Lion Links: 10/7/20

Good morning, Mane Landers! I hope this Orlando City and OCB double match day finds you well. Let’s go ahead and jump to the links.

Orlando City Holds Steady in MLS Power Rankings

The 3-1 win over the New York Red Bulls wasn’t enough to see the Lions climb in the MLS Power Rankings. They’ve managed to stay at the number five spot. In MLSSoccer.com’s takeaways, Steve Zakuani noted that Papi’s style of teamwork was on full display for the third goal when Benji Michel unselfishly added the extra pass so Antonio Carlos could tap it in for a sure and easy goal in the dying minutes of the match.

Lions Have Next-Man-Up Mentality

Orlando City is about to face a stretch of matches without some of its international players and with a bout of injuries.

“It’s normal for sometimes that bug of injuries…comes during some phase,” said Head Coach Oscar Pareja at his weekly press conference on Monday. “It’s [a] part of our game and the competition that we would like to not have, but it’s normal in a very difficult competition and very demanding rhythm, but we’re good. We won’t talk about that as an excuse at all. The players have been working hard and the guys who are coming into the lineup, they’re doing a great job. That’s the way we face it.”

Kyle Smith is one of those players stepping up for the team with what was possibly his best performance last weekend. We’ll likely get to see some more of the young players, and I’m here for it.

Marta’s Getting a Statue

Pelé is about to get some friends in the CBF Museum. Both Marta and Zagallo will have statues made in their image. They both received a team of people to take measurements in preparation for the statues that will be on display in the hall of the Barra da Tijuca headquarters, on the west side of Rio de Janeiro. Due to the current pandemic, there is not yet a timeline for the opening.

OCB’s Aviza Up for Save of the Week & Other USL News

Orlando City B’s Austin Aviza is up for Save of the Week for punching away Jake Keegan’s effort that looked to be headed towards the bottom corner in the Young Lions’ 2-0 loss to Greenville. At the time of this writing, Fort Lauderdale’s Dylan Castanheira has taken the lead in the voting.

In other USL news, Phoenix Rising FC forward Junior Flemmings, has been suspended for the rest of the 2020 USL Championship playoffs and was given an undisclosed fine. The punishment comes after an investigation for the use of foul and abusive language in the form of a homophobic slur during the club’s match against San Diego Loyal SC.

Free Kicks

• Dom Dwyer joined the Lions at the training facility yesterday.

• Ghana’s new kits were revealed.

• It’s not over for Gunnersaurus!

• Following the historic event for women’s soccer in Wales last weekend, people are taking notice that it’s time to get rid of those who think “women have no place in football,” fast.
• Get to know the Pride’s next opponent, the Houston Dash.
• The New York Red Bulls have officially named Gerhard Stuber their next head coach.

That’s going to do it for me today, everyone. Be sure to check back later for all things Orlando City vs. Atlanta United and OCB vs Richmond. Have a great day and stay safe!