Lion Links: 5/12/21

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope you all are having a great week so far. I’ve been busy catching up with friends and preparing to move next week. Let’s get this Wednesday started with today’s links.

Dom Dwyer Signs with Toronto FC

Former Orlando City forward Dom Dwyer signed with Toronto FC through the 2022 MLS season. The 30-year-old has scored 83 goals in his MLS career. During his time with the Lions, Dwyer played in 67 MLS matches across four seasons and scored 24 goals. However, his time in Orlando last season was limited to just two appearances due to a knee injury and he entered free agency during the off-season. Dwyer could play against his old team as soon as May 22 when Toronto and Orlando face off in Exploria Stadium. Toronto FC General Manager Ali Curtis expressed his thoughts on Dwyer’s addition to the offense.

“Dom is a powerful attacking player that has experience scoring goals in this league. He’s been training with us in Orlando, and he’s fit very well within the group,” said Toronto FC General Manager Ali Curtis. “Adding Dom gives us another dangerous attacking option when we think about our front six. Dom very much wanted to join the club and that was a big part of the signing process, given he had interest from other clubs. We’re happy he’s with us, and we’re looking forward to him getting on the field.”

MLS Power Rankings Update

Orlando City maintained its fifth-place spot in the MLS power rankings after a 1-1 draw at home against New York City FC. The Seattle Sounders remain on top after their 2-1 win against the Portland Timbers and they are the only Western Conference team in the top five. The Columbus Crew rose to second place, NYCFC jumped to third, and the Philadelphia Union moved up to fourth. The Lions have been in the top 10 of the MLS power rankings all season long despite not being at full strength yet. Undefeated so far this season, Orlando will travel this weekend to take on a D.C. United team that sits 24th in the power rankings and will be on short rest after a midweek game with the Chicago Fire.

NWSL Increases Salary Caps

The National Women’s Soccer League continued its trend of increasing player salaries each season. For 2021, the minimum player salary was raised to $22,000 while the maximum player salary increased to $52,500. The team salary cap also rose to $682,500 and teams can now use up to $400,000 in allocation money this season to pay players over the league maximum. This 2021 NWSL competition calendar is longer than any other in league history and the regular season gets started this weekend with every club in action.

Manchester City Wins English Premier League Title

Leicester City’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford sealed the deal for Manchester City to become English Premier League champions. After losing the title race last season to Liverpool, City redeemed itself this time around and still has the UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea on May 29 with a treble on the line. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen also made history by becoming the first American to win an EPL title. Despite only making one EPL appearance, Steffen was the team’s top goalkeeper during its Carabao Cup championship run.

Free Kicks

• You can catch up on all of the action from Orlando’s draw with NYCFC.

• The Orlando Pride are getting ready for their home opener this Sunday.

• Portland Thorns Head Coach Mark Parsons may be leaving to take the Netherlands women’s head coaching job. Current Netherlands women’s boss Sarina Wiegman will take the coaching job in England after the Olympics.
• According to World Soccer Talk, ESPN is expected to make a major announcement this week by acquiring the English and Spanish broadcasting rights to La Liga games beginning this August.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday, stay safe, and I’ll see you next time.