Lion Links: 8/20/20

Happy Thursday, Lionesses and Lions! As always, I sincerely hope you overcame your hump day with ease. There are now just two days until Orlando makes its return to action against Inter Miami. The congested fixture list is sure to be tricky, like Michael Citro recently wrote about in yesterday’s feature; however, there will certainly be no shortage of entertainment for supporters. On that note, let’s get into the links.

Mauricio Pereyra Goes Full NSYNC…Again!

Mauricio Pereyra has dyed his follicles blonde once again. Like last season, the Uruguayan will be donning a shiny new hairdo when gracing the pitch. The 30-year-old is a risk taker on and off the pitch, let’s hope the bold hair coloring adds even more creativity into his game. Move over, Josef Martinez, Pereyra is the best blonde South American in the league again!

Orlando City Announces Allowance of Partially Filled Stadium

In case you missed it, Orlando City will allow 20-25% capacity at Exploria Stadium upon the home return of the Lions. Orlando will expect any match-going supporter to abide by social distancing regulations, even in The Wall. High traffic areas will be disinfected regularly to ensure the safety of fans in attendance. More info in regards to the home fixtures can be found here.

Alex Leitao Continues to Torture Supporters with Transfer Teasing Tweets

Alex Leitao has continued with the hilarious transfer teasing tweets. When asked by an Orlando supporter about any incoming transfers, he said he would ask for some intel from Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira. Leitao then made a follow-up tweet stating that we all need to have a little fun in this dark time.

Preliminary Groups for Concacaf World Cup Qualifying Announced

The 2022 World Cup qualifying draw for Concacaf has been made. The likes of Mexico, the United States, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Honduras sit in the final round already, and whichever team tops each group in A-F will square up against one another. Once the top eight teams are in the final round, the three highest-ranked Concacaf sides will directly qualify for the World Cup.

Sacramento Republic FC Looks to Add 12th NWSL Side

According to The Athletic, Sacramento Republic FC looks set to become the 12th side to join the Orlando Pride in the NWSL. The team plans to start in 2021.

The report from Meg Linehan and Paul Tenorio at The Athletic indicated the team could begin play either in 2021 or 2022, but ICS understands the final timeline is not yet set on that front.

With Angel City already set to join, this could add a feisty new natural rivalry to the league.

Free Kicks

• Minnesota United goalkeeper Tyler Miller has undergone hip surgery and will miss the rest of the 2020 season. Despite Miller’s misfortune, his injury may open the door for former Orlando City goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh.
• Bayern Munich brushed past Lyon by a margin of 3-0. Serge Gnabry managed a brace, while Robert Lewandowski bagged a late goal of his own. The Bavarians will face Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
• The LA Galaxy have officially signed Yony Gonzalez on loan from Benfica. Many supporters on social media appear frustrated that another attacking player has been signed rather than defensive reinforcements.

• The Lions are ready for the upcoming match against Inter Miami. The expansion side has not yet won a game in MLS, let’s make sure that does not change.

That’ll do, pig. That is all for today’s links. All eyes on two days from now and of course, Leitao’s Twitter feed, as well. I’ll catch you on the flip side.