Lion Links: 4/8/20

Good morning, Mane Landers! I hope this Wednesday finds you all doing well. Let’s go ahead and jump right into the links.

All For Orlando

One of the best things about heading downtown to see the Lions play is all the local businesses that you can pop in along the way. Orlando City Soccer Club launched its #AllforOrl campaign to help support the local community through virtual game day rituals. Local businesses can register and fans can “visit” on game days. Would you normally spend $10 at the bar before going to the stadium? If you can and are able, you can support that same bar by donating the $10 right to them.

Orlando City Beats Montreal Impact

In week four of Major League Soccer’s FIFA 20 simulated matches, Orlando City took on the Montreal Impact. Four different goal scorers led OCSC to the 4-2 victory and in a great position at the top of the Eastern Conference under Óscar Pareja. It’s all for fun, but imagine if it were true! I miss soccer.

Zoom Workout Fun

If you follow any of the women from the Orlando Pride, you already know they’re putting in the work to stay fit and healthy while staying home. The other day, the team held a 70s-themed workout to bring a little fun into the session. A few dogs made cameos too!

Financial Gaps in Major League Sports

In an interview call with reporters last week, defender Ben Sweat of Inter Miami was asked if he and his teammates were planning a charitable gesture like we’ve seen from other athletes during this pandemic.

“Personally, I think if MLS and most of the players in MLS were making the amount of money the European players were, I think we might have done something on our own or individually to help,” Sweat said. “It’s pretty easy when you’re making millions of dollars a year to make a decision like that, and I think we want to help and we want to help the community and we want to help the staff members as best as we can. Whether that’s with salaries or in another way, that’s something maybe down the road to talk about. But it’s not something we’ve discussed internally.”

While the MLS has grown and come a long way in player compensation, Sweat’s comments show how far the league still needs to grow to compete not only with European clubs, but North America’s four major sports leagues as well.

Free Kicks

• The MLS Unites campaign will begin fitness and wellness tips from favorite clubs and players, including Nani it seems.

• Former Lion Jamie Watson shared his thoughts as he prepares to leave Minnesota United FC to cover Nasheville SC’s inaugural season.

• Former Lion Cam Lindley used some of his time at home to share a skill of the day.

That’s going to do it for me this morning, everyone. Have a great week and stay safe!