Lion Links: 6/23/20

Good morning, everyone. It’s been rough without the local teams playing and it looks like one is already done for the year. Despite the unfortunate news about the Pride (more on that below), we still have Orlando City and OCB to look forward to…for now. Let’s look at some of the news of the day.

Pride Withdraw From Challenge Cup

The most important news for Orlando fans is the Pride withdrawing from the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. Six players and four staff members tested positive for COVID-19, reportedly after a visit to a local bar. With so many players having to isolate — likely some roommates in addition to the players who tested positive — the team had to withdraw from the upcoming NWSL Challenge Cup tournament just days before the event.

National writer Caitlin Murray reported that some of the Pride’s younger players made the poor decision to go out. A trip to the bar is what triggered additional COVID-19 testing per Meg Linehan of The Athletic.

Murray said the Pride’s veterans weren’t happy about the situation. That does seem to be the case.

Additionally, a report by Steven Goff of the Washington Post says that there likely won’t be a regular season, so the Pride are likely done for the calendar year.

People Magazine Talks to Dom Dwyer and Sydney Leroux

People magazine has done a piece on Orlando’s power couple, Dom Dwyer and Sydney Leroux. The article discusses how they’ve been dealing with playing professional soccer and raising two young children during the pandemic. This was supposed to be the couple’s return to competing on a high level for the city’s club after Leroux missed most of the 2019 NWSL season due to pregnancy. The Father’s Day piece also talks about the couple’s children, Cassius Crux and Roux James.

Andres Perea Slated for Breakout Tournament

Mlssoccer.com has revealed its list of players who might have a breakout MLS is Back Tournament next month. Newly acquired Orlando City midfielder Andres Perea was named in the piece that listed 10 candidates. 

Carli Lloyd to Miss Challenge Cup

Multiple U.S. Women’s National Team stars have decided not to take part in the NWSL Challenge Cup and Carli Lloyd is one more. However, rather than simply not wanting to play, Lloyd cites a minor knee injury for her exclusion. Lloyd joins a growing list that includes Megan Rapinoe, Christen Press, and — now — all of the Pride’s USWNT players who won’t be appearing in the one-time tournament. It will be a big loss for Sky Blue FC.

Borussia Mönchengladbach Make Record Offer for Canadian International

North American players have been quite successful in Germany the past few years and another appears to be on his way in. Following in the footsteps of Bayern Munich’s Alfonso Davies, 20-year-old Canadian international forward Jonathan David might be headed for Gladbach. Currently playing for Gent in Belgium, Gladbach are reportedly ready to offer €25 million for the young attacker. That’s not far off of the league record of €30 to €35 million that Gent were asking.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City and the Orlando Pride have teamed up with Rasmussen College to provide up to $6,000 for students through the Start Strong Tuition Savings program.
• The Pride are no longer competing in the NWSL Challenge Cup but the rules and regulations have been released for those that will still be following along.
• It’s been revealed that Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade have had five players test positive for the coronavirus following their final league game this weekend.

That’s all I’ve got for this Tuesday. Hope you all have a good and safe rest of your week as we wait for local soccer to return.