Lion Links: 12/12/15

After ten hours of driving, I am finally back in the 407 and may I say it is good to be back in my favorite soccer city. May you enjoy the Lion Links as much as I am enjoying being back in the town that is painted purple.

Group Has Complaints About Orlando City Soccer Stadium
A group called the Orlando Appearance Review Board isn't happy about the expanded seating in the new soccer stadium redesign, or a canopy that would hang over Church Street. The stadium, originally designed to hold 19,000, was reconfigured after Orlando City chose to privately fund the facility and expand it to accommodate 25,000.

“You’re trying to put a size 13 shoe in a 9 box. It doesn’t fit, it’s way too much. It really encroaches up against the streets, all the way around,” one board member said during a November meeting.

“I’m really concerned about what this does to the Parramore neighborhood, and as some of you said, it really doesn’t. It is not a welcoming facility to be plopped right in the middle of a residential, historic neighborhood,” another member said at the meeting.

Apparently the City Council has the final say.

Alex Morgan and Teammates Speaks Out

Last week it was reported that the members of the United States Women's National team would not be playing their scheduled game in Honolulu, Hawaii due to concerns regarding the turf. Since then, Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan has stepped forth as a voice for the issue, even going as far to make a jab at the United States Soccer Federation. She was quoted as saying,

"obviously we want to play in front of these fans and we want to train before the game, but injuries happen when you don't protect yourself and when you're not protected from those higher up from you."

Teammate Hope Solo also chimed in, explaining,

"soccer is not meant to be played on turf. The ball rolls differently, there are dead spots, and it is hard on your body."

Morgan has continually been the voice when it comes to inequality between men and women's soccer in America. Earlier this year she made a complaint over twitter in regard to the "horrible" hotel conditions in Kansas City, she spoke out against Sepp Blatter and his sexist remarks, and now with her argument against the turf conditions, it is clear that Morgan has a voice and she plans to use it until there is equality within the game.

Morgan and the rest of her teammates can be seen in action on Dec. 13 in New Orleans, LA, which will mark the last game for star striker Abby Wambach.

MLS Suspends Jermaine Jones

In the 92nd minute of a match on Oct. 28, 2015, Jermaine Jones was issued a yellow card for dissent. Jones made contact with the official following the original card and was then shown a red card. As a result of these actions, Jones was issued a six-game suspension from Major League Soccer's Discipline Committee. This suspension covers all professional soccer, including for the United States.

Marta Beats Pele's Record

On Wednesday, Brazilian forward Marta scored five goals against Trinidad and Tobago in the International Tournament of Natal, making her the highest scoring player in Brazilian History. She has scored 98 goals in only 100 appearances, overtaking Pele, who netted in 95 goals during his career. This was also her 100th time wearing the famous number 10 jersey.

Adidas MLS Player Combine Invitees Announced

On Friday, Major League Soccer announced the 59 NCAA division I players that have been invited to participate in the 2016 Adidas MLS Player Combine. All of the players invited will play in front of the 20 MLS coaches, and will be available for selection in the 2016 Super Draft that will take place on January 14 in Baltimore, Maryland. The players were selected by a committee of MLS and NCAA coaches from each division. Included in the invitees are the six finalists for the MAC Hermann Trophy, with Clemson teammates, Paul Clowes and Kyle Fisher ACC conference, Brandon Vincent from the Pac-12, Timo Pitter from the BIG EAST, leading the way. There will be four teams in the combine and the remainder of the players will be announced in the coming weeks.

Well guys, that is it for today, Take advantage of the Florida sunshine, kick the ball around, and appreciate the perfect year-round soccer weather.