Lion Links: 6/18/15

Welcome back, and thanks for tuning into today’s edition of Lion Links, presented by The Mane Land. If last night’s U.S. Open Cup game against the Charleston Battery wasn’t exciting enough for you, we sure hope to make up for that today.

Let's get done business. Here are today's top stories:

Lions Squeak Out a Win in PKs, Move on to Round 5

It was a crazy, nailbiting affair, but Orlando City moves on to the fifth round of the U.S. Open Cup after winning a 10-man penalty shootout over the Battery in Charleston last night. If you didn't see it, you'll never believe what's in this match recap of the wildest game of this inaugural MLS season. I'm not even capable of telling you what happened. You had to see it to believe it. Be sure to check out our player grades, too. Orlando City will learn its Round 5 opponents today via a draw.

Crazy Aftermath

Orlando City could not go directly back to the team hotel after the match. Multiple people were shot at a church just across the street from the team's hotel while the game was going on at Blackbaud Stadium. In addition, there was a bomb threat called into the area. The players, coaches and staff stayed on the team bus at the stadium waiting for the all clear. Here's how it played out:

We're happy to hear the team got safely back to the hotel. They'll travel to Montreal today.

Josh Ford’s Loan with Fort Lauderdale Extended

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers announced on Tuesday that goalkeeper Josh Ford's loan from Orlando City has been extended for additional service. Ford, whose deal was supposed to end this week, will now travel with the NASL club to Brazil this weekend for a friendly match against Ponte Preta on Saturday, June 20.

Ford hasn’t seen a ton of playing time since being loaned out, but he’s already seen more minutes in Fort Lauderdale then he has with Orlando City this season, starting the last two matches. Being on the same roster as top MLS goalkeepers like Donovan Ricketts and Tally Hall won’t do you many favors in getting you on the field.

Bryan Rochez is Staying Home this Summer

The Honduran national team announced its 23-man Gold Cup roster on Wednesday, and not among those included in the squad was Orlando City’s Bryan Rochez, who had just recently finished up a stint with the Honduran U-20s in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Rochez has struggled to find his form with Orlando City this year, but has starred for the U-20s across various competitions in 2015. The Lions will need Rochez this summer when Cyle Larin goes away to the Gold Cup with Canada. So, good for the club, bad for the player.

It's Time to Go Tailgating

Orlando Weekly recently released a list of the Top 100 things you need to do in Orlando before you die, and tailgating at an Orlando City match came in at No. 3 on the list. No surprise, the Ruckus and Iron Lion Firm know how to party!

The Orlando City tailgate finished behind only drink a Duff beer and eat a Krusty burger at the Simpsons Springfield at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure, and getting a reading at the Kerouac House. If you ask me, I'd rather party at the Citrus Bowl.

DeAndre Yedlin on the Move Again?

Not seven months after making his move to Tottenham in January from the Seattle Sounders, USMNT defender DeAndre Yelin could be on the move again this summer. It appears that Tottenham are close to signing right back Kieran Trippier from Burnley, which could make Yedlin a disposable piece, and Norwich City appear to be the team that could land his services.

Jurgen Klinsmann doesn't care about where Yedlin plays next season as long as he's in Europe.

Clint Dempsey Facing a Possible Suspension?

If you haven't seen the video by now, you need to look at this:

What you just saw was Clint Dempsey grabbing the referee’s book and ripping it in half on Tuesday night after being sent off in the Seattle Sounders’ 1-0 Open Cup loss to the Portland Timbers. Well, according to the U.S. Soccer Federation laws of the game (Section 531-9), that little stunt could result in a three-month suspension for the American captain, which would include this summer’s Gold Cup.

Will a three-month ban actually happen? Doubtful, but you never know.

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That's all we have for you today. Thanks for tuning in, and stick around for the rest of what The Mane Land has in store for you on this Thursday.