Lion Links: 3/21/20

Hello Mane Landers, what have you been doing to keep yourself busy this week? I hope that everyone is doing well and that you’re taking care of yourselves, your family, and your friends. Like many of you, I’m trying to get myself use to being home for a while. I’ve been catching up on shows, doing my schoolwork online, and occasionally taking a walk around my apartment. That was my week, now let’s get to today’s links.

Melbourne City Win W-League Grand Final

Orlando Pride players Emily van Egmond and Claire Emslie are W-League champions after Melbourne City defeated Sydney FC 1-0 in the W-League Grand Final. Former Pride defender Steph Catley scored the only goal in the 15th minute after van Egmond slotted a great ball past Alanna Kennedy and Sydney’s defense, with former Pride goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe fumbling the save.

Kennedy and the rest of Sydney defense did fairly well against Melbourne as Emslie and van Egmond were threats all game long, but couldn’t score. Melbourne City finished the season with no losses and only one draw in an incredibly dominant campaign.

Fans Vote for Custom FIFA 20 Cover

Major League Soccer held a contest for fans to vote for a downloadable MLS FIFA 20 custom cover. Carlos Vela, Jordan Morris, Alejandro Pozuela, and Ali Adnan were all voted in for this year’s edition. Regardless, Orlando City SC posted its option on its Twitter page as well. I don’t know about you, but I would love to add an Orlando City SC cover for my FIFA 20 copy. I have a PS4 so this would be cool, especially with club captain Nani on the cover. An Xbox version would be cool as well. What do you think?

MLS Extends Training Moratorium Through March 27

Major League Soccer extended the team training moratorium until Friday, March 27. During this time, MLS players are expected to remain in each club’s respective market and exercise safe social distancing measures. Players will only be allowed to access the training facilities for physical therapy purposes. The league remains in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on this evolving situation and will provide further updates as they become available.

NWSL Gives Update on Season

The NWSL released a statement yesterday giving the league’s fans an update on how the coronavirus pandemic will affect their clubs’ preseasons and preparations for the upcoming season. Here is the league statement below.

More Leagues Extended Suspensions Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic

The Canadian Premier League will postpone the start of its season that was due to begin on April 11 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Independent Soccer Association also announced it will extend the suspension of its 2020 spring season in accordance with CDC guidelines until May 10. According to Jeff Rueter, the USL announced its clubs will not be allowed to train until April 5. USL League 2 will also match the CDC guidelines and delayed its start of the season until May 12.

Free Kicks

• If you’re still missing soccer, Orlando City has another classic to watch from Kaká as one of his favorite games will stream tomorrow on the club website at 6 p.m.

• LAFC season ticket holder Jeff Ghazarian passed away after his battle with pneumonia after contracting the coronavirus from a recent trip to Florida.
• The Philadelphia Union are getting creative with a best XI fridge challenge.

• Borussia Monchengladbach players will waive part of their salaries to ease Bundesliga financial concerns.

That is going to do it for me today, Mane Landers. Stay safe and we’ll get through all of this together. Enjoy your Saturday.