Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/2/15
What’s up, gang? It’s Wednesday and we still have no word on whether or not Cyle Larin has been awarded the goal on Saturday night. So keep an eye out for that. Otherwise, we’ve got a whole host of links for you guys today. Let’s get to it.
Hall Up for Save of the Week
What’s new here? Tally Hall has been nominated for save of the week with his effort on Eric Gherig’s header in the first half of Saturday’s rain-soaked fiasco against Chicago.
The impressive thing about this save from Hall is that He was beaten near post earlier in the game on David Accam’s goal that gave the Fire the lead. Hall should not have been beaten near post on the play, and this time he made sure that it was not going to happen.
It’s interesting that Sean Johnson’s save on Darwin Ceren’s last second blast didn’t make the cut, given that it saved the game for the Fire and allowed them to salvage a point. It was on par with Andre Blake’s save at the least, and could have been in contention to win.
That being said, I personally don’t believe Hall will win. I think that honor will go to Clint Irwin’s phenomenal two-save effort.
Orlando Sentinel Releases Commemorative Orlando City Book
The Orlando Sentinel is selling a commemorative book about Orlando City’s inaugural MLS season called “Purple Reign.” It’s available for $24.95 for a limited time. It’s 144 pages of content produced by the Orlando Sentinel staff.
Get “Purple Reign,” a commemorative book that captures @OrlandoCitySC‘s inaugural season http://t.co/3vtwr0YKOu pic.twitter.com/KHyGaHIkYA
— Orlando Sentinel (@orlandosentinel) September 1, 2015
This book will largely feature the beat reporting of Paul Tenorio, who has done a terrific job all season. I reached out to Paul to see if the book was completed, or if content would continue to be added to have a representation of the entire season, but he did not respond before deadline. He may be making last minute plans for his upcoming wedding though, so that’s understandable (seriously, congrats, Paul!).
Bedell Loaned to Danish Side
Recently acquired 6-foot-7 striker Adam Bedell was loaned out to Denmark’s HB Koge the club announced on Tuesday. Bedell never appeared in a match for the Lions after being acquired from the Columbus Crew during the transfer window. He will be on loan until Dec. 31, 2015.
And as this commenter below stated, you guys want to know how he’s playing.
The answer: pretty darn good.
In his first match for HB Køge today, Orlando City loanee Adam Bedell scored 3 goals vs. Frederikssund in Denmark’s DBU Cup.
— Orlando Soccer Daily (@OrlSoccerDaily) September 1, 2015
The Lions could have used some of that offense right about now. That’s more goals in one game than Orlando City has scored in the last five league matches combined.
He looked pretty happy about it afterwards.
PRO Refs Seeing Red
Jack-of-all-trades writer Simon Veness took a good look at the issues PRO refs are causing in soccer.
The statistics in this story are fascinating and eye-popping.
Since PRO was founded under the guidance of top British referee Peter Walton in 2012, the number of red cards has increased from 60 that year to 84 the following season and 87 in 2014. This year, there have been 66 reds issued in 231 games, which would add up to a record 93 over the full season.
It is a trend that has certainly been noticeable this season when watching Orlando City. But, it isn’t only happening to the Lions. Red cards are up all around the league. This issue is reminiscent of when the NFL referees were locked out and the league used replacement refs. What followed was an astounding increase of penalty calls.
And this.
This was nothing more than inexperienced refs being in over their head. Maybe the MLS should take a look at some the issues with their officials, before something like this or a repeat of the Mexico-Costa Rica Gold Cup match happens down the stretch of the MLS season.
Bonus Links!
That’s all for the links. One day closer to game day. Enjoy your Wednesday.