Lion Links
Lion Links: 6/10/15
It’s Wednesday y’all, and we’re four days away from seeing the Lions take on D.C. United. The only thing worse than being four days away from game day is being five days away from game day. Luckily, we’ve got some other soccer going on to keep us busy. Check out today’s Lion Links.
First: BEER – Plans Submitted for Brewery Near Orlando City Soccer Stadium
Two breweries, Broken Strings and Black Cauldron have combined into one in an effort to get a brewery location near the new Orlando City soccer stadium. In a city that continues to undergo construction projects, a brewery about 1,000 feet from the stadium would certainly be a welcomed addition.
"With 20 home soccer games a year, we will see tremendous traffic there during that time, and during other nearby events," said co-owner Charles Frizzell.
No complaints. Go beer.
Early Access
Orlando City has posted the option on its website for fans to sign up for early renderings of the new stadium before they are released to the public.
On the website it says all you're required to fill in is your first and last name and an email address. But there may be more to it. After entering the information in, I never received an email or anything about the renderings. Maybe it's some sort of contest. Maybe you will just have better luck than I.
U.S. U-20s Reach World Cup Quarterfinals
Rubio Rubin's goal provided all the offense needed as the U-20 USMNT knocked off Colombia, 1-0 in Wellington, New Zealand last night to reach the quarterfinals of the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Orlando City defender Conor Donovan didn't play, but his team fights on in their quest for the championship. Zack Steffen helped his cause by stopping a penalty kick and the U.S. finished down a man but held on for the win.
Next up for the Yanks is Serbia on Sunday, which knocked off Hungary with a goal in the 118th minute in extra time to win, 2-1. The U.S. will have to play without Jordan Allen and Kellyn Acosta due to yellow card accumulation.
Louisville City Gets Fernandez on Loan
Midfielder Collin Fernandez has joined Louisville City on loan from the Chicago Fire, the club announced Tuesday. Fernandez is a member of the U.S. U-18 Men’s National Team player pool and made the trip to Mexico in 2011 with the U-14 team.
The Orlando City USL affiliate will host the New York Red Bulls 2 on June 20, when fans can get their first look at the 5-foot-8 midfielder, who scored 16 goals in 25 matches with the U-18 Chicago Fire in 2013-2014.
What the Aussies 'learnt' in the Loss to the USWNT
America is not that good. Australia is world class. Caitlin Foord might as well be the star of the new Terminator movie. You would think it was the Aussies who came away with a 3-1 victory by those takeaways. The Aussies gave a valiant effort, but that’s quite a lot of positives coming out of a 3-1 loss, in which the U.S. played most of the game without its top scorer (Alex Morgan) and an out-of-form Abby Wambach.
But, consider the Aussies' glass half full. They are, after all, one of the most optimistic countries in the world. (BONUS LINK)
The Australian team does win in one category, though: Best name. Seriously, Matildas? Fantastic.
Klinsmann Pro-Relegation in MLS
Wiz Khalifa said it best. We are all just searching for the thrill of it. USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann agrees, saying he thinks adding a relegation system to the MLS would add a thrill to the league that it hasn't had in its history.
"This thrill of the relegation battle is non-existent in the U.S. league. The risk for club investors to all of a sudden play in the second league would be too high. But the sporting side would benefit from it. Our players from Europe know that. That furthers our national team. Something is at stake week in, week out. Be it at the top or at the bottom, you always have to perform."
It would be an uphill battle to get owners and investors to buy into the relegation system in the MLS, but it’s an interesting concept. It certainly might make some people care about the Colorado Rapids now and then.
Chicharito May Consider MLS move
It looks as if Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez may be going back on his original statement that he would not play for an MLS franchise.
His agent said Tuesday (Spanish link) that his client would not be returning to Manchester United and that the club would be willing to lower the price to place Chicharito in Europe or the MLS.
So basically, see you in Orlando.
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That's about it folks. Hope you enjoyed my first post. I'll be seeing you around these parts.