Lion Links: 7/6/21

Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was a tough weekend for both Orlando teams, but opportunity for redemption is right around the corner for each one. Orlando City will have a chance to get back on track tomorrow against the Chicago Fire, while the Orlando Pride will take on Racing Louisville on Friday. There’s a lot to discuss today, so let’s hop to the links.

Pride Sign Atletico Defender Kylie Strom

Yesterday, the Orlando Pride announced the signing of defender Kylie Strom from Atletico Madrid. The 29-year-old was signed to a two-year deal that carries an option for a third year, keeping her in purple for the immediate future. Strom had been with Atletico since August of 2019, and played in the UEFA Women’s Champions League during her time with the club. Strom will bring experience and cover to the back line, especially down the left hand side, and also carries a goal threat. She returns stateside after spending four years abroad, beginning with a stint at Sparta Prague before joining Atletico.

Lessons from NYRB Loss

Orlando City once again fell to the New York Red Bulls over the weekend, with the Lions’ only two losses on the year coming against the same opposition. One of the big takeaways from the game is the fact that OCSC’s defense is now getting perilously thin. Only one first choice defender is available after Antonio Carlos’ injury, and that’s Robin Jansson. Ruan, Joao Moutinho, and Carlos are all injured, while Pedro Gallese is at Copa America with Peru. The Red Bulls also appear to have Orlando’s number, and it’ll be interesting to see if other teams adopt some of the strategies that proved so successful against the Lions not once, but twice.

MLS Transfer Roundup

As always, transfers are flying thick and fast during the summer, with a number of notable happenings taking place in MLS. First off, the Houston Dynamo have signed defender Griffin Dorsey from Toronto FC. The 22-year-old had been north of the border since 2019, when he was TFC’s first pick in that year’s MLS SuperDraft at no. 6 overall.

Elsewhere, Ali Adnan and the Vancouver Whitecaps mutually agreed to terminate the defender’s contract following continued visa issues. The Iraq international left back had yet to appear for the Whitecaps this season, and his departure opens a Designated Player spot for the team, giving them two for the season.

Finally, Tanner Tessman is said to be closing in on a transfer to newly promoted Serie A side Venezia FC. The fee for the midfielder could potentially go north of $3 million, but a deal has not yet been finalized.

USWNT Wins Final Sendoff Series Match vs. Mexico

The United States Women’s National Team closed out the Send-Off Series in a big way, courtesy of an emphatic 4-0 win over Mexico. Vlatko Andonovski was able to experiment some with his formation and the U.S. jumped out to a 4-0 halftime lead and coasted the rest of the way. The score could (should) have been even more lopsided. Christen Press had a good goal called off for a ridiculously not-even-close offside call, and an obvious penalty wasn’t awarded when Tobin Heath was taken down in the box. The goals were scored by Lindsey Horan, Carli Lloyd, a Mexico own-goal forced by Press, and Heath. The USWNT will next play in the Olympics against Sweden in the wee hours of the morning of July 21.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City dropped one spot to no. 3 in ESPN’s MLS power rankings.
• Tesho is excited for the opportunity to quickly bounce back.

• MLS’ investigation into alleged racist abuse directed towards Diego Chara was inconclusive.
• Former New York City FC coach Patrick Vieira has been announced as the new manager of Crystal Palace.

That does it for me today. If you’re in an area that has the potential to be impacted by Tropical Storm Elsa, please stay safe and under cover as much as you can. Vamos Orlando!