Lions Links: 2/15/20

Happy Saturday, Mane Landers. I hope everyone had a happy and safe Valentine’s Day and spent some quality time with the ones you love. For me, I was lucky to celebrate the day with some coworkers of mine with roses, chocolate, and a nice dinner. We’re now only two weeks away from Orlando City’s home opener against Real Salt Lake but how about we show our Lions some more love this weekend.

Dom Dwyer Injured

In a painfully familiar story, Orlando City forward Dom Dwyer didn’t participate in training yesterday and is week-to-week thanks to a lower body injury. While the details of the injury are unknown, it could be why he didn’t participate in the team’s 2-1 preseason win against the Tampa Bay Rowdies earlier this week. It’s disappointing news considering Dwyer’s hunger to return to the field and excel after a rough season last year.

Orlando City Will Face D.C. United in Scrimmage

Orlando City travels to Tampa for a closed-door preseason game against D.C. United at the University of South Florida today. The Lions have won each of their four preseason games so far and Head Coach Oscar Pareja believes the Lions can fight for wins this season and claw their way to a strong position in MLS.

Orlando Pride’s New Goalkeeper

The Pride signed Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod on a one-year deal with an option for another. She returns to the National Women’s Soccer League after spending four years in Europe with FC Rosengard and three other teams. Orlando Pride General Manager Erick Ustruck had high praise for the veteran and is excited to bring her on board to a team in need of depth at the position. With Ashlyn Harris busy at the Olympics this summer and Haley Kopmeyer waived earlier this month, McLeod will certainly fill the void for the Pride.

Orlando SeaWolves Lose On the Road

With only 11 players, the Orlando SeaWolves traveled to Mexico to face Soles De Sonora and fell short, losing 11-6. Although they never led in the game, the SeaWolves kept it fairly close for the first half and the start of the second before allowing six straight. Collapses in the second half have plagued the SeaWolves all year long, but they showed fight this time around by scoring three times in the fourth quarter. The SeaWolves continue their road trip with a tough match against the Baltimore Blast next week on Feb. 21.

Pepsi and OCSC Strike Five-Year Deal

PepsiCo Beverages North America officially announced its partnership with Orlando City SC, the Orlando Pride, and Exploria Stadium as the official non-alcoholic pouring partner. To christen this partnership, there will be a post-game concert performed by Ally Brooke after Orlando City’s home opener on Feb. 29.

Americans Abroad

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Timothy Chandler wasn’t able to continue his heroics against Borussia Dortmund in a 4-0 road loss. . As for other Americans in Europe this weekend, RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams will miss today’s game against Josh Sargent and his struggling Werder Bremen side. Fortuna Dusseldorf’s Zack Steffen is also injured, but Alfredo Morales is expected to play against Borussia Monchengladbach.

In tomorrow’s games, Deandre Yedlin leads Newcastle against Arsenal, Weston McKennie and Schalke play Mainz, and Timothy Weah makes his return for Lille against Marseille. Christian Pulisic is training with the U-23s for Chelsea this weekend, but is not expected to play Monday against Manchester United.

Free Kicks

• The U.S. Soccer Federation membership and executives are meeting in Nashville this weekend for the 2020 annual general meeting. Expect to hear news on the vice-presidential race, as well as new rules and proposals.
• Former Orlando City Head Coach and current Inter Miami Academy Director Jason Kreis will also become the head coach for USL League One side Fort Lauderdale CF. Former Lions Academy Director Darren Powell will also join the team in a player development role.

• Manchester City received a two-year ban from the UEFA Champions League. It will also have to pay a fine of $33 million for breaching UEFA’s financial fair play rules. Manchester City will appeal the ban.
• FC Cincinnati manager Ron Jans stepped away from the club after being allegations surfaced of him using a racial slur in front of the team’s players.

That is all from me today, Mane Landers. See you next time and enjoy your Saturday.