Lion Links: 4/15/16

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! An exciting weekend lies ahead as Orlando City will be hosting the struggling New England Revolution while Tom Sermanni’s Orlando Pride will be marking their NWSL debut with an away game at Portland. In advance of that, the Pride held their Media Day yesterday, which was attended by many Mane Land staffers.

Gavin Ewbank was kind enough to write a recap–you should check it out! Moreover, there are more updates on Nigel de Jong's controversial tackle and the USWNT knows its Rio 2016 opponents following yesterday's draws. Before we get to the links, The Mane Land would like to wish Carlos Rivas a happy birthday! If only Andre Blake had allowed Rivas to get an assist Friday night as an early birthday present.

On to the news!

''The team is ready to rebound''

Prior to Sunday’s match against the New England Revolution, Head Coach Adrian Heath affirmed in an article from orlandocitysc.com that his players “are ready to rebound“ after last weekend’s dramatic loss against the Philadelphia Union. Moreover, he also added that he will probably have all his players at his disposal, with Cyle Larin, Cristian Higuita and Tommy Redding returning from their injury setbacks while Brek Shea has served his suspension.

Meanwhile, an Eye On Nigel de Jong's Possible Long-Term Suspension

We are all aware of the sparks created by Nigel de Jong’s tackle on Darlington Nagbe last weekend and now all eyes are on the MLS disciplinary committee in order to see if the Dutch international will get suspended. Orlando will be particularly interested since Brek Shea was suspended following a review by the disciplinary committee on a hard tackle against Portland.

Bright Future For Youngster Tommy Redding

Defender Tommy Redding spoke on how this 2016 MLS campaign was the one he was hoping for for years. He also described his emotions in playing in each of the first four matches, especially those in front a jam-packed Citrus Bowl where they also managed to put up impressive displays. Bright future ahead for this lad! Speaking of Tommy, he joined us this week on the PawedCast for an exclusive interview.

Orlando Pride Release New Kits Ahead of the 2016 Season

The Orlando Pride have released their new kits ahead of their debut season at yesterday's Media Day in Lake Mary. While the home kit is purple with light blue stripes on the sleeves, the away kit is blue with a touch of purple down the kit. Naturally, both shirts have Orlando Health as their sponsor, featured in the same way as the men's kits.

Orlando Pride Won't Play on National Television

FOX Sports 1 has announced that the network will be televising six matches throughout the NWSL season, with three matches coming in the regular season while the other three will be playoff games. None of these will be Pride matches, unless a new agreement is found (or the Pride make a playoff run).

USWNT Knows Its Rio 2016 Opponents

FIFA World Cup holders USWNT will be facing European giants France, as well as New Zealand and Colombia in its Rio 2016 fixtures. The team will open Group G with a match against New Zealand on Aug. 3, followed by the highly anticipated fixture against France on Aug. 6. The Americans will end their group phase commitments against Colombia three days later.

Not Motivated Yet for Another Day? Dejan Lovren Might Change Your Mood

Liverpool has knocked out German giants Borussia Dortmund from the Europa League after registering a remarkable comeback, scoring three goals in the last 25 minutes to qualify with an aggregate of 5-4 over Jurgen Klopp's former club.

Here is Dejan Lovren's 91st minute winner to seal a massive win for the men in Red…and maybe to motivate you as well!

Dejan Lovren’s goal to end the best match of the season by far ! #LIVBVB #LIVDOR pic.twitter.com/tTmWc16qlU

— Buzz in Sports (@buzzin_sports) April 14, 2016

That's all folks! Have a good weekend and enjoy the matches!