Lion Links: 10/9/20

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope the work week hasn’t been too hard on you as we head into a weekend packed with Orlando soccer. That action starts today, with the Orlando Pride hosting the Houston Dash as part of the NWSL Fall Series. Orlando City and Orlando City B are also playing at home this weekend, so there’s plenty to keep us entertained the next few days. But for now, let’s get to today’s links!

Orlando City Shifting Gears for Sunday

With only seven games left to go this season, the Lions are only a few wins away from securing a spot in the MLS playoffs for the first time. However, Sunday’s home match against the Columbus Crew will be a tough test for the Lions. Both teams have been in the top tier of the Eastern Conference and meet with the Supporters Shield race on their minds. The Crew defense that has been solid for most of the year has been shaky recently, giving up seven goals in three games. Meanwhile, Orlando is banged up, but still getting results after a 0-0 draw Wednesday against Atlanta United. It all sets up for a heavyweight match with both sides having plenty for which to play.

Orlando Pride Take On Dash Today

Over at Osceola Heritage Park, the Pride will continue their Fall Series campaign with a rematch against the Dash at 5 p.m. These two sides met earlier on Sept. 26, when the Pride fell 3-1 on the road. A win would be the Pride’s first of the season, but it will be a tall task against the NWSL Challenge Cup champions.

Regardless, the Pride are playing for a good cause after selecting the Parramore Kidz Zone for the Verizon Community Shield. The team with the most points at the end of the Fall Series will also win a donation to their cause. Even though finishing at the top of the standings isn’t likely, the Pride will hold a raffle for the signed Black Lives Matter warm-up tops they’ve worn during the Fall Series.

Roster Named for USWNT Training Camp

For the United States Women’s National Team’s first training camp in months, Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski named his 27-player roster. The roster only features players from domestic teams, including the Orlando Pride’s Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris. The camp will start on Oct. 18, a day after the Pride’s final Fall Series game against the North Carolina Courage. The camp also won’t feature Carli Lloyd, Mallory Pugh, Adrianna Franch, Julie Ertz, and Megan Rapinoe for different reasons. Still it will be nice for the team to get some time together with the Olympics less than a year away.

Ben Olsen Ousted as D.C. United’s Head Coach

D.C. United announced that Olsen will no longer serve as head coach, with the two sides working together to find a new role for him in the organization. Assistant Coach Chad Ashton will take over in the meantime. Olsen became head coach in 2010 and led the team to a U.S. Open Cup in 2013, but 2020 has been a struggle to say the least for D.C. United as it sits at the bottom of the MLS standings.

Free Kicks

• Here are the sights and sounds from Orlando’s draw with Atlanta earlier this week.

• In CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese allowed two goals in a 2-2 draw with Paraguay. Meanwhile Sebas Mendez didn’t feature for Ecuador in a 1-0 loss to Argentina.
• Once the Fall Series is over, Pride midfielder Kristen Edmonds will take over as girls varsity head coach for Lake Highland Prep, an upgrade from assistant coach in past years.
• No Lions made the MLS Team of the Week, but Brad Guzan did get the nod in goal for his performance stopping the Lions.
• A record 10 Americans were named to club rosters for the Champions League group stage, and all under 26 years of age.

That’s going to do it for me today, Mane Landers. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday. Go Pride!