Lion Links: 5/20/20

Good morning, Mane Landers. I hope this Wednesday finds you and your families well. Let’s go ahead and jump to the links.

Treats from Tuesday

The Orlando City Foundation continued its series for youth players to learn some tips and tricks while stuck at home. Alex De John and Miguel Gallardo shared a skill for beginners and differentiated by showing how to apply that skill to a more difficult task.

The guys continue to work on their fitness through individual training.

Major League Soccer Updates on Marquee Events

The league presented an update on the status of marquee events as the work to return to competitive play continues. The 2020 MLS All-Star Game has been cancelled. The league hopes to move forward keeping the MLS vs. Liga MX match-up hosted in Los Angeles in 2021. The second edition of the Leagues Cup has been cancelled. Both leagues have decided to resume the competition in 2021. The Campeones Cup has, believe it or not, also been cancelled, but it is slated to return in 2021.

The NWSL Could be Headed to Salt Lake City

Early reports suggest that the NWSL could be headed to Salt Lake City for a one-month tournament this summer under a controlled environment. Players and staff would utilize the RSL Academy dorms, training center, and area hotels. Nothing official has been released as the league continues to discuss each phase with the medical task force.

MLS Players’ Union Sends Counter-proposal to MLS

The MLS Players’ Union has sent in a counter-propsal to the MLS regarding 2020 season salaries for players.

“Conversations between the MLSPA and the league about concessions have been challenging, but constructive. Despite the fact that CBA negotiations were just concluded and we anticipated a deal for the next five seasons, to share in the sacrifice caused by the coronavirus crisis, MLS players have stepped up to offer a package that would bring over $100M in economic relief to the league and its owners,” said MLSPA director Bob Foose.

Free Kicks

• Nani shared what it was like to live with Cristiano Ronaldo.

• The Bundesliga gave us the first glimpse of live soccer in months with several young Americans back on the pitch.
• The Premier League confirmed that COVID-19 testing over the weekend saw six positive results across three clubs out of the 748 total players and staff members tested.
• The Premier League will support a trophy ceremony for Liverpool if they are crowned champions.
• What are the league’s rules on signing cats? Asking for a friend.

That will do it for me today, everyone. Hope you have a great day and stay safe!