Lion Links: 7/11/15

It’s match day folks, which means it’s time to get out there, enjoy some tailgating, and cheer on the Lions towards three points against FC Dallas. Here are some Lion Links to get your game day started.

Orlando City Enters Toughest Week of the Season

Orlando City has a big week coming up, writes Simon Veness of MLSsoccer.com, and missing several key players will not make it any easier. With Kaká out tonight, and Cyle Larin and Darwin Ceren out on international duty, the team faces questions as to who will step up in their absence. Look to see Lewis Neal and Pedro Ribeiro making a difference today as the Lions face FC Dallas for the first time in their MLS existence.

USMNT Dumps Haiti 1-0, Advances to Gold Cup Quarterfinals

Like Tuesday night, it wasn’t pretty in the least, but the United States found a way to score a goal against a packed-in Haitian defense (actually two, but the first was erroneously waved off for offside) to win 1-0 and advance to the Gold Cup quarterfinals. Clint Dempsey did the honors early in the second half, scoring his third of the tournament. Aron Johannsson was wronged by the assistant referee in the first half. Monday night’s match against Panama is now meaningless for the U.S., which has clinched the group with six points.

Former OCSC U-23 Player Signs With Queens Park Rangers

Former Orlando City youth player Tyler Blackwood has signed a 1-year deal with English side Queens Park Rangers. The 23-year-old striker scored six goals while on a trial period with the team and hopes to turn his trial success into success with the senior squad. It's always nice to see former Orlando players having success, even if it is elsewhere.

Frank Lampard Ruled Out Against Toronto FC

Adding to the schadenfreude at New York City FC’s expense, long-awaited Designated Player Frank Lampard is having his debut delayed even longer, but this time, it isn’t because the parent club wants him. Lampard picked up a slight calf strain in training the other day and will be out for at least one match. Don’t worry Frank, we understand why you don’t want to play with Man City Lite.

Freddy Adu Rumored to Join Tampa in NASL

Freddy Adu is set to return to the U.S. with NASL side Tampa Bay and nothing makes for better internet than a joke of a player signing with a joke of a team. (OK, that is mostly the supporter side of me but c'mon, Tampa wasn't even able to beat us when we were a league below them. Look who is laughing now.) While Adu was once considered a "future Pele," his career so far has been much Adu about nothing.

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That's it for today folks. Enjoy the match and be sure to come back tonight for our recap and player grades!