Lion Links: 6/10/20

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

Orlando Pride Reveal White Plume Kit

The Orlando Pride revealed their 2020-21 away kit yesterday. The White Plume Kit was inspired by the swans of Lake Eola. The clean jersey has a subtle feather pattern across the shoulders and sleeves. The kit also features a single black feather at the Jock Tag as a reminder of the energy and passion of the Black Swans and other Pride fans.

Major League Soccer Prepares for Return

It’s been about a week since the players and league reached an agreement to return to play in Orlando. Reports say the plan is that teams would play three games in a “World Cup-style” group stage, and those three games would count toward the regular-season standings. After the group stage, teams would move on to a 16-team knockout tournament with prizes that could include cash, the glory of winning, and a spot in the Concacaf Champions League for the winners. No team is expected to be in Orlando more than six weeks.

MLS to Support Peaceful Protest

The MLS has also released a statement reiterating its stance in support of players and staff exercising their right to peacefully protest during league play.

“While fostering an environment of diversity, equality and inclusion, Major League Soccer stands by the ideals of freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest that are the hallmarks of the United States and Canada. If players or staff decide to stand, kneel or otherwise exercise their right to peaceful protest during the playing of the National Anthems before league games, we support them,” the statement read.

Antonio Carlos Discusses Adapting to MLS

During an interview with Vavel, Orlando City’s Antonio Carlos talked about what it’s like to adapt to American soccer.

“So have a little difference for Brazilian soccer that’s more touch on the ball. Sometimes it’s a game with a lot of transition and, in addition, a game with a lot of strength. The strikers are very strong. The wingers and the sides try to reach the bottom line so that, with the strength of the center forward, he can surprise the defenders. I think that, in my opinion, the main feature here in the United States is the strength.”

As far as working with the team and Head Coach Óscar Pareja, Carlos shared that he felt welcome right away and likes that Pareja takes the time to talk to him. While he’s working to learn English to reduce the language barrier with his teammates, he says his relationship with the team is very good.

Free Kicks

• The Lions are excited and working hard.

• Dom Dwyer spoke on some of the details of his failed move to Olympiakos in 2016.
• USL Championship and League One have lifted some of the restrictions on training protocols, moving a step closer to returning to league play.
• England’s League One and League Two ended their seasons early with an “overwhelming majority” vote.
• Brazil has withdrawn its bid to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup, citing the financial impact of the coronavirus.
• French courts blocked Ligue 1 teams from being relegated.

That’s all for today. Have a great Wednesday.