Lion Links: 9/5/19

Good morning, Mane Landers! It’s Thursday and after an unplanned, five-day weekend it’s going to be quite the struggle to jump back into things. At least we’re happy to report that none of the TML staff sustained any damage from the storm, even our coastal folks. Enough about us, let’s jump into the links.

Orlando City’s Brian Rowe on the Season so far

In a video shared by the club, Brian Rowe was quick to talk about the consistency of the back line, something fans have been talking about forever it seems. He notes that the more you get to play with a central defense duo, the better you get to understand each other. Rowe says the friendships and culture that have been built this season contribute to the fact that no one can walk into training in a bad mood regardless of what’s happening outside of soccer.

“It’s been exciting. It’s been a roller coaster. It’s not over yet,” said the goalkeeper.

USMNT Gathering Data, Monetizing Image Rights

The USWNT is collecting information on their fans. For what reason? Of that, I’m still unsure. When you complete the quick questionnaire there’s a thank you message that reads,

“We can’t wait to read your thoughts and use your feedback to improve how women’s soccer better engages with you as it continues to grow. Check out our upcoming USWNT and NWSL games and stayed tuned for more!”

It seems as though perhaps something exciting is on the horizon for fans.

In other USWNT news, the women are successfully monetizing image rights after being told they have “No value.” The demand was clearly there for player-specific merchandise, despite no one having it available before now.

“The day after they won, that Monday, we followed up with people who didn’t move forward earlier to see if they had second thoughts,” Scebelo says. “In one of our first calls, the person said, ‘I should’ve taken this license six months ago.’”

Pride Players Up for FIFPRO’s Women World 11

More than 3,500 elite female players worldwide have picked their favorite teams consisting of one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards, all based on last season’s performance. The World 11 is then comprised of the 11 players who received the most votes in their positions. The United States dominated the votes as 14 American world champions made the cut. Among those in the top 55 include the Orlando Pride’s very own Ali Krieger, Alex Morgan, and Marta.

Nation’s League is Pathway to 2021 Gold Cup

Concacaf confirmed yesterday that that the Nation’s League kicking off today, will serve as the qualifying pathway for the 2021 Gold Cup for the 41 member associations. After round-robin play in September, October, and November, the four League A group winners will then advance to to the Nation’s League’s first-ever competition champion.

“The Concacaf Nations League is about uniting the Confederation through meaningful competition, while providing an exciting pathway to the Gold Cup. Through this tournament, all 41 Concacaf Member Associations are able to follow the dream of competing on a more consistent basis, opening the door for continued development across our entire region,” said Concacaf President Victor Montagliani.  

Free Kicks

• Orlando City shares how you can help our neighbors in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian.
• Finland’s National Women’s team players sign contract equal to that of their male counterparts.
• Curva Nord tries to tell Romelu Lakaku that chants from Cagliari fans weren’t racist, but a masterfully crafted response from the Serpents of Madonnina show what Curva Nord really meant by their nonsensical statement.
• Which MLS teams are most improved over last season?
• The USWNT plays The BFF Quiz.

That’ll do it for me this morning, Mane Landers! Have a great rest of the week as we move one day closer to game day!