Lion Links: 5/16/20

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope you all had a great week taking advantage of the Florida sunshine. I’m slowly going out more, even if just for exercise, but it feels good to get out of the apartment. How is everyone holding up so far? I’ve been busy with school projects, beating Final Fantasy VII Remake, and getting a much needed haircut. I’m pumped up for this weekend with more options in sports to watch like German soccer, UFC, and golf. Now. on to the links.

Erin McLeod‘s First Training Session Goes Well

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Erin McLeod completed her first training session early this week. McLeod mentioned that she couldn’t sleep the night before and felt excited to be with the Pride. She also praised the Pride’s training facility and discussed her experience training at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

“You know, it’s been a trying time for everyone, but I’ve been impressed by the organization,” she said. “We have weekly updated meetings and it’s really nice to be in the know in a situation that’s constantly changing. I’m proud to be here and it was really nice to put the boots on today.”

After her spell in Sweden with FC Rosengard and with her experience for the Canadian Women’s National Team, McLeod will be a valuable backup behind Ashlyn Harris. McLeod could be around for another season as well considering the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were pushed back another year.

USL, NWSL Extend League Training Moratorium Updates

The United Soccer League announced that the USL Championship and USL League One full side training moratoriums have been extended. Clubs in both leagues will still be allowed to hold individual workouts for players in small group settings. The full side training moratorium will now coincide with an adaption of a return-to-play model. The league hopes a decision to return to play can be made in the coming weeks but all options, like a regional competition or other league structures, are on the table for both leagues. Another league extending its training moratorium is the National Women’s Soccer League until May 24. All NWSL players may continue to use outdoor team training fields for voluntary workouts.

MLS and U.S. Youth Soccer Announce Partnership

Major League Soccer and U.S. Youth Soccer announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership aimed at supporting and engaging individual soccer players in the community. We’ve seen news in recent weeks about the transformation in the youth soccer landscape with the announced elite youth development league featuring 95 top academy clubs in North America earlier this week. This partnership will clear the way for boys and girls to be scouted regardless of location or financial resources. MLS will pay all expenses for players attending and participating in the regional competitions on select age groups.

What to Watch This Weekend

South Korea‘s K-League earned soccer viewers’ attention last week. But this week, all eyes will turn to Germany with the return of the Bundesliga, the first of the five major European leagues to return to the pitch. We’ll see two Americans go against each other at 9:30 a.m. with Giovanni Reyna for Borussia Dortmund and Weston McKennie for Schalke 04 squaring off. In another match going on at the same time, you can watch United States Men’s National Team midfielder/defender Tyler Adam’s RB Leipzig take on Freiburg. Tomorrow’s big game in the Bundesliga will be Union Berlin taking on FC Bayern Munich.

You can also catch the eMLS Tournament Special’s conclusion this Sunday, as well as more streamed content today and tomorrow.

Free Kicks

• Here is Miguel Gallardo’s review on Chris Mueller.

• Orlando Pride’s Erin Greening released her playlist this weekend for you to check out on Spotify.

• In English Football’s fourth tier, League Two voted to end its current season. The top three teams will be promoted to League One and no teams will be relegated. League One could not come to an agreement and will meet again on Monday for another vote.
• FIFA will announce the host for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup next month. The candidates are a combined bid by Australia and New Zealand, along with individual bids from Japan, Colombia, and Brazil.
• The lawsuit between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the U.S. Soccer Foundation is over as both parties agreed to a settlement.
• American defender Sergino Dest won Talent of the Year with Ajax in his debut season.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Saturday and I’ll see you next time.