Lion Links: 8/6/19

Happy Tuesday, Mane Landers! Not only did Orlando City nab a vital three points at home against FC Dallas, but the Lions also have the most important game of the MLS era to date when they take on Atlanta tonight in a U.S. Open Cup semifinal match. There’s no time to waste, so let’s get to the links.

Four Things Learned From Dallas

Following Orlando’s 2-0 win over FC Dallas at the weekend, our friends over at ProSoccerUSA.com had four observations to be taken away from the much-needed win. First and foremost was the way that Orlando was able to take charge of the game despite not having the lion’s share (haha) of possession. The Lions did so by allowing Dallas to have more of the ball rather than utilize the visitors’ preferred tactic of sitting deep and hitting on the counter. Other important points to note were strong games from both Ruan and Tesho Akindele, who connected for the game’s first goal. More on Tesho in a hot minute.

Lion in Team of the Week

Speaking of Akindele, the man who nabbed the game’s opening goal was included in the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Week. The Canadian striker took a team-high five shots in the win, and while he only passed at a 69% clip, he did pick up a hockey assist on Carlos Ascues’ tally to seal the deal. Not to mention he took his goal first time and with aplomb, neatly slotting the ball beyond Jesse Gonzalez for his eighth goal of the season. In the end, it was a very well-deserved honor for Tesho. Keep up the good work!

Pride Guests at La Liga-Serie A Cup

FC Barcelona will be squaring off against SSC Napoli in the first edition of the La-Liga-Serie A Cup on Wednesday. The European clubs won’t be the only big name draws in Miami though, as the Orlando Pride will also be in town as guests for the already star-studded match. The Pride, with a team including a whopping nine players who participated in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, will help make up for the fact that Lionel Messi will not be joining Barcelona for its U.S. tour due to an injury he sustained in training.

Pierre Da Silva Has a New Team

Former Lion Pierre Da Silva is no longer with Orlando City but he’ll have some familiar faces to welcome him to his new club. Da Silva will be playing for Memphis 901 FC under former Orlando City goalkeeping coach Tim Mulqueen.

“Pierre is one of the most talented young attacking players that I have worked with,” 901 FC head coach Tim Mulqueen said. “He has great experience for a player his age, and he will have an immediate impact as a left-sided attacker for us.”

He’ll also share the field with former teammate Cam Lindley, who is on loan with the USL Championship side. Best of luck to Pierre in the next step of his journey.

Free Kicks

• Register your youth soccer team for a chance to win a team practice on the field at Exploria Stadium.
• Canada’s first two games in the Concacaf Nations League have been scheduled and it could very well result in the Lions being short several players for their Sept. 7 game against LAFC.

• Gennaro Gattuso, a former teammate of David Beckham, is rumored to be in the running for Inter Miami’s coaching vacancy.
• Bobby Warshaw at MLSSoccer.com has picked his 24 players (one from each team) who need to step up and not surprisingly for Orlando City he selected Dom Dwyer. If the striker can stay on the field, he might do just that.

That’ll be all for me today. To be brief and to the point, Orlando City will take on Atlanta United tonight at 7:30 p.m E.T. at Exploria Stadium. If you haven’t gotten tickets already, then hurry up and do it; no excuses. Y’all stay safe out there and go Lions!