Lion Links: 10/12/20

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! No, Orlando City did not play yesterday (thanks, COVID-19), but perhaps a break is just what the club needs to get some players back from injury, and to get Matheus Aias through whatever has kept him from joining training. It’s all a little scary, but then again it is October in the year 2020. I’m just saying don’t say Betelgeuse three times, call for Bloody Mary, or open any ancient Egyptian sarcophagi.

Dang. Oh well, we might as well get to the links. 

Lions Set to Sign a New Winger

It’s not a secret that Orlando City has been a little light in attacking depth, despite sitting on 28 goals in 16 matches. As such, Luiz Muzzi and Óscar Pareja are bringing in Ecuadorian winger Alexander Alvarado on loan. Alvarado is only 21 years old, with quite a bit of upside. Since Alvarado is coming in on loan with an option to buy, there’s little risk for Orlando City, and a player that can help on either wing is certainly an asset. 

Orlando Pride Teammates Face Off

Claire Emslie’s Everton defeated Emily van Egmond’s West Ham United 3-1 on Sunday in the Women’s Super League. Emslie provided the cross for Nicoline Sorensen’s goal to put Everton up early.

Van Egmond nearly put the Hammers up in the 60th minute when her header off of Rachel Daly’s corner was mere inches too high over the top corner. Everton’s Lucy Graham came on in the second half and gave the Toffees two goals to seal the victory.

MLS Results

Obviously, we know Orlando’s match was postponed, but it wasn’t the only one, as Minnesota United’s match at FC Dallas was as well. There were matches played elsewhere though, with LAFC getting back to its winning ways, defeating the Seattle Sounders 3-1. Sporting Kansas City beat Nashville 2-1 after Alistair Johnston was sent off. The Portland Timbers and the San Jose Earthquakes played the late match, with the Timbers winning 3-0 after a brace from Jaroslaw Niezgoda and two assists from Diego Chara.

In the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Fire started quickly with C.J. Sapong’s goal in the third minute to defeat D.C. United 2-1. Toronto FC beat FC Cincinnati to stay atop the standings and clinch a playoff spot. The Philadelphia Union defeated the Montreal Impact to stay right behind Toronto in the standings.

English Premier League Bombshell

The owners of Liverpool and Manchester United may shake the EPL to its foundation with a proposal to revamp the league. The result would be 18 teams in the top league with six or so powerhouse clubs having a bigger say than they currently have. Money would be given out to the next couple of lower leagues and the English Football Association. It’s something the two English clubs have been discussing behind the scenes for a while, but it’s now in the open and there are plenty of opinions on all sides of the issue. To be certain, it’s what both clubs want, but their proposal might have enough goodies for everyone else to get on board.

Free Kicks

• Here’s all the UEFA Nations League info you could ever want. Portugal is still at the top of Group C with France after a 0-0 draw between the two. In Group B, England came from behind to defeat Belgium 2-1 and take control of the group. Actually, there is a little more info available, as there were several MLS players in action as well.
• Cristiano Ronaldo announced that the 2022 World Cup will be his last. If Portugal qualifies, which it almost certainly will, Ronaldo will be 37 years old. I understand he’s one of the fittest guys around, but given he’d be 41 for the 2026 World Cup, I don’t think this is much of a surprise.
• Spending in the transfer market typically just goes up each year in the arms race that is top level soccer. Not surprisingly, this year is quite different just like everything else. In fact, Italy’s Serie A dropped its spending level back to its levels in 2016. That is a significant drop.

That will do it for today. Hopefully, Orlando City will be back in action this Wednesday against New York City FC. Check back as we get you ready for that match. Go City!