Lion Links: 9/24/20

Happy Thursday, Lionesses and Lions. As ever, I hope you overcame your hump day with ease. Orlando City set a record, extending its unbeaten streak to seven games, the last of which came in a 2-1 win away from home to Sporting Kansas City last night, so it’s fair to say yesterday was better than most middle of the week days.

Along with the Orlando CIty win also came a lot of news as well, so on that note, let’s get right into the links.

Orlando City Commit Smash and Grab Win Against Sporting KC

Orlando City set a club record by extending the team’s unbeaten run to seven matches (5-0-2), with last night’s 2-1 win against Sporting Kansas City. The two first-half goals from Tesho Akindele and Benji Michel were enough to see the Lions to the crucial and really hard fought three points.

The second half was not particularly pretty, however, the result is what matters most at the end of the day. Despite Sporting Kansas City managing 16 shots, which was twice the number that Orlando City registered, Oscar Pareja’s men weathered the storm and showed impressive resilience against the second-ranked side in the Western Conference.

• Our Michael Citro has your match recap.
• The view from the other side comes from The Blue Testament.

And check back later today for Scott Carnevale’s five takeaways from the match and Sean Rollins’ player grades.

Marc Skinner to Stay with Orlando Pride Through 2021

The Orlando Pride have exercised the option to extend the contract of Head Coach Marc Skinner. Many are left unsurprised by the decision to extend Skinner’s deal, given how unprecedented 2020 as a whole has been. Orlando Pride EVP Amanda Duffy said she is pleased to have the coach at the helm going into the future.

“We’re currently in the process of establishing a high performing Pride organization that delivers results both on and off the field, and we’re pleased to have Marc and his staff continue leading this team,”

Matheus Aias to Undergo Additional Medical Testing

There is no confirmation as of yet for when new Orlando City signing Matheus Aias will get his chance with the Lions for the first time. Adding to the uncertainty, the 23-year-old Brazilian transferred in from Watford is set to undergo more medical tests, according to a statement released by the club on Wednesday. This, of course, will lead to a delaying of Aias’ debut with the club, so be patient. Supporters are all eager to see the forward play, but it appears as if that may not be for a while longer.

Brenden Aaronson Appears to be RB Salzburg Bound

The Philadelphia Union and RB Salzburg have reportedly reached a verbal agreement for Brenden Aaronson. The 19-year-old MLS wonderkid who is often times referred to as “the American Kai Havertz,” has apparently attracted an abundance of interest from Europe and a switch to RB Salzburg appears imminent. All that is left for the midfielder is to work out a few small details and then the transfer will become official. Aaronson will complete the season with the Union prior to moving to the Austrian club where Erling Haaland attracted so much attention. All in all, the transfer appears to be a smart move for Aaronson and is a great place for him to make a name for himself.

Free Kicks

• Ashlyn Harris was awarded the NWSL Save of the Week for this beauty against the North Carolina Courage. Brick. Wall.

• Cash Mueller as MLS MVP? It probably won’t happen but, at least for some, he’s in the conversation.
• Ryan Reynolds is interested in joining the growing number of A-List celebrities in soccer. Deadpool and Rob McElhenney from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia have made a surprise bid to become investors in fifth-tier Welsh club Wrexham according to Forbes.
• The 53-year-old Miura has become the oldest player in the J-League with a Yokohama FC. The very, very well-seasoned veteran actually was awarded a start and played what I’m sure was a completely unplanned 53 minutes. Still, the principle of it is pretty awesome.

That’ll do, pig. That is all for this Thursday’s set of links. Until next time, I’ll catch you on the flip side.