Lion Links: 8/29/23

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Orlando’s teams came up just short of a nine-point weekend, but it was a decent group of results overall. There isn’t long to rest though, as Orlando City is back in action tomorrow with a big match against Charlotte FC in North Carolina. As usual, there’s a lot to discuss today, so let’s have at it.

Facundo Torres Honored

Facundo Torres’ brace powered Orlando City to a very important victory over St. Louis City this past weekend, and his efforts were recognized with a spot in the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Matchday. Facu opened the scoring just after halftime with a well-taken effort following some nice work from Dagur Dan Thorhallsson. When the pressure was at its highest, he stepped up, coolly sent Roman Burki the wrong way, and buried his penalty kick to seal the victory for the Lions. He was the clear choice for Man of the Match in our player grades, and it’s nice to see him get some additional recognition on top of that. He’s rounding into form and it couldn’t be coming at a better time.

John Herdman Takes Toronto Job

John Herdman has taken over as the head coach of Toronto FC. In a move that’s been speculated about more and more over the last couple weeks, Herdman has left his job with the Canadian Men’s National Team to fill the post at Toronto left vacant by Bob Bradley’s firing. Herdman’s contract with Canada ran until after the 2026 World Cup, but the financial troubles plaguing the federation were reportedly a contributing factor in him taking the Toronto job. As for the Reds, they currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference on 19 points, having won just three games all season.

USWNT Will Face Colombia in Friendlies

The United States Women’s National Team has announced a pair of friendlies against Colombia at the end of October. The first will be in Sandy, UT on Oct. 26, with the second match in San Diego on Oct. 29. The USWNT has never lost to Colombia, having won nine of the 10 meetings between the two teams and drawing the remaining game. This is easily the strongest Colombia has ever been though, as the team made a run to the quarterfinals of this summer’s World Cup, where it narrowly lost to England. Colombia will look to continue that strong form behind the performance of teenager Linda Caicedo, while the USWNT will aim to bounce back from a largely disappointing World Cup showing.

The Luis Rubiales Saga Continues

The fallout from Luis Rubiales’ actions at the Women’s World Cup continues, with the regional presidents of Spain’s football federation now calling for his resignation. Members of Spain’s government had already called for his removal from his post as president of the federation, and the support of the regional presidents puts further pressure on him. Things took an odd turn though, when it came to light that Rubiales’ mother has locked herself in a church and gone on a hunger strike in protest of how her son has been treated. In my opinion, the sooner this mess is cleared up and Rubiales is no longer in power, the better.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City has moved up a spot to 10th in ESPN’s MLS power rankings.
• Romelu Lukaku is reportedly heading to Roma on loan.

• Crystal Dunn has her eyes set on the next chapter for the USWNT.
• There are a number of Americans who are in action overseas this week.
• Mamatou Toure might be in prison, but he’s reportedly set to win election as president of Mali’s football federation.
• The Dallas Cowboys will be going with former Toronto FC MLS SuperDraft pick Brandon Aubrey at kicker.

That does it for me. If you’re in the path of Hurricane Idalia, be smart, and stay safe!