things are happening in the world of soccer from the MLS playoffs to the upcoming international break. With that in mind, let’s get to the links.

Pride International Roundup

Several Orlando Pride players saw international action this weekend, so here’s a little update on how things went. Monica and Camila saw time for Brazil in its match against France, but were unable to make enough of a difference as they suffered a 3-1 loss. Emily van Egmond scored twice, but she and Alanna Kennedy were unable to prevent Australia from succumbing to a surprising 3-2 loss to Chile. Finally, England may have regretted not starting Chioma Ubogagu against Sweden, as the Lionesses were unable to score while losing 2-0 after Chi’s debut goal against Austria.

FC Cincinnati Details Unveiled

Amid much fanfare yesterday, soon-to-be MLS newcomers FC Cincinnati announced the details of their new MLS identity. Their full name will be Football Club Cincinnati, shortened to FC Cincinnati, FCC, or FC Cincy. The colors will stay orange and blue, and the new club crest will be a winged lion on an orange and blue shield. The club also announced taglines, hashtags, club values, and the official club story. The club also released a pretty cool little promotional video to go with the big announcement. All in all, lots for the city of Cincinnati to be excited about, congratulations to them for getting an MLS franchise.

Tweaks to USMNT Roster

Following a Zack Steffen hamstring injury, a familiar name is being called up to USMNT camp for upcoming games against England and Italy. Jonathan Klinsmann has been brought in to replace the Columbus Crew netminder, earning his first call-up to the USMNT senior setup. Additionally, Darlington Nagbe has withdrawn from the squad, also suffering from a hamstring issue. Unlike Steffen, however, there has not been another person added to the squad to replace Nagbe, leaving the U.S. pool at 27 players.

Groups Set for Concacaf U-20 Competition

The groups have been set for the upcoming qualifying stage of the Concacaf U-20 Championship. The U.S. has been put into a group with Honduras and Costa Rica, with Mexico, Panama, and El Salvador making up the other group. After the conclusion of round robin play, the group winners and runners-up earn qualification to the U-20 World Cup to be held next year. The entirety of the Concacaf U-20 Championship is being held at IMG Academy just down the road in Bradenton, FL, with the final taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 21.

Free Kicks

Apparently David Villa might be a free agent in a few weeks’ time.

Orlando City’s own Kay Rawlins is supporting a good cause.

The nominees have been announced for the USL Goal of the Postseason.

That’ll do it for me today. Don’t forget that the USWNT is back in action today and the USMNT plays its penultimate game of the year this Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, which of course means I can’t watch since I’ll be at work. Keep it here for all things Orlando soccer related. Ciao.