Lion Links: 10/25/23

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy covering boys high school soccer playoff action up here in Chicago throughout the past week. Today also marks the 13th anniversary of the United Soccer League’s announcement that Orlando City would be a new USL team back in 2010. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Prepares for Playoff Match against Nashville SC

We are less than a week away from Orlando City’s opening MLS playoff match against Nashville on Oct. 30 at Exploria Stadium. This will be the first match in a three-game series between these two sides. This will be the fourth straight season the Lions will be in the postseason, and they broke club records in wins and points along the way this year. Duncan McGuire has been in solid form, scoring five goals across the last five matches. Orlando City ended its eight-match winless streak against Nashville earlier this month when it beat Nashville 1-0 at Geodis Park. Nashville has only won one of its past five league matches going down the stretch into the playoffs. The second game between these two will be on Nov. 7 at Geodis Park.

Lions Stay in Second in MLS Power Rankings

Orlando City stayed in the second spot in the latest MLS power rankings after its 2-0 victory over Toronto FC this past weekend. McGuire scored both goals in this match and has 15 goals across all competitions, with 13 scored during the regular season. The Lions are unbeaten in their past five matches as they get ready to host Nashville in the playoffs. Nashville dropped a spot to 12th in the power rankings after a 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls on Decision Day.

Messiah Bright a Finalist for NWSL Rookie of the Year

Orlando Pride forward Messiah Bright was named as a finalist for the National Women’s Soccer League Rookie of the Year award. She is in contention with midfielder Jenna Nighswonger of NJ/NY Gotham FC, and forward Alyssa Thompson of Angel City FC. The final round of voting is now open to fans until Friday. The award winners will be announced as we get closer to the 2023 NWSL Championship match on Nov. 11.

Bright, along with many other Pride players, can also be voted for the NWSL Best XI first and second teams. Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse is Orlando’s representative for the 2023 Nationwide Community Impact Award for her work with the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.

MLS Playoff Wild Card Games Kick Off Tonight

The 2023 MLS Cup playoffs kick off tonight with two wildcard matchups. The first match features the Red Bulls hosting Charlotte FC. The Red Bulls snuck into the playoffs after beating Nashville 1-0 thanks to John Tolkin’s penalty kick goal. Charlotte FC also got a 1-0 win against Inter Miami CF on Decision Day to reach this point. The winner of this match will face Supporters’ Shield champion FC Cincinnati. The other match tonight will see Sporting Kansas City battle the San Jose Earthquakes. Both of those clubs booked their spots on Decision Day, with Kansas City beating Minnesota United 3-1 while the Earthquakes got a 1-1 draw against Austin FC. The winner of that match will face the top team in the Western Conference, St. Louis City SC. You can watch both matches on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.

UEFA Champions League Roundup

The Champions League is back in action with some clubs looking to set themselves up in good positions to qualify for the knockout rounds. Manchester United got its first win in this year’s competition by beating FC Copenhagen 1-0 with a goal from Harry Maguire. Bayern Munich defeated Galatasaray 3-1 to remain atop Group A. Arsenal bounced back by beating Sevilla 2-1 to get a win on the road and move to the top of Group B, while Lens got a 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven. Inter Milan, Napoli, Real Sociedad, and Real Madrid all got wins as well. Today’s notable matches will be in Group F, with Newcastle United facing Borussia Dortmund while Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah’s AC Milan side will take on Paris Saint-Germain.

Free Kicks

• Michael Halliday, Wilfredo Rivera, Luca Petrasso, and Favian Loyola will be making appearances at Publix today.

• Orlando City was deemed one of the hottest teams heading into the MLS postseason, along with the Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders
• Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir has won her maternity case against her former club, Lyon, for failure to pay her a full salary during her pregnancy.
• Concacaf has announced new details on the 2024 Champions Cup. The draw will take place on Dec. 13, and the tournament will begin in the first week of February.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday and I’ll see you next time.