Lion Links: 5/28/15

We are now into our second day of Blatter-gate (not to be confused with Bladder-gate although both smell of urine) and while I know it is impossible to tear yourself away from the horrendous puns of the government:

Let’s tear ourselves away from ESPN’s sudden love for soccer for the next 10 minutes or so.

OCSC President Phil Rawlins Calls for FIFA Reform

I know, I know. I said we were done with the FIFA stuff and I brought it up because I am a horrible person but bear with me because Phil Rawlins definitely did not mince words (unlike other US Soccer officials). Yesterday, Orlando City’s Founder and President released this statement via Facebook:

“Today, thanks to the FBI, soccer took a big step in the right direction. The charges brought against the 9 FIFA officials and 5 corporate executives is hopefully just the beginning of fully reforming FIFA, and that includes getting rid of Sepp Blatter.” -Phil Rawlins

Essentially, Phil took what the entire world was thinking and put it in to words that, coming from the president of an incredibly successful team, will probably have no impact. Sadly FIFA can keep saying how dedicated they are to transparency but Blatter is not fooling anyone. We have all known how corrupt soccer’s governing body is and thinks are unlikely to change.

This can all be summed up greatly by this meme:

Orlando City To Face Charleston Battery in U.S. Open Cup Round 4

Charleston came from behind to beat the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers 3-2 in U.S. Open Cup play and will now host Orlando City on June 17 for Round 4 of the tournament. Orlando first played Charleston in preseason play and hope to breeze by the team in their first ever match in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as an MLS team.

Rivera Scores as LCFC Moves on to Round 4 in USOC Play

They had to work overtime, but Louisville City FC got two goals in the second half of the 30 extra minutes to beat Indy 11 on the road, 2-0. LCFC got goals from Nate Polak (116′) and Orlando City loanee Sidney Rivera (119′) late in extra time after the two sides failed to score in regulation. It was Rivera’s first goal as a professional in his first start. Louisville’s next opponent is the Chicago Fire of MLS.

Sevilla Wins Europa League Final

While many people across the world, including myself, forgot about the Europe League final yesterday, fans of both Sevilla and Dnipro were enthralled in a fantastic final that ended 3-2 in favor of the Spaniards. Sevilla not only defended their Europa crown but also claim the title of winningest team in the competition, with four titles. While many teams prefer to focus on the Champions League, for obvious reasons, Sevilla fans, players, and staff have much to rejoice about.

Queens Park Rangers to Release Six Players Upon Contract Expiry

Queens Park has announced that it will not be re-signing several players after a very disappointing season led to the team being relegated to the Championship after only one season in England’s top flight. Among the players set to be looking for new homes are 36-year-old defender Rio Ferdinand and 32-year-old Joey Barton. Also among the players out of contract is Shaun Wright-Phillips, brother of NYRB star Bradley Wright-Phillips.

The rumor mill is sure to start spinning with several of the players to consider moves stateside. Knowing MLS, could we see the Wright-Phillips brothers facing off in the “New York Derby”?

* * *

That’s it for today folks, feel free to go back to watching the FIFA coverage. Or drink battery acid. Whichever you find more enjoyable. In all seriousness, have a great day! And don’t forget, our latest episode of the Mane Land PawedCast will drop this afternoon.