Lion Links: 11/2/20

Good morning, Mane Landers and happy Monday! Before you groan that it is the beginning of the work week, just remember that Orlando City won and got a shutout. It’s a big week coming up. Election Day is tomorrow, Orlando City plays its final two games, and the NWSL Expansion Draft process starts on Thursday when the protected/unprotected player lists will be made public. Now, it’s time for some links.

Orlando City Wins in a Shutout

The Lions went on the road without Nani or Chris Mueller to beat the Montreal Impact 1-0. Daryl Dike scored his third goal in three consecutive games, but Mauricio Pereyra’s return will make the headlines. It was his superb through ball that allowed Dike to score the match’s only goal. With the win, Orlando remains in the top four teams of the Eastern Conference with two matches left to go.

• Michael Citro has your match recap.
• Check back later today for Sean Rollins’ player grades and Man of the Match, as well as Joshua Taylor’s five takeaways from the road win.

Lions Nearing Full Strength

In yesterday’s win, Pereyra started in his first game since Oct. 3 after returning from injury. Both he and Uri Rosell are now available to give Orlando some needed reinforcements, although the latter did not make the trip to take on Montreal. Both will be important for the team during the postseason, particularly if Sebas Mendez is called up again by Ecuador. But there is still uncertainty regarding left back João Moutinho, who remains out with a groin injury and is unlikely to join the Lions in the final games of the regular season.

MLS Eastern Conference Results

Orlando had the chance to clinch home-field advantage for its first MLS playoff game, but New York City FC downed the Red Bulls 5-2 to delay that. The Red Bulls went up 2-1 in the first half, but NYCFC scored four unanswered goals to seal the win.

Atlanta United is somehow still alive in the playoff hunt after beating FC Cincinnati 2-0 and eliminating Cincinnati from playoff contention. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Union can’t celebrate the Supporters’ Shield yet after the Columbus Crew won 2-1. Krisztian Nemeth scored the game-winner in the 84th minute.

The two other Eastern Conference games came right up to the end. Teal Bunbury gave the New England Revolution the win over D.C. United with a brace, including an 84th-minute game-winner. Toronto also scored its winning goal in the 84th minute, albeit from the spot. Inter Miami’s Ben Sweat committed the foul and Alejandro Pozuelo converted the penalty to give Toronto the 2-1 win.

Americans Abroad

Sam Mewis scored for Manchester City as City downed Everton 3-1 in the FA Cup. Fellow United States Women’s National Team teammate Rose Lavelle was also in the starting XI for Manchester City.

In Italy, United States Men’s National Team midfielder Weston McKennie bagged his first assist for Juventus in a 4-1 win over Spezia as Ronaldo scored twice in his return after his COVID-19 diagnosis.

John Brooks started and played the full 90 in Wolfburg’s 1-1 draw against Hertha Berlin. Meanwhile, center back Matt Miazga did well in Anderlecht’s 1-0 victory against Antwerp.

Free Kicks

• In case you missed it, check out Nani and his son’s Halloween costumes.

• Rest in peace to the great Sean Connery, who passed away this weekend. Could you imagine if he chose to play soccer, instead of acting? Sir Matt Busby offered the eventual James Bond actor a contract, but Connery declined it.
• Designated Player Sam Johnson had his contract terminated with Real Salt Lake.
• Zlatan is pretty decent at this soccer thing. The Swede scored a game-winning bicycle kick in the 83rd minute to keep AC Milan on top of Serie A.
• Manchester United now has its worst start to a season at home in 48 years. This comes after a 1-0 loss to Arsenal. Paul Pogba fouled Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin in the box and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored from the spot to give the Gunners their first win at Old Trafford since 2006. Pogba took responsibility after the game for the foul.
• FSU women’s soccer finished the regular season undefeated.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Have a great Monday!