Lion Links: 4/17/19

Good morning, Mane Landers! You already know it’s Wednesday, and with a home game this weekend I am ready for the downward slope toward the weekend. Not only are we celebrating the mid-point of a week that I personally can’t wait to say goodbye to, but we’re celebrating Orlando Pride forward Rachel Hill’s birthday! Let’s get to the links.

Carson Pickett Meets a Fan

The Orlando Pride’s Carson Pickett met with 2-year-old Joseph and his father this week. Joseph was born with only one arm. He may look familiar, as he made headlines when he got to meet former UCF football player Shaquem Griffin. Such a special opportunity for Joseph to meet real life heroes right here in Central Florida. Grab some tissues if you sit down to watch this. I wish I had.

Harris Wins NWSL Save of the Week

We shared in yesterday’s links that Ashlyn Harris was nominated for the NWSL Save of the Week following the first match of the season. Today I’m here to report that she claimed the award for her diving effort to keep Lindsey Horan from scoring.

Former Orlando City Draft Pick on the Move

Danny Deakin was selected as the 64th overall MLS SuperDraft pick by Orlando City in 2017, and he went on to play for Orlando City B, scoring a single goal for the team in his 20 appearances. The Detroit News reported that Deakin is headed back to Detroit City FC.

All Eyes on the USMNT

Gregg Berhalter is gearing up for the team’s Concacaf Gold Cup for his first competitive match at the helm. He’s focused on getting the world to talk about the USMNT as a world competitor again. Planning has already commenced for the matches, but who will play? SBI released a projection for which 23 men will make the roster. Under “missed cut” they’ve listed Timothy Weah, Josh Sargent, Dom Dwyer, Christian Ramirez, and Bobby Wood. What say you? What does your dream roster look like?

Free Kicks

• Orlando Pride starters Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond have recovered from their virus and should be good to go tonight in North Carolina.
• Inside the 18 talked with Pride goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer.
• USL League One named its Team of the Week and it includes OCB goalkeeper Juliano Chade.
• Paul Scholes was charged with misconduct.
• A teenage captain led Ajax to victory over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League.

That’s it for me this morning. I can’t wait to be back in the purple plastic seats this weekend. Having missed the last unforgettable home match, I can only hope for some magic to spark the Lions as they they play in front of the fans who love them. If you see me, say hi. I can usually hear people whispering about my painted Toms. I don’t bite and I promise to share where I found them!