Lion Links: 10/3/15

Welcome to the Saturday edition of Lion Links! This is it, the big day. Win the match or be eliminated. So to entertain ourselves before this evening, check out everything below.

Larin Staying in Orlando

According to the Orlando City brass, there’s no need to worry about the MLS rookie scoring record holder going anywhere, anytime soon. While it’s not hard to imagine him getting calls from the English Premier League, or Bundesliga, it seems the Canadian striker is very happy to stay in Orlando and continue to develop his game. We may have to say goodbye to Cyle at some point, but it shouldn’t be too soon.

Cyle Makes Another List

Cyle Larin’s recent performance has people talking, which has landed him on a watch list for matches this weekend. Larin is our number one to watch, but there are other players and matches to check out as well.Others to make the list were Sacha Kljestan (New York Red Bulls), Dom Dwyer (Sporting Kansas City), Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas), and Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders).

The MLS Playoff Picture

Not sure what has to happen for the Lions to make the playoffs? Confused by thy multitude of scenarios that can play out? Here is a clear breakdown of what happens when who wins/loses heading into the playoffs. Or head here for a more in depth look at some of this weekend’s important story lines.

Major Sponsors Line Up to Oust Sepp Blatter

Remember when Sepp Blatter said he would resign as the head of FIFA? Those were fun times. But surprisingly, the rooked megalomaniac has decided FIFA can’t live without him. That’s when money talks and two major sponsors stepped up Friday in a big way, when Coke and McDonald’s both publicly demanded Sepp resign his position. Blatter gonna Blatter though, so his response was swift and predictable:

Blatter: I won’t resign. Full statement: pic.twitter.com/BCm3YJlx5o

— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) October 2, 2015

This Weekend in the English Premier League

As if there wasn’t enough excitement in MLS this weekend, there are some great matches in EPL as well, including an important match-up between Liverpool and Everton in the Mercyside derby. Liverpool skipper Brendan Rodgers is potentially on the hot seat, making this match a must-see.

Hope Solo Going Back to Court

The Washington state appeals court has overturned the lower court ruling in the domestic violence case against Hope Solo. The U.S. Women’s National Team and Seattle Reign goalkeeper will now have the case heard in the Kirkland Municipal Court, though no date has been set. The original case was dismissed on procedural grounds, and was appealed by the City of Kirkland prosecutor’s office. Solo’s representatives have stated that they will appeal the latest ruling.

That story is a bit of a downer. Why don’t we end on something a bit more fun…

Landon Donovan to the Steelers?

Well, no. But after the Pittsburgh Steelers’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night, Donovan did respond to a Twitter request that he take over kicking duties for the losing team. For a retired guy, he’s pretty busy. What do you think? Can you see him donning the Black and Gold? Would the helmet mess with his form? And why would someone move from L.A. to Pittsburgh?

That’s all for this edition, but don’t forget to hit the Pride Pub before tonight’s match. As always, Go Lions!