Lion Links: 11/4/20

Good morning, Mane Landers! I hope this week is finding you all well. If you’re reading this, you’ve survived election day, so give yourself a round of applause. Let’s go ahead and jump right into the links.

Lions Fifth in MLSSoccer.com’s Power Rankings

The Lions have clawed their way back into the Top 5 in the MLS Power Rankings this week, after having fallen to seventh. with back-to-back wins, and Daryl Dike having scored in three straight games, the team is gaining momentum, especially with injured players making their way back to the 11.

USMNT Roster Named for November Camp

U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Gregg Berhalter has named a 24-player roster in preparation for their second camp of 2020 in Wales.

“We are excited about getting this group back together. I’m proud of the way the players have handled te challenging times – they really stuck together. We have built a solid foundation, and now we get a chance to continue our work together ahead of what is going to be a critical 12 months for our team,” Berhalther stated.

Berhalter has a chance to give several young players their first cap in upcoming friendlies against Wales and a new one against Panama on Nov. 16 that was announced Tuesday. MLS players were left out so as not to prevent anyone from participating in the playoffs.

The average age of the players selected is 21 years, 300 days. Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, and Zack Steffen will be in the squad for the first time since 2019, along with veteran center backs John Brooks, Matt Miazga, and Tim Ream.

On a related note, Pulisic has already returned to training after what they’re calling a “very minor injury.” Initially it was reported he’d miss several weeks. He has been ruled out for Wednesday’s match but could be back in action against Sheffield United on Saturday.

Uri Rosell Shows Off His Skills

Oh man, have I been missing Uri Rosell lately. It was nice to catch a glimpse of the Spaniard having some fun in the carry-on challenge. In the challenge presented by JetBlue, players are tasked with juggling random carry-on items. Uri chose a neck pillow — an item with a high degree of difficulty — and was able to make it to five.

Orlando City Foundation Prepares for Giving Tuesday

The Orlando City Foundation is spending the month of November preparing for Giving Tuesday. For a small annual or monthly fee, supporters can earn exclusive OCSC gear, when donating to the Kicking it Back Club. By becoming a member, you’ll be helping the foundation on their mission to provide free soccer programming, safe places to play, and healthy food opportunities to the youth in our communities that need it most.

Free Kicks

• Portland Timbers forward Jaroslaw Niezgoda will miss the rest of the 2020 season after tearing his ACL.
• Diego Maradona will undergo brain surgery to remove a blood clot, following comments from doctors stating he is “not well psychologically.”
• Ah, the highs and lows of soccer.

That’s going to do it for me today, everyone. Be sure to check back in for all things Orlando City vs. Columbus Crew later today and this evening. Have a great day and stay safe.