Lion Links: 6/27/15

It’s game day at the Citrus Bowl, just not for Orlando City. City fans can rejoice, however, because Chicharito will be playing, so today is a great chance to show up and recrui… er…. I mean, root, for the Mexican international. In the mean time, let’s start the day with some Lion Links.

Orlando City Has Built a Fortress

In sports, fans often make a difference. Orlando City opponents know that all too well when they visit the fortress that is the Citrus Bowl. With the beating drums and the singing of the supporter groups, no team wants to face the Lions in front of our home crowd and that is something we can all be proud of. For anyone still skeptical of the impact the home crowd has for the Lions, one only needs to look at our record at home. After a slow start, the Lions have a current streak of six unbeaten games at home, including a 4-0 thrashing of the defending champion LA Galaxy, and they look to continue that streak in U.S. Open Cup play against Columbus Crew SC on Tuesday.

Sean St. Ledger's Career Revived in Orlando

After several years of bouncing around between clubs, Sean St. Ledger's career seems to be on the upswing with Orlando City. In this piece from the Irish Examiner, we get a nice examination of how St. Ledger feels here in Orlando. Besides enjoying playing alongside former world player of the year, Kaká, the Irishman is also hoping to rejuvenate his international career with Ireland, a side that has not needed his service since 2013.

Like many players, both international and domestic, the schedule and travel demands of playing in the league are brutal at times but from what we have seen, St. Ledger is able to put that aside on the field and has put on several spectacular performances lately. We hope to see him keep it up throughout the season.

USWNT Advance to Semi-Finals

America is going to the semifinals of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup after a 1-0 win over China in Ottawa last night. Despite a seemingly endless amount of chances, the U.S. scored only one goal, but that proved to be all the Yanks needed to put away a Chinese side that had done a lot to make it this far. With her 134th win, Hope Solo becomes the winningest goalkeeper in U.S. Soccer history. In what is, by far, the toughest semifinal of the tournament, the USWNT hopes to advance to the final with a win against a powerful German side that barely beat France in penalty kicks last night.

Chicago Fire Trade Amarikwa to San Jose

Although the move cannot be made official until July 8, San Jose announced yesterday that veteran defender Ty Harden will be heading to the Windy City in exchange for prolific forward Quincy Amarikwa. Amarikwa began his MLS career in San Jose in 2009, so this trade has a homecoming feel to it. Thankfully, there is one less speed demon in the East for Orlando City to have to handle.

Ben Affleck to Produce FIFA Scandal Movie

If there is one thing Americans love, it's taking scandals and turning them into more cold, hard cash. Hollywood star Ben Affleck is looking to help Warner Brothers capitalize on the FIFA scandal and the film will be focused primarily on Chuck Blazer. I, for one, am looking forward to the 30-minute feature on the apartment for Blazer's cats and am intrigued as to who will play Blazer in the film. Tim Allen has experience playing Santa Claus, he has my vote. Let us know in the comments below what you think of this and what you hope to see in the film.

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That's it for today, folks. Let's all hope Chicharito falls in love with the City Beautiful tonight so the recruitment process won't be as difficult. Have a great day!