Lion Links: 10/19/23

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a hectic week for me and shows no signs of slowing down as I try to get my apartment in order while traveling quite a bit for family. It’s hard to believe there are only a couple of weeks left of October. I’m likely going to go as Bob Ross for a Halloween party rather than trying to put together anything too crazy. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Prepares for Decision Day

The final game of the MLS regular season is nearly here, with Orlando City traveling to take on Toronto FC this Saturday. The Lions have already secured the second seed in the Eastern Conference and Toronto FC has been eliminated for quite some time. As a result, there’s not much on the line in this match beyond the Lions keeping their claws sharp heading into the postseason. Meanwhile, Toronto will be playing for a new coach and for Michael Bradley, who is retiring from soccer after the match. It’s a stark difference to the past couple of Decision Days for Orlando fans, with the Lions previously needing to grind out a result to reach the playoffs. The last time these two sides played was in a 4-0 Orlando victory on the Fourth of July, so let’s hope the Lions can replicate that success.

Kat Conner Hired As Orlando Pride Director of Scouting and Analytics

The Orlando Pride have named Kat Conner as the team’s director of scouting and analytics. Conner joins the Pride after serving as a talent identification scout for U.S. Soccer for the past five years. She was also the women’s soccer head coach at Texas State University for 23 years, and helped develop youth soccer in the state.

“I’m genuinely thrilled to join the Orlando Pride organization and collaborate with this accomplished and passionate staff,” Conner said. “We share a profound respect for women’s soccer, and I look forward to helping identify impact players who will further the Pride’s mission of excellence in the NWSL.”

More MLS Salary Information Unveiled

The MLS Players Association has updated its salary guide to account for the business done during the summer transfer window. Lionel Messi now tops the list, surpassing Lorenzo Insigne and Xherdan Shaqiri as the highest-paid player in the league. You can also check out what other notable players, such as Teemu Pukki and Sam Sturridge, are making after joining their new clubs this summer. Junior Urso, who returned to Orlando in July, was the lone player added by the Lions this summer and is receiving a salary of $360,000. That wasn’t the only bit of business the Lions were up to this summer though, as Ercan Kara now plays in Turkey. As a result of his move, the Lions have one of the lowest payrolls in the league, which is pretty darn good for one of the best teams in MLS.

USWNT Roster Announced Ahead of October Friendlies

United States Women’s National Team Interim Head Coach Twila Kilgore called up 27 players for a pair of friendlies against Colombia later this month. Becky Sauerbrunn and Sophia Smith will both be with the team as they work their way back from injury. I’m definitely interested to see how the offense does, as young players like Mia Fishel, Jaedyn Shaw, and Alyssa Thompson are all in the mix. The U.S will first take on Colombia on Oct. 26 in Utah before a rematch on Oct. 29 in San Diego.

Free Kicks

• I think Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese has had just about enough of the circus whenever Messi plays.

• The United States Men’s National Team will take on Trinidad & Tobago in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. The winner of that home-and-away series will clinch a spot in next year’s Copa America as well.
• Here’s a nice article of coaches, players, and staff members reflecting on how much the National Women’s Soccer League has transformed since its first year.
• Brazilian forward Neymar tore his ACL in Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay and will undergo surgery.
• Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho may return to Borussia Dortmund this winter after all, according to a new report.

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