Lion Links: 10/26/21

Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was a…frustrating Sunday night for Orlando City, but an opportunity for redemption is right around the corner when the Lions face the Columbus Crew tomorrow. Between the USWNT tonight, OCSC tomorrow and then again on Sunday, and the Pride wrapping their season up on Friday, it’ll be a busy week for soccer. That means there’s a lot to discuss today, so let’s get into it.

USWNT vs. South Korea Preview

The United States Women’s National Team takes on South Korea today in Minnesota. The two teams played last week in Kansas City in a game which ended in a 0-0 draw. The U.S. women will be hoping to buck a trend of being held scoreless in four of their last nine matches. South Korea is a strong team that was able to stymie the Yanks just five days ago and the U.S. will need to minimize the sloppiness in attack that plagued the team in its previous match. It’s also the final international match for Carli Lloyd. More on that in a minute.

Horan Will Be Yanks’ New No. 10

With Lloyd set to play her final match for the USWNT today, there will soon be a new number 10 for the U.S. women. In fact, the new number 10 seems to have already been decided upon, with Lindsay Horan set to receive the iconic shirt. Not only did Lloyd congratulate her on Instagram, but U.S. Soccer also chucked up a post commemorating the passing of the proverbial torch. Horan just made her 100th appearance for the national team in Thursday’s match in Kansas City, so she has plenty of experience to match the heavy expectations that come with the shirt.

Alvarado Called Up for Ecuador

Orlando City midfielder Alexander Alvarado has been called up to represent Ecuador in a friendly against Mexico tomorrow. Ecuador’s roster is mainly composed of players based in the nation’s domestic league, with Alvarado one of only three players to not be from the LigaPro. Alvarado has not been in a match day squad for Orlando City since the Lions’ Oct. 2 win over D.C. United, so the call-up provides him with a chance to get some time on the field. Alvarado has previously made two appearances for the senior team and also featured in the U-20 setup for his country. Congrats to Alexander!

Solskjaer Fighting for Job

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might be at the wheel for Manchester United, but he’s reportedly also on the brink at the club. Following a 5-0 loss at Liverpool’s hands on Sunday, there are whispers that the manager has lost the faith of a number of his players. Making matters worse for him are the rumors that United decision makers are “aware” of the fact that Antonio Conte is ready to return to management at the club. United has lost five of its last nine games and although the attitude in the locker room is apparently not as poisonous as it was under his predecessor Jose Mourinho, there is said to be a growing sense that the United legend has taken the club as far as he can.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City is up to the 11th spot in ESPN’s MLS power rankings.
• Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd met some rock legends.

• Orlando City and Orlando Pride reporter Julia Poe will soon be moving on from the Orlando Sentinel, and we wish her the best.

• The Washington Spirit are reportedly training at a local high school in the midst of a disagreement between D.C. United’s decision makers and the Washington ownership.
• Manchester City is apparently after Frenkie de Jong, Newcastle United is said to be eyeing Ousmane Dembele, and Donny van de Beek has reportedly changed agents while he seeks a move away from Man United.

That does it for me today. Y’all stay safe out there.