Lion Links: 7/15/20

Good morning, Mane Landers! I hope the day finds everyone well. The morning is always so much nicer after an Orlando City win. Let’s jump to the links.

Orlando City Drops NYCFC in MLS is Back

The Lions defeated NYCFC 3-1 in a very testy contest. Chris Mueller scored twice in the first 10 minutes to put Orlando up, and a huge performance from Pedro Gallese helped the Lions keep the lead.

• Michael Citro has the full match recap.
• The view from the other side comes from Hudson River Blue.
• With Philadelphia’s win over Miami in the late game, Orlando City is through to the MLS is Back knockout stages.

And check back later today for Scott Carnevale’s five takeaways from the match and Guilherme Torres’ player grades and Man of the Match.

Orlando City Inspired by BPC

Before the first match of the MLS is Back Tournament, the Black Players for Change coalition, along with all other players on the field, took a knee for eight minutes and 46 seconds. It was wildly emotional but has continued to inspire the Lions. Players spoke about their feelings and what’s been going on with the team and the movement.

“I think it’s ownership of all of us to keep each other accountable and know that this is not a monthly fight, a weekly fight,” Kamal Miller said. “It’s for life. It’s gonna take a very, very, very long time to see real change. We all have to be prepared for that and understand that it’s not gonna happen overnight.”

Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger Featured on Allure Cover

The pair are featured on the cover of Allure magazine, where they discussed their passion for moving the women's game forward and difficult discussions about having children.

“We talk about having kids a lot,” Harris told Allure. “The unfortunate part is someone’s going to have to give in their career, which is not fair. Because we both love our jobs and have waited our whole lives for these moments. Just taking a year off … where does that fit in? I can’t even take a weekend off.”

Memphis 901 FC New Signings Include UCF Alum Jennings

Sporting Director Tim Howard and Head Coach Tim Mulqueen announced that Memphis 901 FC has signed two new players, Rece Buckmaster and UCF alum, Cal Jennings. The former Knights forward was selected by FC Dallas in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft but never signed with the club.

“Cal is a proven goal scorer,” Mulqueen said. “He’s quick and nippy, so he gives us something different than we have upfront with our other strikers.  Rece has incredible instincts in his defending and can play either full-back position,” Mulqueen continued. “He has great character and comes from winning programs both in college and professionally.” 

Free Kicks

• Ali Riley seems a bit excited to be playing soccer again.

• The NWSL Challenge Cup knockout stage is set.

• But is that good though? I need to know.

That’ll do it for me today, everyone. Have a great day and as always stay safe!