Lion Links: 8/28/23

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. It was a six-point weekend with both Orlando City and Orlando City B earning victories, although the Pride couldn’t get it done on Friday. We have a busy week coming up with Orlando City matches at Charlotte FC and FC Cincinnati on Wednesday and Saturday, respectively. Add in another match for OCB and the Orlando Pride heading to play OL Reign, and we’re going to be quite busy around here. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City’s Thoughts on the Win

It’s not very surprising, but Oscar Pareja was very happy with the win against St. Louis City SC on Saturday night in Exploria Stadium. Obviously the way the Lions were able to overcome some bad calls — in my opinion — score enough goals, and limit St. Louis City’s opportunities contributed to his happiness. He also loved the atmosphere and enthusiasm that all the supporters brought that night. Facundo Torres and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson shared their thoughts as well.

Orlando City B Drubs Crew 2, 4-1

Like almost every OCB match, the 4-1 win over Columbus Crew 2 had its share of excitement. Goals from Wilfredo Rivera, Shakur Mohammed, Jhon Solis, and of course, Jack Lynn were more than enough to secure the win. Columbus helped out a bit with Clay Holstad getting a straight red card, allowing OCB to be a man up from the 53rd minute. Jack Lynn’s goal was his 15th of the season and pulled him into second place for the Golden Boot. OCB is next in action against top of the table Crown Legacy FC on Sept. 3.

Loyola’s Surgery Successful

Orlando City/OCB attacker Favian Loyola underwent a successful surgery to remove a blood clot in his left arm. The Homegrown midfielder usually plays for Orlando City B rather than the senior team, but is still considered to be part of the future for the Lions. Loyola was treated by the club’s official medical team at Orlando Health. At this time, there is no timeline on his return. We at The Mane Land wish him a full and speedy recovery.

English Premier League Highlights

Manchester City is once again sitting on top of the English Premier League, thanks to a late goal from Rodri in a 2-1 win over Sheffield United. City was without Pep Guardiola for the match as he recovers from back surgery. Meanwhile, Manchester United bounced back from a loss to Tottenham, coming from behind to defeat Nottingham Forest, 3-2. Despite the win, there are still concerns for United.

One of the most compelling matches of the weekend was Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United. Newcastle went up a goal early and then Liverpool went down a man as Virgil van Dijk was shown a straight red card. Things did not look good for the Reds, but Darwin Nunez finally had the type of match Liverpool supporters have been looking for, scoring a brace in the last 10 minutes of the match to give the Merseyside club the victory.

Free Kicks

• Former Orlando City keeper Earl Edwards, Jr. re-signed with the New England Revolution on a one-year deal with an option through 2025.
• USWNT and Portland Thorns striker Sophia Smith suffered an injury in Sunday’s match against the Washington Spirit. It was bad enough that Smith left using crutches. Hopefully it isn’t too bad of an injury.
• While he isn’t heading anywhere immediately, Juventus has dropped the asking price for USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie.
• Christian Pulisic continued his excellent start with AC Milan as the American scored his second goal in his second start for his new Serie A club.
• Josh Sargent was injured while scoring for Norwich City in the 4-0 victory over Hudderfield. It looks like a serious ankle injury, though the club is still waiting to hear how bad it is.

That will do it for today. For those on the Florida’s west coast and in the Panhandle — like myself — please stay safe as the storm makes its way to our shores. Thankfully, our Lions will be on the road in Charlotte, NC. Vamos Orlando!