Lion Links: 6/9/15

Happy Tuesday, everyone. If Monday didn’t start off the right way, fret not. We’re one day closer to the weekend and you’ve got four more days for things to turn around.
Plus, I’m sure you’re doing better than FIFA, who are under fire in the board room and the box office.

Larin Earns a Goal of the Week Nomination

Cyle Larin may have come off the bench for the first time in nine games Saturday, but he made his impact felt in Orlando City’s 3-2 win over Chicago. The Rookie of the Year candidate replaced Pedro Ribeiro in the 66th minute. Sixteen minutes later, Larin split two defenders and placed a shot at the top of the penalty arc, getting past Jon Busch and tying the game at two apiece. The goal, which was Larin’s fifth of the season, is up for AT&T’s MLS Goal of the Week. Do the right thing and vote early and often for it.

Collin Collects MLS Team of the Week Honors

Another week, another Orlando City player making the MLS Team of the Week. However, this week comes from a different website, as NBC Sports’ Pro Soccer Talk voted Aurelien Collin to the team. Collin returned from injury this week and bolstered Orlando’s defense, eliminating potential scoring opportunities for the Fire. Collin didn’t seem to be hindered by the hamstring that has given him troubles since first injuring it against D.C. United on May 13. Collin’s health will be vital as the Lions look to regain some consistency among the starting lineup.

America Reigns Supreme

After much anticipation, friendly wins over Ireland and Mexico, and a national campaign only Nike can produce, the United States Women’s National Team had a big debut, defeating Australia 3-1 in their opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Megan Rapinoe scored the first goal in the 12th minute, while Christen Press knocked one in the net in the 61st. Rapinoe put away the game with her second score in the 77th minute. The United States looked strong against Australia, much like this battle between the countries’ national animals.

More Designated Players, Please

Good news for MLS fans, as Metro New York is reporting the league is looking at adding a fourth Designated Player slot to each roster. However, the slot will have a cap between $750,000 and $1 million, so any daydreams of having a roster containing four high-priced international superstars should be curtailed. Metro cites part of MLS’s reason behind the potential fourth player is to help the league from losing players (namely national ones) to larger contracts overseas. While some are still sure to go across the pond, a larger salary and the chance to stay at home could be the deciding factor for a player on the fence.

As the Third Rail Turns

Speaking of designated players, it appears the rumors of David Villa willing to go to Manchester City on loan in January were simply speculation. While that may alleviate some of the angst emanating from Yankee Stadium, the news of Andrea Pirlo dismissing reports of joining NYCFC in the summer can’t help morale for a fan base that is looking to make something out of one of the worst seasons in MLS expansion franchise history.