Lion Links: 4/1/15

With the beginning of April, comes April Fools' Day, with practical jokes and hoaxes. Jozy Altidore acted like a fool and the referee did not take any jokes from him. More on that later. Let's get linking!

Brek-ing Not Bad

As March came to a close, The United States Men’s National Team continued their preparation for the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Tuesday with a friendly against Switzerland — ranked 12th by FIFA — in Zurich. Although it was a friendly, the U.S. needed to get some sort of mojo back, as the Yanks are 2-4-2 since the World Cup, tying three times and losing three times when leading with half an hour or less to go.

Orlando City’s own Brek Shea put the ball in the back of the net with a beautiful free kick in the 45th minute. According to Paul Carr of ESPN, Shea’s goal is the first USMNT goal off a direct free kick since Altidore vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina in August of 2013.

Valentin Stocker scored in the 80th minute to tie the game up at 1, which ended as the final score. The U.S. has now been outscored 12-1 in the second half of matches since the World Cup and the Red, White and Blue have now given up eight goals in the 80th minute or later in their last eight matches.

No Joking Before April 1

Former Boca Raton Junior Soccer club star, Jozy Altidore did not play in a friendly manner during the friendly and was sent off the pitch after receiving two straight yellows from the referee in the 68th minute.

"He used some verbal words," Klinsmann said of Altidore's dismissal. "I asked the ref, obviously — I told the players at halftime guys you can probably do fouls, you can do certain things but never joke with an Italian referee.

"It's unfortunate but it happened. He got sent off for a verbal comment by an Italian referee."

Pay-to-Play Ruining Women's Soccer

The expenses of youth soccer has created very little diversification on the U.S. Women's National Team. Two questions being asked are: "Is this a big problem?" and "How is it fixed?" Our friends over at The Bent Musket addressed the topic in this thoughtful piece.

Vote for Kaká!

Reminder that Kaká was nominated for MLS’ Etihad Airways MLS Player of the Month for March. The 2002 World Cup winner is one of five players nominated for the award, so make sure to vote before 11:59 p.m PT on Wednesday.

His two goals — including one in the 91st minute to tie the game in the home opener of the inaugural season — and one assist has helped carry Orlando City to 1-1-2 record. Vote for Kaká by clicking the link above.

As always, remember to come pack the Citrus Bowl as Orlando City host D.C. United at 7 p.m. Friday.