Lion Links: 4/13/16

From a sporting perspective, this is one of the two greatest times of the year. MLS is in full swing, the Champions League is reaching its apex, Major League Baseball has started, and the NHL playoffs are about to start. I'm not much of an NBA fan, but those playoffs are firing up, and even the PGA season is hitting its most interesting tournaments, if you're into that (and I am).

The only other time of year that is comparable is October, when the European soccer leagues are all ongoing, the NHL and NBA seasons are kicking off, MLB and MLS are reaching their pinnacles, and the NFL is running on all cylinders. These are the times of the year when my wife gets most mad at me, but also the times when I don't care as much because the game is on.

Let's add some sweet links to that list. Onward.

NWSL and Female Equality

The NWSL will be launching its fourth season against the backdrop of a battle for equality. Recently, members of the U.S. Women’s National Team, including Orlando Pride’s own Alex Morgan, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation over fair pay. Now, the topic of equality will be front and center as the women’s season kicks off. This article by American Soccer Now touches on the subject of equality not only in terms of pay, but also in terms of opportunity with coaching and front office positions. It’s a really well-written piece that touches on the subject from multiple angles, so I encourage you to check it out.

Another interesting take on the subject can be found here. This looks only at the economic perspective, and does not account for any social responsibility.

Showing Your Pride

On a lighter note, the Pride organization starts its inaugural season this weekend, and similarly to the Lions, the organization is trying to stir up interest with its continued attendance campaign (#FilledWithPride). The Pride are looking to break the NWSL attendance record of 21,144 at the home opener against Houston on April 23. I would say they have a good chance. There is also information about other fun events as part of Kickoff Week, so be sure to check it out.

Power Rankings Without Power Research

Orlando City’s loss at Philadelphia caused the team to drop two spots in the MLS Power Rankings this week. Among the things questioned are Bryan Róchez being left on the bench and not utilizing Pedro Ribeiro. Setting aside that no 4-6-0 happened, I would argue that Róchez probably didn’t play because he’s currently with Orlando City B and Ribeiro’s back injury could explain his absence. This makes it hard to take the league’s official site’s power rankings too seriously. Our own Jeff Milby’s rankings, on the other hand…solid.

OCB Can't Beat Kids

OCB had a closed door friendly with the U.S. U-17 national team, but still couldn't pull out its first victory of the season. The teams played to a 4-4 draw in Sanford. The U.S. team is the best of the best of that age group, however, and most of the OCB team is only slightly older than them. OCB played mostly bench players and academy players, but it still would have been nice to see OCB get a result. I mean, it has to eventually, right?

Free Kicks

• Aston Villa and West Ham's U-21 sides had a brawl on Monday evening. Insert your own "Aston Villa finally shows fight" joke below.
• In other violent soccer news, a Portuguese policeman is facing charges for beating a fan outside a stadium. No joke on this one, as it's a pretty brutal.

Those are your links for today. Next time, try them with fries.