Lion Links: 11/1/23

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope you all had a happy and safe Halloween. I’ve been busy working at Under Armour as we enter the holiday season rush. I also got a chance to cover some high school girls volleyball playoff matches this past weekend. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Showed Grit in Playoff Victory

Orlando City got its 2023 playoff run off to a good start on Monday night, winning 1-0 at Exploria Stadium as the Lions won the first game of the best-of-three series against Nashville SC. Wilder Cartagena scored the lone goal in this match to seal the Lions’ first postseason win in regulation. Cesar Araujo also added an assist on that goal to earn his first playoff assist. It was also a good night for goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who made three saves and earned a clean sheet. Head Coach Oscar Pareja praised Gallese on his performance.

“Pedro is a fantastic goalkeeper for us that always shows up when we need him the most, and you need that in a team,” said Pareja. “I’m happy to see Pedro on that level, and happy for the city, happy for the club, happy for the community.”

Game 2 in this series will be on Tuesday at Geodis Park.

MLS Expands Eligible Player Pool for 2024 MLS SuperDraft

Major League Soccer announced the expansion of the eligible player pool for the upcoming 2024 MLS SuperDraft. For the first time in league history, players eligible for selection in the draft can now include collegiate sophomores and juniors alongside previously draft-eligible groups. Collegiate players can still be eligible to sign Generation Adidas contracts. Also, any player drafted by an MLS club but has college eligibility remaining will have the option to return to school to further their development. The 2024 MLS SuperDraft will take place on Dec. 19.

Columbus Crew Take on Atlanta United Tonight

The final MLS playoff opening match will kick off tonight as the Columbus Crew host Atlanta United. These two sides last met back on Oct. 7 down in Atlanta, with that match ending in a 1-1 draw. Columbus defeated Atlanta 6-1 earlier in the season back in March. The Crew have been in good form, entering tonight’s match unbeaten in their last six matches. Their last match was on Decision Day back on Oct. 21 in a 2-1 win at home against CF Montreal. Atlanta United got a 2-2 draw in its final match on Decision Day against FC Cincinnati. Atlanta United will also be without star player Thiago Almada after he received a red card on Decision Day against FC Cincinnati and will be suspended for tonight’s match. Game 2 in this series will be in Atlanta on Nov 7.

Saudi Arabia Submits Lone Bid to Host 2034 FIFA World Cup

FIFA has confirmed that Saudi Arabia was the only country to present a bid to host the 2034 World Cup. Australia, which had also considered hosting, had decided not to submit a bid to host the tournament by Tuesday’s deadline to FIFA. There was also a possibility of Indonesia submitting a joint bid with Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia, but the Indonesian Football Association reportedly changed its mind and decided to back Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid. The Australian Football Association will instead focus on bids for the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup. Saudi Arabia is also set to host the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.

Free Kicks

• Orlando Pride forward and Brazil legend Marta and Canadian forward Christine Sinclair swapped jerseys during the international friendly between the two nations.

• Former Orlando City B forward Ates Diouf made the USL League One All-League first team.
• Austin FC has signed midfielder Ethan Finlay to a new contract extension through the 2024 season, with an option in 2025.
• The Premier League is investigating Chelsea’s signings of Willian and Samuel Eto’o in 2013 for  possible breaches of financial regulations.
• Scottish Premiership side Celtic has suspended its supporters group, the Green Brigade, from its matches due to consistent failure to adhere to club and stadium rules.
• England defender Alex Greenwood was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after a head collision with Belgium forward Jassina Blom. England lost 3-2 to Belgium in a UEFA Women’s Nations League match.
• Borussia Monchengladbach and USMNT forward Jordan Pefok scored two goals as his side defeated FC Heidenheim 3-1 in the second round of the DFB Pokal.
• In case you’re curious, check out this breakdown on what soccer players have been up to this Halloween across social media.

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