Lion Links: 5/2/20

Hello, Mane Landers. It’s hard to believe that May is here and we’re almost halfway through 2020. With Florida slowly reopening certain businesses this Monday, hopefully we can all begin returning to some form of normalcy in our daily lives. So how was your week so far? I’ve been enjoying ESPN’s The Last Dance, playing video games, and working on some German with Duolingo. Let me know in the comments below, but let’s move on to the links.

MLS Permits Player Workouts

Major League Soccer announced that players will be permitted to conduct individual workouts on outdoor training fields starting May 6. Workouts must be conducted in compliance with detailed health and safety protocols and consultation from medical and infectious disease experts. The league has said this is on a voluntary basis and cannot conflict with local public health or government policies. The league’s training moratorium is still in effect until May 15.

Orlando City Classic Preview

Orlando City is holding another virtual game day for tonight’s Orlando City Classic match at 7:30 p.m. You can catch the club’s 2017 season opener against New York City FC, the Lions’ first game at their soccer-specific venue now known as Exploria Stadium. With a filled stadium cheering them on, the Lions won 1-0 in the first of five straight home victories to start the season. Miguel Gallardo and company dissected some of the most memorable moments from the match.

This game will also give fans a chance to support Central Florida businesses, bars, and restaurants. Participating restaurants are taking donations and you can also help by purchasing food for takeout or delivery. If you don’t see your favorite local spot on the list, reach out to them and let them know to register.

Ali Krieger Admits Struggles With Quarantine

In an Instagram Live session, Orlando Pride and United States Women’s National Team defender Ali Krieger revealed that she hit a wall while working out with wife and teammate Ashlyn Harris and had a hard time finishing the workout. The quarantine is taking its toll on many across the world and Krieger is no exception. Although the Pride are staying connected through Zoom meetings, the lack of interaction makes things difficult.

“We need to lean in on each other and it’s really difficult in this time to not have those people in your life,” Krieger said. “Even being in a team, we’re always going to training and interacting with other people. It’s been hard.”

Harris has been a big help with Krieger’s coping and the goalkeeper should have her cast removed in a few weeks as well. Together, they push each other and make sure to end each day by going over their highs and lows to help ground themselves.

Judge Dismisses USWNT Equal Pay Claims

In a summary judgment in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, a federal judge rejected the USWNT players’ claims that they were paid less than the men’s national team. It is a major blow to the team’s fight for equality, although spokesperson Molly Levinson stated they feel confident in their case and will appeal the decision. The claims regarding the unequal working and travel conditions can still go to trial on June 16.

English Premier League’s Next Steps

The English Premier League released a statement on its plans to finish the 2019-2020 season.

“The league and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers”.

Clubs will vote on the league’s restart plan on May 8. The tentative plan is to start the season on June 8 and for clubs to play at neutral site venues in order to finish the season. Details of the plan are still being worked on, but clubs will have to play in empty stadiums regardless of the voting. Players will be tested twice a week for the coronavirus and training is set to resume on May 18. With the Bundesliga and Serie A seasons on delay, I’m interested to see if the Premier League will be able to complete the season considering other European leagues like the Eredivisie, Ligue 1, and Ligue 2 have cancelled their league seasons.

Free Kicks

• João Moutinho will have a Q&A on Instagram today so make sure to check it out if you can.

• Orlando Pride’s Marisa Viggiano revealed her greatest hits this week. You can check her playlist out on Spotify as well.

• Former Orlando Pride midfielder Maddy Evans shared her thoughts on her last game as a player at Exploria Stadium.

• MLS had conversations about playing at neutral venues, including right here in Orlando, and possibly holding a tournament when the season resumes.

• While the Bundesliga tries to return, three FC Cologne players tested positive for the coronavirus during training.
• Gareth Bale is reportedly interested in moving to MLS in his future if he decides to leave Real Madrid.
• Toronto FC and Marky Delgado agreed to a new, long-term contract.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Take care of yourselves, stay safe, and I’ll see you next time. Enjoy your Saturday.