Lion Links: 9/25/20

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope the week is going well for you as we start to shift gears into a weekend filled with Orlando soccer. Orlando City plays this Sunday while the Orlando Pride and Orlando City are both in action tomorrow. But first, let’s get this Friday started off on the right foot with some links!

Orlando is Still Streaking

With its 2-1 win earlier this week on the road against Sporting Kansas City, Orlando City extended its unbeaten streak to seven games to break its previous MLS record set in 2018. It has been an impressive run of form for the Lions, with five wins and two draws in strong team performances. The Lions are getting it done on both ends of the field with the most goals scored in the Eastern Conference (25) and have yet to allow multiple goals in a match during this seven-game stretch.

“We have very high confidence within the team. In the locker room we feel like we can beat every team in the league and we are ready to do it. We need to keep our momentum going and keep pushing forward and training hard to get even better than we are and that’s what we do every week in and out,” defender Robin Jansson said.

Lions Earn Recognition

Nani was named as a starter for the MLS Team of the Week after his strong outing Wednesday night. Although he didn’t score himself, Nani gave SKC defenders headaches all night long and had an assist on the team’s second goal. Nani was the only Lion to make the Team of the Week after a busy Wednesday night that saw every team in action, but goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was recognized for his big save to maintain the Lions’ lead on the road.

Orlando City B Match Rescheduled

OCB’s match against the Richmond Kickers on Sept. 19 was postponed but is now rescheduled and set for Oct. 7. The change gives the Young Lions a stretch of three games in nine days, but at least the same goes for the Kickers, who will have three games in eight days. At least the postponement gave OCB two weeks of rest before it takes on New England Revolution II tomorrow at home.

Vote for an Orlando City License Plate

Although a specific timetable isn’t available just yet, soon you’ll be able to show off your Orlando City swagger on your commute home with a new Lions-inspired license plate. The club narrowed it down to four potential designs to choose from and fans can vote for which they most want to see on their ride. It’s a tough choice between the first and the third choices for me, but what do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Free Kicks

• Orlando midfielder Joey DeZart killed it in the Carry-On Challenge, juggling what I thought would be a difficult item with ease.

• The Extra Time podcast debated about the top teams in the Eastern Conference, including why Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja’s style is perfect for this shortened season. They also discussed the MVP race, with both Nani and Chris Mueller in the mix.
• While nursing a knee injury that kept her out of NWSL action so far this year, United States Women’s National Team and Sky Blue FC midfielder Carli Lloyd said retirement could follow the 2021 Olympics.
• United States Men’s National Team goalkeeper Zack Steffen made his debut for Manchester City in a 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the English Football League Cup’s third round.
• FIFA suspended the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association after FIFA statutes violations.
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus. However, according to the Swedish forward, he’s not exhibiting any symptoms and it may just be an issue with the testing.

That’s going to do it for me today, Mane Landers. Stay safe and have a great weekend out there.