Lion Links: 8/26/20

Good morning, Mane Landers. I hope the day finds you all well. It’s game day! But before you start pregaming or heading to the stadium, let’s jump right into the links on this Wednesday!

El Pulpo is a Wanted Man

Well, he’s wanted by other clubs that is. The Mane Land reported yesterday that Orlando City has reportedly was not interested in a bid for Pedro Gallese. Argentine club Independiente reached out via Gallese’s agent to see if Orlando City would be interested in sending the keeper out on loan, but the move makes little sense for the Lions. Losing Gallese could be a huge blow to the system we’re seeing come together under Oscar Pareja. The Lions will continue to see El Pulpo in goal.

NWSL Announces “Fall Series”

The Orlando Pride’s remaining players not currently on loan will finally get to play competitively this season. The NWSL announced its “Fall Series,” yesterday. All nine teams will play two home games and two away games in three “pods.”

“Building on the success of this summer’s Challenge Cup, I am so excited to smartly and safely take this next step on the NWSL’s journey,” said NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird in a league press release. 

The Pride will face North Carolina Courage and the Houston Dash twice each — once home and once away — in the upcoming series.

Saint Louis FC Folding

At the end of the season, USL Championship’s season Saint Louis FC will shut down. With St. Louis City SC not starting MLS play until 2023, the city will be without professional soccer for two years. A team spokesperson said:

“The ownership decided that with the financial impact of COVID-19 and MLS on the horizon, it didn’t make sense to continue operations.”

When asked about the organization in a recent interview, St. Louis City SC majority owner Carolyn Kindle Betz told Sports Illustrated,

“We’ve never had an official formal relation with Saint Louis FC, not to say that we’re not very appreciative of all of their efforts, their supporters group, players, coaches, fans, staff—everything they’ve done for the sport. Any kind of decision has to really be made by Saint Louis FC management and ownership over there.”

Barca Without Messi?

Or is it Messi without Barca? Lionel Messi has told Barcelona he wants to leave the club after almost 20 years with the organization. The 33-year-old is ready to start a new chapter with a new club. His transfer will likely come with a huge price tag, meaning only a handful of clubs would even be able to afford him. Machester City, PSG, and Juventus would all have the resources to make that kind of move.

Free Kicks

• Not making it to the stadium tonight? Join the virtual watch party.

• The Lions have been preparing for tonight’s match at the home office.

• Have you gotten your ticket for the Purple Pop-up Party?

That’s going to do it for me this morning, everyone. Have a great day and be sure to check back in later today for all things OCSC vs. Nashville.