Lion Links: 3/21/16

Good Monday morning. This past weekend was packed with soccer. Our Lions enter a bye week and will return to welcome the Portland Timbers on April 3 at the Citrus Bowl. If you need to get your fill on soccer action, Orlando City B will start the season this weekend, hosting Wilmington Hammerheads FC in Melbourne. To update my fantasy situation, my team stinks on ice, however, I was able to smile as my bracket is still in good shape. So grab your coffee and enjoy today’s links.

Tim Howard Is Coming Back To MLS

The Colorado Rapids confirmed yesterday that they have signed U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper, Tim Howard, from Everton. Our friends over at Burgundy Wave had their own special take on the announcement. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but those Rapids fans just remind me of Browns fans and they are just as amusing to me. All that and Jermaine Jones too. Get your popcorn because it’s going to be good on Aug. 20, when Orlando City hits the road to take on those Rapids.

Klinsmann Releases USMNT Roster And the U-20 Team

Yesterday, USMNT Coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced the team taking on Guatemala for a pair of semifinal round World Cup qualifying matches, which begin this Friday. It’s a bit disappointing that Brek Shea didn’t get a call-up, but at the same time I’m glad he stays nice and safe in Orlando. Also in national team news, the U-20 team and Tommy Redding began Dallas Cup action on Sunday against CF Monterrey Rayados. The U.S. came out on top, 1-0.

More On Orlando Pride Players

The Pride return to the practice pitch today then travel to Gainesville on Tuesday to take on the Florida Gators in their second preseason match. The Mane Land has already introduced you to Jasmyne Spencer, and All White Kits, has broken down the trialists on the team. These women are fighting for a chance to be added to the Pride reserve squad with the chance to someday earn a contract. Allie Wisner may have helped her cause when she scored against Eastern Florida State College last Saturday. Joining the team this week is Canadian international Josée Bélanger. Once she passes her physical, she'll be be allowed to practice.

Soccer News From Around The World

The fan experience in MLS is great. Most people don't worry about their safety at a match, which is something to be grateful for because that can't be said for many places around the world. In Morocco, a clash between fans left two dead and almost 50 people injured. In Turkey, the match between two teams was called off due to an unspecified threat. Security is very high at sporting events in Europe due to the Paris attacks, and I commend officials taking the safety of the teams and the spectators seriously. Finally, in Romania, a team took an odd way to protest a bad call from a ref, who credited a goal after the ball hit the side netting. The video is something to behold.

That's all I have for today, Mane Landers. Keep roaring!