Lion Links: 10/26/20

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Well, the unbeaten streak had to end at some point, but let’s not be too down. Any other season and it would have only gone on about half as long. Plus, it would have been followed by a multi-game losing streak. I don’t see that happening as the end of the regular season approaches.

Lions Receive a Wake-Up Call

Orlando City’s loss to Inter Miami snapped a 12-game unbeaten streak stretching all the way back to August. It also comes as a wake-up call to a club that has already clinched a playoff spot, but hasn’t been as sharp as of late. Of course, there has been a lot of attrition due to injuries, but Óscar Pareja doesn’t like to use that as an excuse. With the return of some players, and the additions of others, Pareja is looking for the Lions to get back to being the protagonists of each match. The timing couldn’t be better as the club gears up for the playoffs.

Americans Abroad

Aron Johannsson has now scored 10 goals in 19 matches with Hammarby IF in the Swedish top-flight Allsvenskan. The American striker hasn’t played for the the United States Men’s National team since 2015 and has been plagued by injury until recently. Johannsson has expressed interest in returning to the U.S. to play in MLS at some point. Meanwhile, USMNT center back John Brooks went the full 90 minutes in VfL Wolfsburg’s win and those two weren’t the only players plying their trade abroad.

Thorns Eager to Get Dunn Into Attack

Following the three-team trade on Thursday, Crystal Dunn finds herself headed to the Portland Thorns. Dunn is hoping to be a bigger part of the offense with her new club. While Dunn has been a defender for the USWNT, she is very versatile, and head coach Mark Parsons is on the same page to get her into the attack. The move also reunites her with fellow United States Women’s National Team defender Becky Sauerbrunn. Of course, Dunn might want to be more careful given recent events. Things are getting pretty crazy in the USWNT training camp these days. Let’s just say Sauerbrunn is not one to be trifled with.

Carlos Vela Returns as LAFC Wins El Trafico

When the LA Galaxy and LAFC meet it’s usually pretty interesting, and the latest version was no different. Despite the Galaxy going down to 10 men in the 25th minute when Giancarlo González took down Diego Rossi from behind just inside the area, LAFC didn’t score a goal until Danny Musovski chipped the keeper in the 58th minute. Carlos Vela commemorated his return to action by putting the cherry on top in stoppage time to give LAFC the 2-0 victory.

Free Kicks

• Former Brazil striker Ronaldinho tested positive for COVID-19. Fortunately, he’s asymptomatic and is self-isolating.
• Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is looking for a move to MLS after leaving West Ham United. At only 28, Wilshere could be a good asset for the right MLS club.
• The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) is ending its legal battle with FIFA.
• Not surprisingly, there’s no one from Orlando to vote for in this week’s MLS Goal of the Week, but given how many people are voting early right now, you might as well get some practice in.

That’s going to do it for today. Keep checking back, as the Lions play Atlanta United this Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and The Mane Land will have you covered.