Lion Links: 5/27/15

Not gonna lie. I’m really looking forward to a little revenge on Saturday when Columbus Crew SC comes to town. Unfortunately, it’ll have to be done without Brek Shea, but Adrian Heath looks to be getting three injured players back for the weekend, so that’s some good news.

I’ve got to get back to finalizing my big plans to celebrate Seb Hines‘ birthday on Friday, so I’ll leave you now with a helping of Hump Day Lion Links.

FIFA Under Siege for Corruption

In a story that broke overnight, Swiss police arrested several top FIFA officials on charges of corruption. The U.S. and Switzerland have opened criminal investigations into soccer's governing body on charges ranging from bribes to money laundering. According to the CNN story linked here, the U.S. investigation covers wrongdoing that spans 24 years and arrest warrants have been issued for 14 people. The Swiss investigation specifically targets the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids.

Hold on to your seats, folks. This one's going to bear some serious watching.

Turner Called Up to U-23 USMNT

For the first time, Orlando City defender Tyler Turner has been called up to the U-23 U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT). It’s kind of weird that he was snubbed for the U-20 FIFA World Cup roster only to make the 20-man U-23 squad for the Toulon Tournament in France, which starts today and runs through June 7.

Turner has now been called up for his country at the U-17, U-18, U-20 and U-23 levels. The 19-year-old right back has appeared in four MLS matches this season, starting two. You can catch the games on BeIN Sport.

OCYS U-14 Girls Win FPL Champsionship

It’s always nice to check in with the Orlando City Youth Soccer happenings, especially when so many of them are good. The U-14 Girls Purple team has won the Florida Premier League championship. The U-14 girls join the U-13 boys Pro Academy team in claiming an FPL title this year. The U-14 girls team will represent the state of Florida in the national finals in July.

Borg Breaks Down the Controversial Plays from Week 12

If you can stand to listen to Simon Borg yell at you for seven minutes, you can get his take on all the controversial plays from a busy Week 12 in MLS. (Spoiler, you won’t like his take on Brek Shea’s red card.)

Borg's commentary on the Orlando City game starts around the 6:10 mark of the embedded video below. I still think he was clumsy and not going after Nyassi.

Columbus May Be Without Finlay

It's a bit odd to read about other teams having injury problems after so many have struck the Lions this season. But Columbus Crew SC could be without could be without Ethan Finlay, who suffered a broken toe. However, the winger is not expected to miss much time and has already participated in some training, so he might be in the lineup for Columbus on Saturday.

It will be more fun to beat them with him in the starting XI anyway.

LCFC's Fondy Named USL Player of the Week

Orlando City affiliate club Louisville City FC got some good news this week as striker Matt Fondy was named the USL Player of the Week. Fondy scored two goals in Louisville's crazy 3-3 draw at St. Louis FC in a weather-delayed game on Sunday night. It was a good week for LCFC, which won in U.S. Open Cup play in midweek and then drew on the road against their rivals in Week 10 of USL action.

MLS Homegrown Team to Face Club América U-20s

It's just the second annual Chipotle (Mmmmm…Chipotle) MLS Homegrown Game, but Major League Soccer got an intriguing match-up for its young all-star squad. The MLS Homegrown Team will square off against Club América U-20s on July 28 at 9 p.m. at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The game serves as an appetizer for the 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star Game on July 29, which will pit the MLS's best and brightest against English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

We figure Kaká will play on the 29th, and maybe Tommy Redding can play on the 28th. Club América is one of the biggest clubs in Liga MX.

Fenerbahce Gets Four Red Cards in 11 Minutes to Lose Title

Oh, you thought it was bad to see Brek Shea get sent off on Sunday? Well, Fenerbahce fans feel worse. Needing a win over Basakesehir to remain in the hunt for the Turkish Super Lig title with rival Galatasaray, the club completely lost its collective mind. The team earned four red cards in 11 minutes.

But, despite going down to seven (!) men, Fenerbahce actually drew the game, 2-2. Unfortunately for them, they lost a shot at the title. I have to admit, I've never seen more than three red cards in one game before, but I've heard that it does happen.

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Hope you enjoyed your morning cup o'Lion Links. That's it for me today. I'm out. Enjoy your Wednesday. There will be plenty of U.S. Open Cup goodness tonight.