Lion Links: 4/28/20

Happy Tuesday, everyone. Social distancing measures drag on, but I finally was able to get out and play some soccer for the first time in a very long time, so I personally don’t have much room to complain. There’s lots to discuss today, so lets have at it.

This Week in OCSC History

Plenty of notable things took place this week in Orlando City’s history. There was a draw on the road against the New England Revolution back in 2016, and a fifth home win in a row back in 2017 against the Colorado Rapids. A year later the Lions took down Colorado again, this time on the road for the team’s fifth win of a six game winning streak. Joe Bendik took home the MLS Player of the Month Award back in 2017 after the Lions took 12 points from five games while only giving up four goals.

Steffen Out Indefinitely

Zack Steffen has been ruled out indefinitely after sustaining a knee injury during a practice session with Fortuna Dusseldorf. Steffen had a knee injury last fall but the club did not specify if his most recent injury was to the same knee, and did not give any details about the injury’s severity. The timing of the injury is especially unfortunate, since the Bundesliga is currently exploring the viability of restarting the season next month. Hopefully the setback isn’t too serious and Steffen is able to return to the field sooner rather than later.

Examining the Bundesliga’s Plan to Restart

Speaking of the Bundesliga looking at restarting its season, the folks over at Bavarian Football Works took a look at the DFL’s plans to restart the German season. The biggest obstacle to restarting league play isn’t necessarily what happens on the field itself, but implementing a solid plan for keeping game day staff safe. Whether it be team officials, people who work in the stadiums, or broadcast crews, there’s a wide array of work that needs to be done to make sure everyone is kept safe. Bayer Leverkusen is the only club in the Bundesliga with a “pandemic officer” — a position that, oddly enough, was created four years ago, so the team believes it is well prepared to resume play whenever it gets the all clear.

Vermes’ Ideas for Youth Development

After the United States Soccer Federation closed the Development Academy league several weeks ago, ideas have been flying thick and fast about what youth soccer in the U.S. should look like going forward. Major League Soccer created its own academy league for teams to play in and Peter Vermes shared some of his ideas for helping the system operate at its maximum potential. Vermes feels that academies should be split into tiers based on age, with different age groups focusing on different skills and tactical ideas. The clubs would compete at the regional, national, and international level, and every MLS team would have a second team to help make the transition between the youth and professional game easier.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City won its Week 9 simulated match-up against Atlanta United in FIFA 20.
• Pride fans can win a pair of signed Ashlyn Harris gloves.

• City fans have the opportunity to sign a one day contract.

• FIFA has given its support to a proposed rule change allowing teams to use five substitutes during a game once soccer resumes in order to help avoid overworking players.
• Bad news for soccer in Argentina.

• The NISA has cancelled its spring season.

That’ll be all for me today, y’all stay safe out there.