Lion Links: 9/14/23

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope you’re all ready for a weekend packed with Orlando soccer to enjoy. There’s a match taking place over the next three nights, starting with Orlando City B’s game with Chicago Fire II tomorrow night. It should be a fun next few days, as each match will carry some importance. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Getting to Know Dagur Dan Thorhallsson

Orlando City’s Dagur Dan Thorhallsson was the latest Lion to sit down for the club’s video series focused on learning more about the players. Soccer has always been a part of his life, as his father played professionally for various clubs in Iceland. Thorhallsson, who has played at right back in recent weeks for the Lions, spoke on his versatility and how it was used often in Breidablik’s championship run before he joined Orlando from Iceland’s top flight. The 23-year-old admitted that the heat was the first thing on his mind when he was asked to play in Orlando, but noted the club’s stadium and atmosphere as well. Thorhallson also talked about his fear of sharks, Duncan McGuire’s golf game, and how his teammates are teaching him Spanish curse words.

Lions Drop in Latest MLS Power Rankings

Despite not playing this past weekend, Orlando City fell a spot to sixth in the MLS power rankings. St. Louis City, which blew a lead and held on for a 2-2 draw with LA Galaxy, jumped up three spots to overtake both Orlando and the Columbus Crew. The Lions beat both league-leading FC Cincinnati and St. Louis in recent weeks and have only lost two of their past 17 league games, yet somehow remain outside the top five in the power rankings. I don’t think Orlando is the only team that probably deserves to be a bit higher either. Minnesota United is on a seven-game unbeaten run, but is down in 14th. The New England Revolution have the second-most points per game in the league and still dropped four spots to 12th after a draw with the Loons.

Orlando Pride Sign McKinley Crone Through 2023 Season

The Orlando Pride have inked goalkeeper McKinley Crone to a deal that will last through the remainder of this season. Crone has previously been a National Team Replacement Player for the Pride and has trained with the team throughout this season. The decision to sign her comes after the Pride signed goalkeeper Kaylie Collins to a new contract and loaned her to Sydney Wanderers FC in the A-League Women in Australia. It’s unlikely we will see Crone in action for the Pride, as Anna Moorhouse and Carly Nelson both sit above her in the depth chart.

A Tale of Two American Goalkeepers

Ethan Horvath was not named to Nottingham Forest’s 25-player roster for the English Premier League season, meaning he can’t play in the league until at least the winter transfer window. It’s tough news for Horvath, as he was a crucial part of Luton Town’s promotion last season while on loan, only for Luton Town to decide not to exercise the option to buy on his loan. Meanwhile, fellow American Zack Steffen was included in Manchester City’s roster, joining Ederson and Stefan Ortega as the club’s goalkeeping unit. The 28-year-old still remains out due to undergoing knee surgery this summer

Free Kicks

• Orlando City is seventh in the league in terms of outperforming its expected goals so far this season. St. Louis tops the list, while no team has underperformed its expected goals more than the Colorado Rapids.
• Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi were a couple of the players who had strong performances in the USMNT’s past two friendlies.
• Fernando Santos’ tenure as Poland’s manager lasted less than nine months, as he was fired during a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign that has included losses to Moldova, Albania, and the Czech Republic.
• Here’s a list of potential candidates to become Germany’s next manager before the nation takes on the USMNT in a friendly on Oct. 14.
• We’ll end today’s links with truly bizarre news. CF Montreal midfielder Matko Miljevic has reportedly been playing in an amateur league under a false name and was then suspended for punching a player.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week.