Lion Links: 4/19/16

Happy Tuesday, Mane Landers. I hope everyone enjoyed half-off pizza yesterday. I’m not saying anything else on that. I’m getting ready to be at the Citrus Bowl this Saturday for the Pride’s home opener against the Houston Dash. Also, our lads in purple are once again on prime time television as they take on the Red Bulls Sunday night. But our soccer weekend starts Friday as OCB takes on the Riverhounds. Excitement all around. Can you tell I’m ready for the weekend? Let’s get to the links.

No Support On The Road?

Since the Lions are on the road, let’s talk road support. According to this story in The Guardian, most MLS teams aren’t supported well by traveling fans. The article credits the Timbers Army as one of the best groups that travel, but then claims that part of the reason for that is the unity of having only one group instead of divided groups like The Ruckus and Iron Lion Firm. I haven’t traveled to any road matches, but I know Orlando City gets support when they travel. I’ve heard it on my TV.

Orlando Pride Home Opener

Yesterday was the first #FilledWithPride Kickoff Week event, and the Pride will hold a free open practice event tomorrow at the Citrus Bowl. As a season ticket holder, I'll be getting in on that post-training autograph session. The NWSL has put out the first power rankings of the season after Week 1's performances. If the league wants to use power rankings to cause conversation, then it worked on me because there's no way the Pride and the Thorns should be where each of them is ranked.

Those Ref Calls

The talk yesterday was still all about the refs. Not just with Orlando City, as MLS rescinded a red card to Columbus Crew SC defender Michael Parkhurst and applied it to teammate Tyson Wahl. On ESPN, there was a story on Kaká defending the refs. He really wasn’t. Our captain basically said it was good to have the match officials get together to make a decision, but it was still the wrong decision. Aurélien Collin was also cited in the report. The PR machine is in effect for the league, that’s all I’m saying.

Free Kicks

Wrapping things up…Orlando City B player Pierre Da Silva joins the U-19 USMNT heading to Europe for Slovakia Cup. Games begin April 20, so good luck, Pierre…FC Kansas City, the NWSL defending champs, had an issue with their championship rings, but I guess that’s okay…Finally, Brek Shea is being Brek in this car interview for ESPN.

That's it for now, Mane Landers. Get me to the weekend and keep roaring.