Lion Links: 2/20/20

Good morning, Mane Landers! I almost said happy Friday, because it’s a fake Friday in Osceola County. If you didn’t know, we don’t get President’s Day off but we get Rodeo Day off instead. Hence, no work Friday. Enough about me, let’s jump right into the links.

Pedro Gallese set on Making History

Sports Illustrated wrote a feature about Pedro Gallese, and how his goal is clear: Help turn this team into a contender and reach the playoffs. They argue that Gallese enters as the best, or most accomplished, keeper in MLS, bringing with him a barrier-breaking mentality.

“In Mexico it was about trying to save my team (Veracruz) from relegation,” Gallese said. “With Alianza Lima, it was about reaching the final. So now, with Orlando, the aim is to reach the finals with the team. This move represents a big objective for me and for my career. I have made it my goal to reach the finals with Orlando and make history with this club.”

Orlando Pride’s Home Opener Announced

The National Women’s Soccer League announced all of its home openers yesterday. For the Pride, we learned their first two matches. The club will open the season at home in Exploria Stadium on Sunday, April 19, against Sky Blue FC. Following a short week, the Pride will fly to Utah to take on the Utah Royals on Friday, April 24.

Orlando City Foundation Silent Auction

The silent auction has officially gone live and the bidding is open. Supporters can bid on a wide range of items, including a 2020 Heart & Sol kit signed by the 2020 team, attraction tickets, game-day experiences, workouts, vacations, and more. All proceeds will benefit the foundation.

U.S. Soccer Spends Much More on Men’s Coaches

In the seemingly never ending fight for equal pay, tax records have come to light proving the significant pay gap between Jill Ellis and Gregg Berhalter. All this despite the United States Women’s National Team’s winning record, while the United States Men’s National Team hasn’t advanced past the World Cup’s round of 16 since 2002. A United States Soccer Federation spokesperson wouldn’t comment on the salary differences.

Free Kicks

• Hope Solo leads the candidate list for the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
• The Chicago Fire signed Argentine Ignacio Aliseda, the youngest Designated Player in club history, and the social media team had some fun with it.

• Sean Johnson urged supporters not to boycott NYCFC’s inaugural Concacaf Champions League appearance.
• Borussia Dortmund has some fun on Twitter.

That’ll do it for me this morning, Mane Landers. Have a great rest of the week!