Lion Links: 3/10/22

Hello there, Mane Landers. I hope your Thursday is off to a great start as we get closer to Saturday, when Orlando City will look to continue its unbeaten streak to start the season back at home. But before that, a special birthday shoutout to Lions’ midfielder Júnior Urso. Now, let’s get you caught up on the news.

Silvester van der Water Entered Health and Safety Protocols

Before last weekend’s match, Silvester van der Water was a late scratch to the team sheet and it appears he is at risk to miss a second straight week. From the club’s pregame press conference yesterday, news emerged that van der Water had entered MLS’ health and safety protocols and the winger is listed as questionable for Saturday’s match. If the Dutch attacker is unable to suit up again this weekend, the Lions will be without a top choice substitute in a position that is already thin. Hopefully van der Water can make a speedy recovery and is back on the pitch sooner rather than later.

Storylines Ahead of FC Cincinnati Match

As the Lions prepare for their next home match against FC Cincinnati, the club posted the storylines you should keep an eye on ahead of this weekend’s action. Pedro Gallese has a chance at standing alone in the club record books this Saturday and the linked story looks back at the last time these two sides met at Exploria Stadium. It seems Júnior Urso likes to feast on the orange and blue and the Bear will look to add another tally to his career numbers against Cincinnati.

Orlando City B Announces Coaching Staff

With the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season on the horizon later this month, Orlando City announced the coaching staff that will lead OCB on the pitch. Martín Perelman was named head coach and will be the one to guide the club. Perelman has recent experience managing in Argentina and has a playing career with stops around the world, including Israel and Greece. Other positions such as assistant coach, strength and conditioning coach, and goalkeeper coach were also announced in the hirings. Our Sean Rollins has all the details here.

Updates Around MLS

There was a trade Wednesday in which Charlotte FC acquired midfielder Derrick Jones from the Houston Dynamo in return for a nice chunk of General Allocation Money and 20% of any future transfer fee. The full figures of the deal can be found here. A Philadelphia Union cult hero called it a career when Ilsinho announced his retirement. Ilsinho became a fan favorite with the club when he gained a reputation for being a super sub off the bench. Another round of fines have been given out by the MLS Disciplinary Committee, as well as a retroactive suspension. Fines went to players from Austin FC, the Portland Timbers, and the Philadelphia Union. The retroactive red card was issued to Toronto FC defender Carlos Salcedo for a dangerous tackle in the 60th minute against the New York Red Bulls. The suspension will be served during Toronto’s next match.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City’s Twitter account provided video from the training ground and quick interviews from Robin Jansson, Ercan Kara, and Head Coach Oscar Pareja

• The NWSL announced Jessica Berman as the next commissioner of the league.
• A rouge rooster received a one-game ban when the Atletico Mineiro mascot was found to be displaying “intimidatory” behavior.
• The Ukraine FA called for former player and current Zenit assistant coach Anatoliy Tymoshchuk to be stripped of his rewards and titles.
• Real Madrid pulled off a shocking result in its UEFA Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain Wednesday with a stunning performance from Karim Benzema.
• Manchester United is reported to be monitoring the situation with Robert Lewandowski with the hopes of making a move for him in the summer. This story and more in the latest Transfer Talk.

That will do it for me, Mane Landers. Have a great rest of your Thursday and start those plans for watching Orlando City’s home match this Saturday night.