Lion Links: 8/29/20

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope everyone is doing OK this weekend as we get set for another Orlando City game day. With the win over Nashville SC earlier in the week, the Lions look to build on that momentum as they take on Atlanta United this afternoon and try to get their first win against the Georgia side. Let’s also wish a happy birthday to Chris Mueller, who turns 24 today!

Orlando City SC Faces Atlanta United Today

The Lions are on the road for their third match in eight days as they take on Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium today at 3:30 p.m. You can watch the game today on Univision. This is the first time Orlando faces Atlanta this season, and the Lions will see a different team compared to past seasons. Darlington Nagbe, Julian Gressel, and Hector Villalba all left the club during the off-season, while Brooks Lennon, Jurgen Damm, and Erick “Cubo” Torres came to Atlanta.

For Orlando, this will be the first time the team has left Florida since March 7 when it played against the Colorado Rapids. While it’s always tough playing on the road in MLS, there is some good news going Orlando’s way. The player who had an inconclusive test result earlier this week now tested negative and is available for selection for today’s game.

Breaking Down Orlando’s Win

Evan Weston and Miguel Gallardo took the time to break down Orlando’s 3-1 win over Nashville SC earlier this week. Mueller opened the scoring and Daryl Dike had a brace, but there were plenty of scoring opportunities for Orlando. Hopefully, that success can be replicated against Atlanta, but it looks like Pity Martinez is on a hot streak as well.

Emily van Egmond Headed to England

Another Orlando Pride player is going out on loan this week. Midfielder Emily van Egmond was loaned to West Ham United FC Women in the FA Women’s Super League. Van Egmond will join West Ham immediately until her loan expires at the end of the year and joins other Pride players finishing the year in Europe.

Since joining the Pride in 2018, the Australian made 25 appearances with two assists. This past off-season, van Egmond won the double with Melbourne City FC in Australia’s W-League. This loan will be van Egmond’s first in England after playing in Australia, Denmark, and Germany.

Orlando City B Draws at Home

A mistake by goalkeeper Austin Aviza put OCB in a hole early on, but the team battled back for a 1-1 draw at home against Tormenta FC. In the 29th minute, Aviza mishandled a pass back and the ball went right past him into the back of the net. In the second half, Tormenta center back Josh Phelps got a second yellow card for a handball in the box and Raul Aguilera converted the penalty. OCB will continue to defend Osceola Heritage Park this Thursday when it hosts North Texas SC.

Reggie Cannon May be on the Move

Reggie Cannon is not available for FC Dallas’ match this weekend against Minnesota United because he is reportedly negotiating a deal to join Boavista FC in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. If the deal is finalized, Cannon will leave his hometown club after four seasons. Cannon not only rose through the ranks to be a starter for the club, but also became a reliable defender for the United States Men’s National Team.

In a match against Nashville SC, where players for both clubs knelt during the national anthem, Cannon was subjected to boos from fans in the stands and online abuse. This incident may have contributed to Cannon’s desire to transfer to Europe. With many Americans abroad, hopefully this will work out well for Cannon and he can use this opportunity as a stepping stone to benefit him and the USMNT.

Free Kicks

• Inter Miami launched the league’s first in-app streaming platform to let fans watch games on their phones.
• ESPN+ acquired the U.S broadcasting rights for the Scottish Premiership for the next five years.
• Another player for the French national team is out as Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar tested positive for the coronavirus.
• Brazilian defender Thiago Silva will join Chelsea FC for the upcoming premier league season.
• OL Reign and United States Women’s National Team star Megan Rapinoe opted out of the NWSL Fall series.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Take care of yourselves, enjoy your weekend, and go Lions!