Lion Links: 5/15/20

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope you all have been well as things slowly start to reopen and return to a sense of normalcy across the country. It will still be a while before things feel anything close to how they did before, but we’ll get there. But for now, let’s enjoy some links from around the soccer world.

Still No Group Training in MLS

First, the bad news: Major League Soccer has extended the small groups and team training moratorium through June 1. Players may continue training individually outdoors on a voluntary basis at their team facilities, provided those locations are not subject to stay-at-home orders. The moratorium, which has been in place since play was suspended March 12, could push back the rumored MLS-to-Orlando plan.

Orlando City Puts Prize Money to Good Use

Flush with the $30,000 that Nani, Chris Mueller, and Sebas Mendez won from the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge last year, the Orlando City Foundation put those funds toward opening a mini pitch at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Osceola. Nani, Mueller, and Mendez all participated in the event during the 2019 MLS All-Star Weekend hosted in Orlando and won at the last second when Nani fired a long shot off the crossbar with the last kick. Now, those funds are going right back into the community and the trio got to see the results of their win firsthand.

Also, Orlando City’s eMLS representative deserves a shout out. While he has struggled lately, his eMLS All-Star Challenge victory secured an additional $5,000 donation to the Orlando City Foundation, which went towards building this mini pitch.

Orlando City Classic Preview

Tomorrow, you can catch Orlando City’s 5-2 road win against the New York Red Bulls in the team’s inaugural season in 2015. Cyle Larin had a hat trick, Kaká assisted on three goals, and Carlos Rivas had an impact as well in the team’s big win. Miguel Gallardo, Jenny Chiu, and Evan Weston get you all set to relive the game tomorrow night and celebrate an exciting Lions win.

Lions Enjoying Training

More MLS clubs are starting training and Orlando City players continue their voluntary individual workouts. Sporting a mask while discussing how training is going, midfielder Uri Rosell is glad to be back with the team even though they can’t train together.

You can also check out some of the photos from training as the Lions continue to get ready for the season’s return.

Preparing for Bundesliga’s Return

The Bundesliga will return tomorrow and here is everything you need to know as the league starts back up after a two-month delay due to the coronavirus pandemic. The title race is still up for grabs, with Bayern Munich holding a narrow lead over Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig. Plenty of United States Men’s National Team players will be back in action as well, including Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Josh Sargent.

Free Kicks

• Make sure to see Orlando Pride defender Ali Krieger on Instagram Live tomorrow.

• You can also get your hands on a Pride branded mask.

• Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson weighed in on his matches against Orlando City. Orlando’s rivalry with Atlanta United has certainly been one-sided up to this point, but things are certainly heating up in the region with plenty of new teams in the mix.
• Philadelphia Union forward Kacper Przybylko tested positive for the coronavirus and talked about the experience.

• Eyebrows are raised after a referee admitted he made a mistake in the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in 2016.

That’s all for today, Mane Landers. I hope you all have a great Friday and an even greater rest of your weekend.