Lion Links: 5/25/21

Happy Tuesday, everybody! It was a great weekend for Orlando soccer with Orlando City and the Orlando Pride each notching wins. It doesn’t get much better than a six-point weekend, so hopefully the good trends can continue. There’s plenty to talk about today so let’s jump right in.

Lions Included in TotW

Two Lions have been included in the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Week for the parts they played in keeping a clean sheet in the victory over Toronto FC on Saturday. Antonio Carlos was included in the starting XI for the second straight week, while Pedro Gallese was named as the backup goalkeeper. Carlos led the Lions with six clearances while also notching three interceptions and a tackle. He was a central figure defensively, and also passed at an 83% rate. Gallese, meanwhile, made five saves to secure his fourth clean sheet of the season with a kick save in the first half and two saves near the end of regulation the best of the bunch. Our own Marcus Mitchell rated El Pulpo a 7.5 and awarded him the Man of the Match, with Carlos just behind on a rating of 7.

USMNT Nations League Roster Announced

The United States Men’s National team has announced its roster for its upcoming Concacaf Nations League game against Honduras on June 3. Most of the usual European-based suspects are present with John Brooks, Weston McKennie, Sergino Dest and Tyler Adams all making the cut. Christian Pulisic and Zack Steffen will also be joining up with the group following their participation in the UEFA Champions League final on May 29.

On a note that is closer to home for OCSC fans, while he isn’t on the Nations League roster, Daryl Dike will stay with the the USMNT throughout its camp and will play in the friendly against Costa Rica on June 9.

Gil Re-Ups With Revs

Carles Gil has signed a new deal with the New England Revolution that will keep him with the team through the 2024 MLS season. Gil has been a key player for the Revs since joining the club in 2019 and has notched 11 goals and 20 assists in 49 appearances. With production like that, keeping him around for the foreseeable future was understandably near the top of the team’s to-do list — especially with the Revs beginning to cement their place as one of the best teams in the East.

Moultire Cleared to Sign Contract

A Temporary Restraining Order has been issued in favor of Olivia Moultrie, which helps pave the way for the 15-year-old to sign a professional contract with a National Women’s Soccer League team. The NWSL has a rule that prevents players under the age of 18 from signing a professional contract, but earlier this month Moultrie sued the NWSL in an attempt to be allowed to sign a contract with the league. In her suit she emphasized the fact that MLS has signed plenty of players under the age of 18 to contracts. So far, the judge presiding over the case seems to be leaning in Moultrie’s favor saying the following amongst other things,

Plaintiff has presented persuasive evidence that each day that passes with the Age Rule in place represents a missed opportunity for her potential professional soccer career.

This is definitely a story to keep an eye on and we’ll update you as it progresses.

Free Kicks

• Make sure to grab your tickets for a week featuring back-to-back Orlando Pride games!

• Orlando City is up to the third spot in the ESPNFC power rankings.
• Clint Dempsey will be one of the studio analysts for CBS’ coverage of the Concacaf Nations League with Oguchi Onyewu and Charlie Davies also on the job.
• Sergio Ramos has been left out of Spain’s squad for the European Championships after a year where he has struggled with injuries.

That’ll be all for me today. Y’all stay safe out there.