Lion Links: 5/21/20

Good morning, Mane Landers! I hope everyone is doing well at the moment. Let’s go ahead and jump into the links.

Júnior Urso’s Path to Major League Soccer

One of the newest Lions comes from humble beginnings and never hesitated to do what he had to do to achieve greatness to help his family. From Brazil to China and back, Junior Urso eventually landed in the MLS continuing his growth at each stop.

“In my head, I am always learning,” Urso said. “In China, everything is totally different. I had to adapt to what they were going to give me. I didn’t want to go back to my neighborhood, to my city with my head down and thinking I didn’t make it. Defeat doesn’t exist in my head.”

Alejandro Bedoya Talks MLS in Orlando

Philadelphia Union’s Alejandro Bedoya joined “Banter” to to talk with Taylor Twellman about the possible MLS tournament coming to Orlando. When asked if whether Bedoya thought it was the right thing to do or not, the midfielder responded,

“Am I going to be real candid here or what? I think from my perspective look, I’ll start off with saying every one of us would agree that we want to get back to playing.” He continued, “But I will say, this all feels a little bit rushed I think. We all need to be partners in this, not just ESPN and Disney is just partnering with MLS to help the owners out and show games. The players, we’re taking all the risk by going down there being isolated, you know. I think it’s a strong term to say it’s like being in a luxurious prison.”

More Details for the NWSL

Yesterday, we shared talk of a potential tournament for the NWSL in Salt Lake City, and since then even more details are being reported. An official announcement could be released by the end of the week. New details include the tournament running from June 29 to July 22 with games to be played at Rio Tinto Stadium and Zions Bank Stadium. Testing for COVID-19 would be “regular” but the frequency is unknown, and it is unknown as to whether spectators would be allowed.

More Soccer Returning

We’re not out of the clear yet in this global pandemic, but as some things start to open back up, and as areas begin lifting restrictions we’re seeing glimpses of the former status quo meshed with the new normal. The latest news in the return of soccer comes to us from partner club VfL Women, as match operations will resume in the Women’s Bundesliga and the DFB Cup on May 29.

Free Kicks

• Miguel Gallardo breaks down Orlando City vs Real Salt Lake

• Watford’s Adrian Mariappa has tested positive for coronavirus.
• Tottenham’s Serge Aurier has reportedly broken the lockdown rules for the third time.

That’s going to do it for me today, everyone. Have a great day and stay safe!