Lion Links: 8/30/23

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope you all are fired up for another Orlando City game tonight, as the Lions play Charlotte FC on the road and will hopefully leave with all three points. Let’s also wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride forward Julie Doyle! Before we get to today’s news, we want to thank Matthew Waldschmidt and Andrew DeSalvo for their support in our Buy Me a Coffee premium membership program. We are happy to provide our membership subscribers lots of extras to maximize their TML experience. Click the link to see the benefits at each of our three levels of support. Now, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Takes on Charlotte FC Tonight

The Lions will be in action tonight for a midweek clash on the road, as they take on Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Facundo Torres has been in stellar form, scoring in the Lions’ past two matches. His next goal will have him tie Dom Dwyer for fourth on Orlando’s all-time scoring list. This will be the third match between these two clubs this year, with Charlotte FC winning the past two meetings. After tonight’s game, the Lions’ road trip continues with a match in Ohio to take on FC Cincinnati on Saturday.

Orlando City Reportedly Rejects Bid for Ercan Kara

Orlando City has reportedly rejected a transfer bid from Turkish Super Lig club Samsunspor to acquire forward Ercan Kara.

The Austrian forward joined Orlando as a Designated Player in January of 2022, leading the Lions with 11 league goals in his first MLS season. Kara has scored five goals in 15 appearances for Orlando this season, starting in 11 of those matches. His most recent goal came off the bench in Orlando’s 4-0 win over Toronto FC on July 4.

Lions Move Up in Latest MLS Power Rankings

Orlando City jumped up four spots to sixth in the latest MLS power rankings. Orlando City edged out St. Louis City SC 2-1 at Exploria Stadium this past weekend, with Torres scoring twice. It was a big win at home against the top team in the Western Conference. Of the top 10 teams in the power rankings, eight are in the Eastern Conference. The Lions are currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and are tied on points with the New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union.

Americans Abroad in Europe

We had some Americans in action in England in the EFL Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson both started for Fulham as it beat Tottenham Hotspur in a penalty shootout to move on to the third round after a 1-1 draw. Chris Richards played a full 90 minutes for Crystal Palace as it defeated Plymouth Argyle 4-2. Today, Sergino Dest, Ricardo Pepi, and Malik Tillman could all play when PSV Eindhoven hosts Rangers in the second leg of Champions League qualifying after a 2-2 draw last week. Elsewhere, USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner and Nottingham Forest will take on Burnley and Austin Trusty’s Sheffield United faces Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.

Free Kicks

• Orlando Pride defender Rafaelle was named to the Professional Footballers’ Association’s Women’s Super League Team of the Year after her strong season with Arsenal.

• Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk could face an additional one-game suspension after the FA charged him with improper conduct towards referees after he received a red card this past weekend.
• Megan Rapinoe will play her final match for the U.S. Women’s National Team on Sept. 24 in a friendly against South Africa.

• Josh Sargent will be out for months after suffering a serious ankle injury during Norwich City’s match against Huddersfield Town this past weekend.
• USMNT Head Coach Greg Berhalter has still not spoken to Gio Reyna after their dispute over his role in last year’s World Cup.
• Manchester City’s Erling Haaland won the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year award, beating out fellow teammates Kevin de Bruyne and John Stones.
• EA Sports FC 24 player ratings have been leaked just before the official announcement.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. You all stay safe out there and I’ll see you next time.