Lion Links: 10/10/20

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope everyone had a great week as we enter the weekend. I’ve been much better this week and school has kept me busy. Has anybody played the FIFA 21 video game yet now that it’s out?

We have plenty of news to cover today, so let’s get to the links. But first, let’s wish Orlando Pride and Brazil international defender/midfielder Camila a happy 26th birthday.

Orlando Pride Lose to the Houston Dash

With the game held at Osceola County Stadium, the Pride fell 2-1 to the Dash. It was a tale of two halves for the Pride, who were scored on twice in the first half before Sydney Leroux scored her first goal since 2018 to give the Pride life in the second half. They weren’t able to close the gap though, losing their second straight game to the Dash. Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris was not with the team due to the loss of her grandmother and rookie Brittany Wilson got her first appearance in goal. The Pride have their final match of the Fall Series on Oct. 17 against the North Carolina Courage in Exploria Stadium.

Lions Get Ready for the Crew

Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference will face off tomorrow with the races for the Major League Soccer playoffs and Supporters’ Shield heating up. The Lions will look to keep their 10-game unbeaten run going when the Columbus Crew come to town. With only seven games remaining, Orlando City only needs eight more points within that span to clinch a spot in the MLS playoffs for the first time as we enter the final stretch — or fewer points if other results go the Lions’ way. Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja is treating this match as a statement game.

“It’s not just the three points (at stake), it’s the message we can lay down after facing Columbus,” Pareja told reporters on a virtual press conference Friday. “They’re one of the most consistent teams in the league.”

The Columbus Crew have had key players miss time to injury such as Darlington Nagbe, Eloy Room, and Lucas Zelarayan. The Crew are winless in their last three matches, losing their top spot in the Eastern Conference. If they don’t get a result against Orlando, they could fall down to fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. 

Benji Michel’s Preparation for Success

Orlando forward Benji Michel shared his story on his gratefulness when he was young. The 22-year-old believes there are always areas in which to improve, and he explained how he views himself to be an example for others.

OCB’s Austin Aviza Wins Save of the Week

Orlando City B goalkeeper Austin Aviza won Save of the Week in USL League One. Aviza saved Jake Keegan’s effort destined towards the bottom corner in the Young Lions’ 2-0 loss to the Greenville Triumph. Aviza had another stellar match later in the week against the Richmond Kickers. Despite losing the game 2-1, Aviza made five saves in that match, including a penalty. Speaking of the Young Lions, don’t forget they host the Chattanooga Red Wolves today at 3 p.m. on ESPN+.

Free Kicks

• Evan Weston and Miguel Gallardo previewed tomorrow’s game and its playoff implications.

• D.C. United’s Federico Higuain requested a trade to Inter Miami so that he can play alongside his younger brother, Gonzalo Higuain.
• The Colorado Rapids had another match postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests as today’s game against the LA Galaxy has been pushed.
• We have a postponement in the Women’s Super League as Aston Villa will have players quarantine due to COVID-19 outbreaks within the club.

• Zlatan Ibrahimovic tested negative for the coronavirus and is expected to play in the Milan derby.
• United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Gregg Berhalter is not happy with Turkish club Besiktas. With the Turkish Super League roster rules capped at 14 foreign players, Boyd could sit out until January 2021.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your weekend, take care of yourselves, and I’ll see you next time. And don’t forget to check back for OCB coverage later today.