Lion Links: 11/6/23

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. We’re only one day away from the second — and hopefully final — match against Nashville SC tomorrow night. My friend’s 50th birthday is next weekend, and as much as she’d like to go to an Orlando City playoff match in Exploria Stadium, she told me she hopes it won’t come to that. I know that we all agree. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando City is All Business

As Orlando City prepares for its second match against Nashville SC, the players and coaches are focused during training in preparation for Tuesday’s game. Despite knowing the difficulties in winning at Nashville, the players are confident following the first win last Monday. Of course, Oscar Pareja doesn’t just want his team prepared physically, but mentally as well. Going into a hostile environment against a team fighting to stay in the playoffs is always a challenge. For a little history and preparation for the match, check this out.

Eastern Conference Playoff Results

The New York Red Bulls were unable to do Orlando City any favors when they lost a penalty shootout following the second match to FC Cincinnati at Red Bull Arena. The match finished tied at 1-1, but FCC outlasted the Red Bulls 8-7 in penalties. Cincinnati is the only team that Orlando City doesn’t host if they advance further into the playoffs. Of course, that win may have cost Cincinnati heading into the next round as Matt Miazga will not be available due to caution accumulation.  Dom Badji and Obinna Nwobodo also went off with knocks in the match. Cincinnati will play either Philadelphia or New England.

Western Conference Playoff Results

Sporting Kansas City was able to do what Red Bulls could not — take down the team at the top of the conference table. The No. 8 seed defeated St. Louis City in two matches to advance to the next round. Sporting KC won the first match 4-1 and followed it up with a 2-1 victory at home. FC Dallas jumped out to a 2-0 lead and was able to hold on for a 3-1 win to tie the series with the Seattle Sounders. LAFC also finished off Vancouver 1-0 in the second match after winning the first match 5-2.

USWNT’s Potential Coach

Though not officially official, there is every reason to believe that Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes will be the next USWNT head coach. Hayes’ record is stellar both from an on-the-field and off-the-field standpoint. She provided books to her players (much like Ted Lasso), and has employed many different training methods. Frankly, she seems to be a great hire for a USWNT looking to make the jump to the next generation.

Free Kicks

• Liverpool’s Luis Diaz scored the tying goal in a disappointing 1-1 draw with Luton Town. He dedicated the goal to his father, who was kidnapped in Colombia, by displaying an undershirt that stated “Libertad Para Papa.”
• PSV may be looking to add another American as the side has expressed interest in acquiring USMNT defender Miles Robinson.
• Matt Turner was dropped from Nottingham Forest’s lineup following the 2-0 loss to Aston Villa. Odisseas Vlachodimos got the start in his stead.
• Florida State University Women’s Soccer won another ACC title, defeating Clemson 2-1 in the tournament final.
• Hadji Wright scored both of Coventry City’s goals in the 3-2 loss to Preston North End. It was the American’s first brace for Coventry City.
• Aberdeen reached the Scottish Cup final with a 1-0 semifinal victory over Hibernian. Aberdeen will face either Rangers or Hearts in the final.
• North Carolina FC drew 1-1 in extra time before winning 5-4 in the penalty shootout against the Charlotte Independence to claim the USL Championship crown.
• If you were wondering what Marta does in the off-season, wonder no more.

That will do it for today folks. Check back for more coverage as we get you ready for tomorrow night’s match. Vamos Orlando!