Lion Links: 5/27/20

Good morning, Mane Landers! I hope the day finds you all well. Let’s go ahead and jump right into the links.

Week 13 Simulated

Another week without Major League Soccer in action means another week of simulated play. Week 13 has Orlando City clinging to second in the Eastern Conference standings despite a 3-2 loss to the Columbus Crew. The winning goal you ask? A scissor kick in the 73rd minute from Gyasi Zardes.

OCSC Looking Back

The club took a moment to remind us what happened this week in OCSC history.

On May 30, 2015, Pedro Ribeiro scored in the 89th minute against the Columbus Crew to secure a point for the Lions. May 29, 2016, was the comeback from a 2-0 deficit against New York City FC, with Julio Baptista scoring in the 72nd and Kevin Molino’s equalizer as the last play of the match. Head to the link for more notable moments from the week.

LAFC Seeks Naming-Rights Partner

LAFC announced yesterday that it will be seeking a new partner for naming-rights for the stadium after restructuring its partnership with Banc of California.

“We are extremely proud of our relationship with Banc of California and all that we have built and accomplished together,” LAFC co-owner and president Tom Penn said. “We thank them for being our founding naming rights partner, helping us create something special and making Banc of California Stadium one of the best sports and entertainment experiences in Los Angeles. We are excited to continue working with Banc of California on our joint community initiatives, while also pursuing a new naming rights partner for the stadium.”

ProSoccerUSA.com Suspends Operations

Soccer is returning in phases around the world, but the economic impact of COVID-19 continues to shut down institutions large and small. ProSoccerUSA.com, a large source for MLS and NWSL news, announced that it would stop operations for the remainder of 2020.

“Unfortunately, the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic that caused soccer leagues around the globe, including Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League, to shut down for months is now forcing Pro Soccer USA to take a step back for the remainder of 2020,” the outlet shared.

Free Kicks

• An Orlando Pride jersey release for 2020 is coming soon.

• Scottish club Partick Thistle FC unveiled its limited edition, “Thank You NHS Scotland” jersey designed by the club’s new retailer.
• Appalachian State University is eliminating three sports due to the financial impact of COVID-19, including its men’s soccer program.

That’ll do it for me today, everyone. Stay safe and if you have children for whom you will be dropping off or picking up materials this week, don’t forget to return their school library books!