Lion Links: 5/17/21

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! What a weekend of soccer it was. Both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride earned results. There was also tons of drama in MLS, the English Premier League, La Liga, and almost any other league you can think of. All in all, it was a very satisfying slate of matches. Can you believe we’re over halfway through May? I hope you were able to get some sleep following all of the excitement, because it’s back to work today. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s wish a happy birthday to Pride draft pick Kaylie Collins!

Orlando City Grinds Out a Victory

The Lions remain undefeated this season thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win over D.C. United. Mauricio Pereyra gave the Lions the lead in the seventh minute. The Lions then played another 90 minutes of defense to win three big points on the road. The win moved Orlando up to second place in the Eastern Conference.

• Michael Citro has your match recap.
• Black and Red United’s Jason Anderson gives us the view from the other side.

Check back later today for your player grades and Man of the Match from Sean Rollins and Christopher Adams’ five takeaways from the win.

Orlando Pride Draw With the Washington Spirit

Alex Morgan scored her first goal for the Pride since 2018, equalizing in the 84th minute to secure a point in Orlando’s 1-1 draw to open the season. The Pride gave up a goal to Washington’s Ashley Hatch in the 76th minute. There’s still work to be done by Skinner’s team if it wants to continue getting results, but the Pride are progressing.

More Results From Around MLS

FC Cincinnati played its first match in the club’s brand new TQL Stadium. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, Inter Miami spoiled the occasion by defeating the home team 3-2. Former Lion Brek Shea scored the first goal in TQL Stadium in the seventh minute of the match. Cincinnati fought back from a 2-0 deficit, but Miami was able to get its winner from Gonzalo Higuain. Shea almost had a brace, but it was prevented by this unusual offside call.

Ever since the Columbus Crew became Columbus SC, the club hasn’t earned a point. A midweek 2-0 loss to Toronto FC was followed up by a 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution on Sunday. Adam Buksa gave the Revs the win with his goal in the 86th minute. New England’s win keeps the Revs two points above the Lions at the top of the Eastern Conference.

The LA Galaxy defeated expansion side Austin FC 2-0 and Marcelino Moreno gave Atlanta United a 1-0 victory over CF Montréal late in stoppage time. There was controversy surrounding some calls and non-calls in the 1-1 draw between New York City FC and Toronto.

Exciting Soccer Across Europe This Weekend

The English Premier League season is winding down, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of drama left to be had. Liverpool is fighting for a top four finish and Champions League bid. On the road against West Bromwich Albion, goalkeeper Alisson Becker scored on the final corner kick of the match to give Liverpool a needed win. Becker is the first goalkeeper in Liverpool’s long history to score a goal.

Luis Suarez scored late in Atletico Madrid’s match against Osasuna to give his club a 2-1 win. The result ended FC Barcelona’s title hunt and Atleti can win La Liga with a victory over Real Valladolid or if Real Madrid doesn’t beat Villareal. While the men’s team struggled, Barcelona’s women’s team defeated Chelsea 4-0 to win its first UEFA Women’s Champions League title.

Juventus’ hopes to qualify for the Champions League in Serie A are still alive after a wild 3-2 win over Inter Milan that featured penalties, red cards, and a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. In France, Lille had a 0-0 draw with Saint-Etienne and now leads by just one point over Paris Saint-Germain heading into Ligue 1’s finale on Sunday.

Free Kicks

• I’m not crying, you’re crying. Congratulations to Jake Ternent and his ability to now watch Orlando City soccer following a revolutionary new gene therapy. Never take being able to watch the beautiful game for granted.
• Former Lion Will Johnson scored a brace for Central Florida Soccer Club, one of which was this stunner from very long range.

• There were plenty of Americans in action abroad this weekend, including big games from Mark McKenzie, Matthew Hoppe, and Terrence Boyd. Orlando forward Daryl Dike and Barnsley FC play today at 3:15 p.m. in the first leg of its playoff series against Swansea City.
• Zinedine Zidane has not been clear on whether he is going to finish his contract with Real Madrid that currently ends in 2022. This is nothing new for Zidane as he also quit this job back in 2018. Real Madrid isn’t waiting to see what happens, and is already considering replacement candidates including Massimiliano Allegri and Raul.
• Everton continued its struggles at home after falling 1-0 to Sheffield United. The loss makes this the fifth season that the Toffees have lost nine matches at home.

• The Florida State Women’s Soccer Team is going for its third national championship within seven years today. The No. 1 Seminoles are playing the No. 11 Santa Clara Broncos at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Those who listen to The Mane Land PawedCast know my bias. Go, Noles!

That’s going to be it for today, Mane Landers. I hope you all have a wonderful Monday!