Lion Links: 3/4/20

Good morning, Mane Landers! I hope this Wednesday finds you all doing well as the week rolls on. Let’s jump right into today’s links.

Emily Sonnett Eager to be Counted On

New Orlando Pride defender Emily Sonnett visited Exploria Stadium for the first time this week and shared how eager she is to get started and become a reliable player for the team.

“I think for me, I’m just excited to come in and find those little partnerships on the field,” Sonnett said. “I just want to come in here and control what I can control. I want to be that consistent player that a coach can count on.”

Orlando Pride Sign Two More Draft Picks

The Orlando Pride announced the signing of two more of the club’s 2020 NWSL College Draft selections yesterday, adding both Courtney Petersen and Konya Plummer to the team before the 2020 season. Both have signed two-year contracts with an option year.

“We’re very happy to have come to terms with both Courtney and Konya,” Orlando Pride Head Coach Marc Skinner said in a club press release. “Each of them adds a new dynamic to our Orlando team and provides us with flexibility, contributing both on the back line or even in the midfield. We’re very excited about both of them and cannot wait for them to start their NWSL careers in Orlando.”

OCB Roster Announcement

Ahead of its second season in USL League One, Orlando City B announced its roster. Defensive midfielder Austin Amer is the only player returning from last year’s squad. Also on the team are MLS SuperDraft picsk Austin Aviza and Jack O’Callaghan. Aviza is one of the squad’s three goalkeepers. It’s certainly a fresh start for the team after a 2019 season filled with difficulty.

“We are very excited to start a new chapter with Orlando City B. Our new roster exemplifies the pathway that we are working to fortify in making OCB the final step on the way to the First Team,” said Orlando City B Head Coach Marcelo Neveleff. “This is a very talented group and we are very excited for the season ahead.” 

How the USWNT is Protecting Itself Against the Coronavirus

The coronavirus continues to make headlines as it spreads across the world, putting a damper on a wide range of sporting events. As the U.S Soccer Federation prepares to host teams from around the world for the SheBelieves Cup, the question of whether the tournament will be affected was addressed.

“At this time, the SheBelieves Cup games are going on as scheduled and there are no immediate plans to cancel or postpone games or have them held in empty stadiums,” U.S. Soccer spokesman Neil Buethe told Yahoo Sports. “Our main priority is the well-being of players, coaches, staff and our fans. We are monitoring the situation and if there are any necessary changes, we’ll let fans know as soon as possible.”

Players coming in from other countries have had health assessments and have been cleared to travel. Elsewhere in the U.S., an MLS task force is monitoring the situation closely. Meanwhile, Japan’s Olympic Minister says the Tokyo 2020 Games could be postponed.

Free Kicks

• Former Orlando City owner Phil Rawlins talked about conquering your passions.
• Orlando City had some fun at RSL’s expense:

• The Portland Thorns acquired United States Women’s National Team defender, Becky Sauerbrunn from Utah Royals FC.
• Ben Foster helped 12-year-old Molly Hall enjoy a day she’ll never forget with Watford Football.
• Thierry Henry and the Montreal Impact made a big move by signing Victor Wanyama on a free transfer from Tottenham Hotspur as a Designated Player.
• It looks like Reign FC changed its name on Twitter.

• Leed’s United’s Kiko Casilla was banned for using a racial slur.

That’s going to so it for me today, Mane Landers. Have a great rest of the week and stay safe!