Lion Links: 12/21/20

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Well, we’re only four days away from Christmas, and as Michael mentioned yesterday, only two days away from Festivus! That’s right, a Festivus for the rest of us. Are you ready for the Feats of Strength, the Airing of Grievances, and Festivus miracles? I know I am. So get your Festivus pole ready, and for those that need to get one, aluminum is preferred as it has a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Mueller’s Matrimony

Chris Mueller had a personal best year for Orlando City with 10 goals and seven assists. He also made his United States Men’s National Team debut with two goals and an assist. One might think he couldn’t top such a stellar personal year, but last Friday he did just that when he married his sweetheart, Alyssa. Make sure to check out the amazing photos of the happy couple shared by Mueller on Twitter. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Money Badger from all of us here at The Mane Land.

Bob Bradley Weighs In on LAFC Win

LAFC is advancing to the Concacaf Champions League final, and it wasn’t easy to get there. Since then, there’s been talk that Memo Ochoa actually got in Eduard Atuesta’s face and then did a good enough acting job when Atuesta got close, resulting in the red card. In the end, it didn’t matter. Still, LAFC Head Coach Bob Bradley was happy his club kept its cool and was able to come back when down a man. LAFC will face Tigres UANL in Exploria Stadium tomorrow night and a victory would make Concacaf Champions League history.

Americans Face Off in Spain

I am still so pleasantly surprised every time I see one of the many U.S. players doing well abroad. By this point I shouldn’t be, but I am. Saturday saw another first when two USMNT players faced each other in a La Liga match. Sergiño Dest started for FC Barcelona and Yunus Musah for Valencia in a 2-2 draw. Dest played the entire match while Musah was subbed off in the 42nd minute.

USWNT Player News

Tobin Heath is having a great week. First, she was named to the FIFPro Women’s World XI, and then she scored a brace in Manchester United’s 6-1 drubbing of Bristol City. United is undefeated with eight wins and two draws in the Women’s Super League. One of Heath’s goals was this beauty:

Meanwhile, U.S. defender Abby Dahlkemper and Minnesota United FC’s Aaron Schoenfeld are engaged. Congratulations to the happy couple.

Free Kicks

• Barcelona’s Lionel Messi has equaled Pele’s single-club scoring record at 643 goals. Pele scored 643 goals for Santos in just 656 matches between 1956 and 1974. Scoring that many goals, let alone for one club, is beyond impressive.
• D.C. United has re-signed backup keeper Chris Seitz through the 2021 season. Seitz is a 14-year MLS veteran, with stints at several clubs including with Óscar Pareja at FC Dallas.
• A hearty well done goes out to the Seattle Sounders organization for raising over $1 million for local small businesses, individuals, and nonprofits located in Lumen Field and surrounding neighborhoods impacted by COVID-19.

Just so you know that I walk the walk, a donation has been made in each of your names to The Human Fund: Money for People. You’re welcome.