Lion Links: 9/4/19

Good morning, Mane Landers! Hopefully this finds everyone out of harm’s way after Hurricane Dorian skirted by Central Florida and back to business as usual. Schools are still closed, so I’ll just be over here going slightly insane. Let’s jump into the links.

USWNT Downs Portugal 3-0

The United States Women’s National Team just keeps rolling. Despite missing Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Rose Lavelle, and Ali Krieger, the U.S. had no problem dispatching Portugal 3-0 last night at Allianz Field. Carli Lloyd scored two more goals to run her career total to 117 and Lindsey Horan added a late strike. Portugal was never a threat and the U.S. has now won 16 straight games.

Orlando City and MLS Give Back

The league is kicking off a campaign that will last the whole month of September to Kick Childhood Cancer. Fans can help by purchasing the yellow warm-up kits, or by using #KickChildhoodCancer on social media. For every post using the hashtag, MLS will donate $1 to the Children’s Oncology Group. Fans will also have a chance to win items by entering MLS Works’ Instagram sweepstakes.

Additionally, Orlando City will introduce the Starting XI Against Cancer. The Starting XI Against Cancer will honor and recognize 11 children who are currently battling cancer, or are in remission. If you’re so inclined, you can donate directly to the Children’s Oncology Group here.

USMNT Prepares for Match Against Mexico

It doesn’t seem like the Gold Cup final — in which Mexico beat the U.S. 1-0 — was that long ago, but the teams are already preparing for the next match. Stars and Stripes FC has put together a projected lineup and a rundown of the individual players we can expect to see.

Race to Host 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Eight countries remain in the bidding contest to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup as Belgium and Bolivia have dropped out. The eight countries remaining are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, and South Korea. We could see the Korean bid come as a joint effort with South Korea and North Korea. They will have until Dec. 13 to file detailed bid plans with FIFA.

Free Kicks

• Former Orlando City U-23 player Joe Gallardo was named League One Player of the Week.
• Western Sydney Wanderers signed U.S. forward Lynn Williams.
• ’80s Pro Wrestling Night is taking over Forward Madison FC this weekend.
• Bahamian soccer players survey damage from Hurricane Dorian.
• Former Lion Scott Sutter and his wife, Dr. Claudia C. Sutter, announced they’re having a baby boy.

• Vancouver traded David Norman to Inter Miami CF.

That’ll do it for me today, Mane Landers. Have a great Wednesday.