Lion Links: 10/3/22

A not so merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! It wasn’t a great weekend for most of the teams I support across all sports, but given Tallahassee was spared from having to deal with Hurricane Ian, I’m still grateful. I sincerely hope you are doing well post-hurricane, and that you and your loved ones are safe and sound. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Loses on the Road

Orlando City stumbled on the road in a 2-1 loss to New York City FC at Red Bull Arena. The Lions took the lead early in the second half, but were unable to hold on for the win or even a draw. The loss means that Orlando’s final two matches against Inter Miami and the Columbus Crew are even more crucial than before. Michael Citro has your match recap. Make sure to check back later today for Sean Rollins’s player grades and Man of the Match, as well as my five takeaways from the road loss.

Orlando City Donates to Help With the Hurricane

Orlando City and the Wilf family are donating $500,000 through the Red Cross to help with relief following the devastation of Hurricane Ian throughout Florida. The club is also encouraging fans to lend their support as well by making donations. We’re all in this together as soccer fans and Floridians.

Tragedy in Indonesia Following Soccer Game

Arema FC suffered a 3-2 defeat to its rival, Persebaya Surabaya, at home for the first time in 23 years. The home supporters threw bottles and other objects at players, coaches, and referees. The violence spilled out into the street as well, with police vehicles being set on fire. Police launched tear gas into the crowd, resulting in stampedes as people tried to escape and were trampled. At least 125 are confirmed dead in this tragic incident. FIFA President Gianni Infantino released a statement regarding the incident. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those lost.

LAFC Wins Supporters’ Shield in Dramatic Fashion

With a week to spare, LAFC won the Supporters’ Shield after beating the Portland Timbers 2-1 at Providence Park. It was a closer race than expected earlier this summer, but the Philadelphia Union’s loss to Charlotte FC opened the door for LAFC to clinch this past weekend and it took full advantage. Designated Player Denis Bouanga scored the winner for LAFC in stoppage time, giving LAFC its second Supporters’ Shield in club history. On Decision Day, LAFC will host Nashville SC, which clinched its spot in the playoffs.

Free Kicks

• Former Florida State soccer star Jaelin Howell is replacing former Orlando Pride player Taylor Kornieck for the USWNT friendlies against England and Spain on Friday and Oct. 11, respectively. Kornieck won’t be with the team due to an ankle injury.
• Ricardo Pepi scored his second consecutive goal for Groningen in a 4-1 win over Alkmaar. It seems that USMNT strikers like to score goals when they’re not with the national team.
• Erik ten Hag left Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench in Manchester United’s 6-3 loss to rival Manchester City. He said he did it out of respect for his career, and not wanting him to be humiliated in the loss. I’m no Manchester fan (United or City), but if I’m managing United, I’m seeing if one of the best to ever play the game can score some goals while trailing.
• The cast of Ted Lasso was joined by USMNT players Matt Turner and Chris Richards at the American football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints in London on Sunday.

Of course, some of the players got into the spirit of “the Lasso way” as well. Now, if Apple TV+ could kindly release Season 3 of Ted Lasso, everything will be better.

That will do it for today. Keep checking back for coverage of Orlando City’s match on Wednesday against Inter Miami. Vamos Orlando!