Lion links: 7/9/20

Happy Thursday, Lionesses and Lions. I sincerely hope you overcame your hump day with ease. Orlando City is officially back and balance to the force has been restored, given the return of soccer. With the return came a nail biting win that saw Orlando City pick up the first three points of the MLS is Back Tournament, putting the Lions at the top of group A for the time being. Before we get started today, let’s wish OCSC Homegrown Player Jordan Bender a happy 19th birthday.

Nani Strikes Late to Help Orlando City Edge Past Inter Miami

Upon the Lions’ return came an ever-typical Orlando City-style win that saw Nani bag the winning goal in the 97th minute. Once again the Cardiac Cats pounced almost as late as possible, defeating Inter Miami by a margin of 2-1. Michael Citro has your match recap.

Check back later today for Scott Carnevale’s player grades and Man of the Match and Dave Rohe’s five takeaways from the game. The win was a perfect introduction for Orlando City upon the return to soccer. Welcome to Orlando, Miami.

Nine Confirmed Positive Tests for Nashville SC

Despite each MLS club being placed in what is commonly referred to as, “the bubble,” Nashville SC has nine confirmed positives tests for COVID-19. Consequently, the Nashville match against the Chicago Fire, which was supposed to take place after Orlando City vs Inter Miami, was postponed. Given the fact that FC Dallas has already pulled out of the competition because too many tests came back positive, the question of whether Nashville will do the same is still to be determined.

Key MLS Figures Voice Support for MLS is Back Tournament

Oscar Pareja, Frank de Boer and Thierry Henry have all voiced their support for the resuming MLS proceedings. The Orlando city manager stated how the tournament is much needed for entire communities, while Atlanta United Head Coach de Boer more cautiously claimed a proper judgement on the competition can be made after it is finished. Arsenal legend and Montreal Impact Manager Henry also voiced his support but also acknowledged all of those impacted by the world wide epidemic.

“The players are the way they are, they have to deal with a situation that is not simple, and everybody has to deal with it,” Henry said Tuesday via video conference. “As we all know and we’re all sad about, people died; some people lost their jobs, some companies will never be there again. But we’re here, we’ve found a way to come to this tournament.”

DeAndre Yedlin’s Time with Newcastle United Winding Down

According to CBS, DeAndre Yedlin’s time with Newcastle United may be coming to an end soon.

Clubs throughout Europe have shown interest in Yedlin, including in Germany. Sources say it’s about a 90 percent chance that Yedlin leaves Newcastle as he no longer appears to be in the plans of manager Steve Bruce. Yedlin is focused on remaining in one of the top five leagues in Europe though Spain and Italy are more complicated due to work permit rules and passport issues. 

The 26-year-old right back has been with Newcastle since 2016 and has managed 105 Premier league appearances. It is still unknown where Yedlin will end up if the departure comes to fruition, but given his talent and potential beyond it, odds are the future is bright for the Seattle-born defender.

Toronto FC II Withdraws from USL League One Season

Wednesday afternoon, Toronto FC II announced it will be withdrawing from the 2020 USL League One season. As one could have predicted, the USL side did so due to the current pandemic and restrictions that were to be implemented. If the Reds were going to be part of the tournament, they would be expected to isolate for 14 days every time they re-entered the United States. Toronto FC II took to Twitter to make the official announcement.

Free Kicks

• Prior to last night’s tournament opener, both teams and members of the Black Players for Change from other MLS sides, gathered for a powerful pre-game moment.
• Orlando City supporters killed it tailgating after the win against Inter Miami. Bizarre season, no going to live games, but still the same equally awesome fans.

• The Floridian rivalry that MLS was and is hoping for between Orlando City and Inter Miami seems to be present. In the match between the two, there was a resounding 29 fouls committed in the game.
• CBS has officially acquired rights to broadcast UEFA Champions League coverage for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 seasons from Turner television. CBS Sports will broadcast the draw this coming Friday,
• And finally, Nani’s late winning goal is even better when set to the music of Titanic.

That’ll do, pig. That is all for the links today. After a really scrappy, yet fantastic win against Inter Miami, Orlando City is in a great position going into the rest of the tournament. Florida is purple and I’ll catch you on the flip side.