Lion Links: 10/20/23

Hopefully this Friday finds you well as we get ready for a weekend filled to the brim with soccer. I’ll be spending a majority of the day with plenty of family and some needed homecooked food. Let’s jump straight into today’s links!

Getting Ready for MLS Decision Day

The stakes are low for Orlando City when it takes on Toronto FC tomorrow night, with the second seed of the Eastern Conference already locked up. However, there’s still plenty of drama throughout the league. The New York Red Bulls’ 13-year playoff streak is on the line when they take on Nashville SC. A showdown between New York City FC and the Chicago Fire is also worth keeping an eye on, as either side will be eliminated with a loss and a draw ousts both. Columbus Crew Head Coach Wilfried Nancy will take on his former club when the Crew host CF Montreal, with plenty on the line for both teams. Here’s a full breakdown of all the scenarios for Decision Day. I don’t know about you, but I’m glad the Lions won’t have much pressure on them tomorrow.

Tyler Adams Out Until February

American midfielder Tyler Adams is expected to be out until February following surgery for his hamstring injury. The 24-year-old missed the United States Men’s National Team’s past two friendlies due to the injury and will not be able to help the USMNT in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals next month. However, this timetable for his recovery would have him ready for the potential semifinals and final in March. It’s a tough blow for AFC Bournemouth as well, as the English Premier League club sits in 19th in the table.

NWSL Playoffs Kick Off Today

The National Women’s Soccer League regular season is done and dusted, and the postseason starts tonight at 10 p.m. when OL Reign hosts Angel City FC. It could be forward Megan Rapinoe’s final match and she will go up against a potent Angel City attack led by Savannah McCaskill, Alyssa Thompson, and former Pride forward Sydney Leroux. Reign Head Coach Laura Harvey also spoke on Rose Lavelle’s availability heading into tonight’s match.

The playoffs will continue on Sunday when the North Carolina Courage host NJ/NY Gotham FC at 7 p.m. It should be a good battle between two of the league’s better defensive teams. The Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave have byes for the first round and will get in on the action on Nov. 5.

What to Watch For in MLS NEXT Pro Final

The MLS NEXT Pro final is this Sunday, with Columbus Crew 2 aiming to defend its title against Austin FC II at 5 p.m. Columbus has impressed at home this season, but Austin hasn’t had any trouble getting the job done on the road during this playoff run. Austin has made it this far due to a resolute defense and an offense that has found different ways to score. As for Columbus, Mataeo Bunbury and Taha Habroune are a couple of the new faces that have helped the team reach the final yet again. With impressive goalkeepers on both sides, this one could wind up coming down to the wire.

Free Kicks

• Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse broke the club’s record for the most saves in a season.

• San Diego’s MLS expansion side unveiled its name and badge, but it’s really not much to get excited for. Forgive me for the pun, but the Wave’s name and logo really blow it out of the water.

• An ownership group in Ohio wants an NWSL team in Cleveland. While Cleveland is often joked about, it would be nice to see an NWSL team in the region.
• Check out this reported leak of the USMNT’s new kit. I’m a pretty big fan of the collar.

• We end our links in the best way possible. A dog wanted to play some soccer and got to do just that in Brazil’s top flight.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend.