Lion Links: 4/21/16

Happy Thursday everyone! and happy birthday to Orlando Pride teammates Monica and Maddy Evans! The Pride have their first match in the Citrus Bowl Saturday night and they want you to be #FilledWithPride for their inaugural home opener against the Houston Dash. When I think of Houston, the first thing that comes to mind is tacos. Houston is Texas' coastal city and having some chorizo tacos in a corn tortilla with a nice balance of spice should go well with a Moscato. Something to keep in mind is that you want a colder, sweeter wine to go with something spicy like chorizo, sort of like a Jarritos, but better.

PRO is Standing By New England’s Late Penalty Kick

Peter Walton, the general manager of PRO was recently asked whether or not make-up calls occur in MLS matches, Walton answered with:

"No, You can't change what happened and have to focus on what's ahead of you. Yes, [when you make a wrong call,] it does add pressure to your next decision…This is why we employ psychologists to work with our referees."

Take from that what you will, but Adrian Heath clearly doesn't agree. Heath was recently on 96.9 FM where he said:

"It's a make-up call, that's all it is … I think maybe somebody said, ‘By the way, you missed one there, it's a handball,' and I don't know, I just think it's a make-up call."

This is all coming on the heels of a less than memorable weekend for PRO where Ted Unkel also sent off the wrong player during the NYCFC and Columbus Crew game as well.

USWNT Adds Second Friendly Ahead of Olympics

Earlier in the month it was announced that the U.S. Women’s National Team would face Japan in Colorado before the Olympic Games in Brazil. Yesterday, it was also announced that there will be a second friendly against Japan on June 5 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland. The stadium has a grass surface, which should put some fears to rest before the Olympics. The friendly will be televised on ESPN 2 at 12:30 pm ET.

USSF Disputes Unfair Pay Claims

Speaking of the USWNT, the U.S. Soccer Federation came out yesterday and said that the U.S. Women's Team only makes 2.2 percent less than the men's team and that the information that is commonly reported is both inaccurate and misleading. This should come as no surprise as both sides are going to present arguments in the case as to why they're right. Ultimately though, whatever advancements are made toward pay equality are going to have to be collectively bargained for between the players and USSF.

Lewis Neal to Miss Friday’s OCB Match

Well, this shouldn't really come as much of a surprise considering this was the reason he was sent off Saturday against Harrisburg. (To be fair, he claims he was stomped on and it's really hard to refute the claim). But, Lewis Neal will miss OCB's road trip to Pittsburgh, as Orlando's USL side continues to try to find its first victory against the Riverhounds. Also, it should be noted that Tony Rocha's red card was rescinded and he will be available on Friday.

Neymar To Miss Copa America, Orlando.

So, Barcelona and Brazil have come to an agreement and Neymar will only suit up for his country in the Olympics, not Copa America. Copa America takes place between June 3 through June 26 and with Brazil’s emphasis on the Olympics being played on their soil it makes sense for the country’s biggest star athlete to play at home given the club’s ultimatum.

Free Kicks

Today’s Birthdays include Iggy Pop, who turns a nice 69, NHL Legend Eddie “The Eagle” Belfour is 51, Professor X James McAvoy is 37, and Real Madrid’s Isco is 24…Could Orlando Host the NFL’s Pro Bowl?…Francesco Totti scored twice in three minutes to give AS Roma a 3-2 win yesterday…and finally, a Houston woman rode on an inflatable swan to help deliver a baby.

That's it for today!

Play us out, Ted Unkel