Lion Links: 9/6/23

Hello, Mane Landers. I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve had a busy week working a lot, but am looking forward to getting back to covering high school football and soccer up here in Chicago later this week. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Facundo Torres, Oscar Pareja, and Pedro Gallese Earn Recognition

Orlando City’s Facundo Torres was named to the latest MLS Team of the Matchday. Torres scored the lone goal for the Lions just before halftime in a win against FC Cincinnati this past Saturday. Torres has been in stellar form, scoring in the Lions last four matches. Oscar Pareja was also chosen as the coach for the MLS Team of the Matchday after snapping FC Cincinnati’s unbeaten streak at home this season. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made the bench for coming up with four saves in that match and earning his eighth clean sheet of the season.

Moises Tablante Up for MLS NEXT Pro Goal of the Matchday

Orlando City B midfielder Moises Tablante’s goal from this past weekend was nominated for MLS NEXT Pro Goal of the Matchday.

Tablante scored in the 74th minute for the Young Lions in OCB’s 6-3 loss to Crown Legacy FC this past Sunday. Tablante took on two defenders and delivered a fantastic strike towards the top right corner of the goal to give OCB its third goal in the match, and his fourth of the season.

Robin Fraser Out as Colorado Rapids Head Coach

The Colorado Rapids have parted ways with their head coach, Robin Fraser. The Rapids lost 2-0 to Real Salt Lake this past weekend, which was their fifth straight loss. The Rapids sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with 19 points. Fraser has coached the Rapids since 2019, leading the club to consecutive postseason appearances during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. In 2021, Fraser led the Rapids to their best regular season points total, topping the Western Conference with 61 points. Chris Little, who has been an assistant coach since 2021, will serve as the interim head coach.

Spain Fires Women’s National Team Manager Jorge Vilda

The Royal Spanish Football Federation has fired Jorge Vilda as manager of the women’s national team less than a month after Spain won the Women’s World Cup. Vilda had been the team’s since 2015 but had never won a knockout stage match at a major tournament prior to this year’s World Cup. Vilda has also been embroiled in controversy during his tenure, as 15 players rebelled against him a year ago and complained to the federation about his management style, conditions for the national team, and needs for a more professional environment. Vilda was also among those who applauded President Luis Rubiales when he refused to resign despite facing widespread criticism following his actions after kissing Jenni Hermoso during the award ceremony for winning Spain’s first Women’s World Cup. The federation appointed Montse Tome to replace Vilda, making her the first woman to coach Spain’s women’s team.

Free Kicks

• In case you missed it, check out the latest sights and sounds video on the Lions’ win in Cincinnati.

• New York City FC midfielder Maxi Moralez has torn his ACL and will miss the remainder of the MLS season.
• The Columbus Crew waived midfielder Luis Diaz. The 24-year-old has made just four appearances this season.
• After only securing three points in its opening four matches in La Liga, Villarreal has fired manager Quique Setien.
• Stars and Stripes FC gives a breakdown of all the Americans who could be featured in European club competitions this season.
• Americans Ricardo Pepi and Rokas Pukstas were nominated for the 2023 Golden Boy award.
• The 2023 FIFA Club World Cup draw took place on Tuesday, setting up the possibility that Manchester City could face Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad side in the final this December in Saudi Arabia.
• AFC Wrexham beat Newcastle United’s U-21 squad 1-0 in its first match of this year’s EFL Trophy competition.

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