Lion Links: 2/17/16

While Brad normally covers your beverage needs in Thirsty Thursday, I do want to give a little love to my friend from last night: Dogfish Head's India Brown Ale. It's my favorite example of brown ale, which is a truly under-appreciated style. It really lets the malt shine while balancing it with the perfect amount of hops, all while steering clear of sweet ambers or dark stouts. It pairs beautifully with a nice plate of Lion Links.

Return to Normalcy

There is no secret that it was a fairly tumultuous offseason for the front office. The rapid turnover spurred a lot of discussion around the direction of the team. Between the departure of Paul McDonough, Ian Fuller, and ultimately even Armando Carneiro, some were starting to speculate whether or not a power struggle was brewing. Any conclusions drawn off those events remain speculation, but yesterday, Head Coach Adrian Heath suggested that all was in fact, not well in paradise. Quoting Heath:

For a few weeks there it was a little bit hairy which way it was going to go and I think there was a lot of uncertainty, but the most important thing I believe is that the owner, Flávio [Augusto da Silva], made an incredibly brave decision to do what he did in such a short period of time and I believe that he made the right decision.

Heath doesn't point any fingers or name any names, but it's pretty clear that he was not in full agreement with all of the off-season moves.

Go To A Game… Again

Early this morning, the Orlando City twitter account got us primed for some news with this tweet.

Oh, yeah. Get pumped. They must finally be announcing the Nocerino signing. Or maybe some big news with the stadium. Man, I can't wait to see what this announcement is. Here it is!! It's the new opening day promotion. Oh. Well, I guess that's cool. Well, I'm sure they at least got some slick, inspiring slogan. #FillTheBowlAgain. Look, I'm as excited about the season starting as anyone else, but is that really the best we can do? I guess it was either that or #MoreSoccer.

OCB Getting Down To Business

Though there remain a few questions on the exact configuration of the final roster, but Anthony Pulis and the B team (which is the name of my new band, by the way) are getting their preseason in full gear. They've announced a full preseason slate which includes games, let me see… today! That's a pretty hefty workload, so get out and see the team if you're in the area. And if you want to see them out in Melbourne, single game tickets are now on sale. Stay tuned in to The Mane Land for coverage of OCB's preseason and regular season.

Orlando Pride Represented in Croatia

The U.S. Women's U-23 team will be playing in the Istria Cup in Croatia from March 1 to March 7. Aside from the Americans and the host country, France, Hungary, Northern Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia will be participating. And, of course, the Orlando Pride will be represented as Samantha Witteman will be on the squad. Witteman is preparing for her first season in the NWSL, so this should prove a tremendous learning experience.

Free Kicks

• Do you know who will win the CONCACAF Champions League? Do you like online voting with large pictures? Then head over here and let your genius be appreciated!
• Have you ever watched a soccer tournament and wondered why they can't take themselves as seriously as the UEFA Champions League? Well, so did Uruguayan TV broadcasters TCC.
• Can I make every bullet in the "Free Kicks" start with a question? Yes, I can. Now go watch this killer goal from Malaysia.

And those are your Lion Links for this Wednesday. Try not to spend them all in one place.