Lion Links: 10/18/20

Happy Sunday and match day, everyone. Orlando City goes north today to take on the New York Red Bulls at 7 p.m. With so many guys out, it will be interesting to see if Matheus Aias makes the game day lineup.

While we wait for tonight’s match, let’s check in on the news of the day.

Orlando Pride Rally from 3-0 Deficit for Draw

The Orlando Pride capped their abbreviated 2020 season and their involvement in the NWSL Fall Series by rallying from three goals down to draw the North Carolina Courage, 3-3. Ally Haran’s first Pride goal in stoppage time brought Orlando level after Marisa Viggiano and Kristen Edmonds had scored second-half goals. The halftime deficit was nearly a manageable 1-0 but the Courage scored goals in the fifth and sixth minutes of first-half stoppage time to push the lead to a seemingly insurmountable 3-0. Orlando responded in the second half and Haran’s dramatic header off a Marta free kick capped the comeback. And just like that, it’s the Pride’s off-season again. That’ll give Marta some time to get more comfortable with Zoom press conferences.

OCB Shut Out Again

The Young Lions worked the late shift last night out west, with a 10:30 p.m. kickoff against FC Tucson. OCB played a fairly decent game throughout the first half but weren’t sharp enough in the final third. The Young Lions conceded in the third and final minute of first-half stoppage time and ended up losing to FC Tucson, 2-0. The end of the season can’t get here soon enough for the Young Lions, who continue to struggle just to get a shot on target. OCB had 10 attempts at goal and only one required a save. The Young Lions will try again Wednesday at home against Richmond.

Supporters’ Shield Won’t be Awarded in 2020

It kind of figures that the first time Orlando City is within shouting distance of the Supporters’ Shield, the trophy won’t be given out.

The decision was made and officially announced by the Supporters’ Shield Foundation, the group appointed by the Independent Supporters Council to oversee the awarding of the trophy every year. 

The Shield was created by club supporters in the early years of the league and it has recognized the best MLS team in every regular season since 1998 (the 1996 and 1997 teams were later inscribed into the trophy).

The team that finishes with the most points will still get the top seed in the playoffs, the automatic spot in the Concacaf Champions League next year, and the bonus that goes to the club that finishes first overall in the regular season standings.

However, some supporters’ groups seemed to not know anything about the ISC’s decision.

Dest Makes History

USMNT fullback Sergino Dest became the first U.S. player to start for Barcelona in a La Liga match on Saturday. The 19-year-old Dest filled in for the injured Jordi Alba against Getafe. However, it wasn’t exactly a dream start for Dest, as Barcelona actually lost, 1-0. Jaime Mata scored the game’s only goal from the penalty spot.

Free Kicks

• Dom Dwyer is out here helping you with your Halloween costume ideas.

• Charlie Davies talked about his picks for best U.S. players who play domestically, selecting Jordan Morris and Alejandro Bedoya. He also mentioned Chris Mueller but said Cash is “still not in that category of really being in a position to be a top domestic player.”
• USWNT forward Christen Press is proud that she and Tobin Heath have helped Manchester United set club sales records for women’s soccer.
• Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk may miss eight months with an ACL injury after a terrible tackle in the box by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford yesterday. BeIN Sports reported the injury’s seriousness although there hasn’t been an official announcement as of this writing.
• Zlatan scored both goals for his club in AC Milan’s 2-1 win over rival Inter.
• Those born on this date include rock legend Chuck Berry (1926), George C. Scott (1927), sportscaster Keith Jackson (1928), Peter Boyle (1935), Gilligan’s Island actress Dawn Wells (1938), Mike Ditka (1939), late REO Speedwagon guitarist Gary Richrath (1949), Mork & Mindy actress Pam Dawber (1951), TV producer Chuck Lorre (1952), tennis legend Martina Navratilova (1956), boxing’s Thomas Hearns (1958), Happy Days/Joanie Loves Chachi actress Erin Moran (1960), Jean-Claude Van Damme (1960), saxophonist Wynton Marsalis (1961), skier Lindsey Vonn (1984), Zac Efron (1987), and basketball’s Brittany Griner (1990).

That’s it for my time today. Be sure to check back later today for full coverage of Orlando City at the New York Red Bulls.