Lion Links: 10/23/19

Good morning, Mane Landers! It’s been a crazy week, but it’s already Wednesday so we are about halfway there. It looks like we’ll be getting some rain this weekend so try to enjoy the sunshine while you still can. But for now, let’s jump right into the links!

Nani Issued Two-Game Suspension for 2020

Is there anything more Orlando City than Nani being suspended for the first two matches of the 2020 MLS season in an announcement two and a half weeks after the 2019 season ended? The MLS Disciplinary Committee issued the two-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for “aggressive behavior toward a match official.” The moment in question came during the 45th minute of the Oct. 6 match at home against the Chicago Fire and you can see the play at the link above.

Kljestan Ready to Answer Your Questions

Orlando City midfielder and MLS veteran Sacha Kljestan will be doing an Ask Me Anything (AMA) over on Reddit during Toronto FC and New York City FC’s playoff game later tonight. There is still plenty of time to post some questions in the thread for him to answer, so get them in while you can. Whether it’s about his playing style, his time as a Lion, or his signature mustache, mostly everything is fair game although it isn’t a guarantee he will respond.

NWSL Announces Louisville Expansion for 2021

The National Women’s Soccer League announced yesterday that Louisville will welcome the league’s fourth expansion team. The new club will begin play in the 2021 season, in the soccer-specific Lynn Family Stadium.

“We are incredibly honored to be joining NWSL, the greatest women’s soccer league in the world,” said Louisville City Football Club President Brad Estes. “We can’t wait to welcome these incredible athletes with open arms and support them in their mission to win championships. This market is hungry for more pro soccer, and we know our NWSL team will be a shining star in this league and in our community.”

During the live stream, Estes shared that the team is planning a training center that will be shared by both the men and the women.

Jordan Morris Wins MLS Comeback Player of the Year

U.S. Men’s National Team and Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris is the 2019 MLS Comeback Player of the Year. Morris ended the regular league season with 10 goals and seven assists after an ACL injury that kept him out for almost all of the 2018 season. Recently, Morris scored a hat trick to help the Sounders win their playoff game against FC Dallas and he attributes his resurgence to a new level of comfort with the club both on and off the field.

Matt Lampson Named MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year

LA Galaxy goalkeeper Matt Lampson was named 2019’s MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year for his work with the LampStrong foundation. In the past four years, this is Lampson’s third time being recognized as Humanitarian of the Year. A cancer survivor himself, His foundation aims to provide financial, emotional, and motivational support to cancer patients and families in all stages of treatment and recovery. The foundation also funds researchers and will be making a $20,000 donation to the CHLA Oncology Section for adolescent and young adult patients battling the disease.

Free Kicks

• Nani took fans behind the scenes of his training and boxing sessions.

• Former OCSC player Giles Barnes joins Indian club Hyderabad FC.

• Ajax defender Sergino Dest will make his decision on whether or not he will play for the United States Men’s National Team on his 19th birthday, Nov. 3.
• Fabian Johnson says he wants back in with the USMNT and awaits a call down the road.
• We end our links with this interesting feature that looks into if the sport of soccer will undergo a similar revolution regarding head injuries and concussions that American football has undergone.

That’s going to do it for me today, Mane Landers. I’ll be back tomorrow to bring you links again. Have a great Wednesday!