Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/8/16
Good morning, Lions fans, and welcome to today's Lion Links. First of all, Happy Mother's Day! Guys, do something nice for Mom. Today caps off a weekend filled with Orlando City games. The MLS side drew against New York Red Bulls, OCB drew against Bethlehem Steel, and the Orlando Pride take on Seattle Reign tonight at home. While you're waiting for that game to start, take a look at these links!
Orlando City B Draws Bethlehem Steel, 2-2
OCB drew Bethlehem Steel 2-2 last night at the Titan Sports Complex. The USL Lions went down 2-0 early in the match but battled back to 2-2 thanks to a Tyler Turner goal and assist. Despite playing man-up (yeah! not man-down!) for almost a half-hour, the Lions couldn't find the winner. OCB will take two weeks off before returning to action on May 22 against the Rochester Rhinos.
Orlando Pride Return Home to Play Seattle Reign
For the first time since Orlando set a NWSL attendance record, the Pride will play at home against the Seattle Reign. This will be the first match-up between these two teams. The Pride return to Orlando after a 1-0 loss at Chicago, while Seattle is coming off of a two-game winning streak, led by NWSL Player of the Week Kim Little. This game will feature two of the top goalkeepers in the game as Ashlyn Harris suits up opposite Hope Solo, Golden Glove winner. The game can be watched tonight at 5 p.m. ET on the NWSL official Youtube channel and www.orlandocitysc.com/live, or you could just go to Camping World Stadium. Be sure to check out our opposition scouting report at 2 pm.
Ashlyn Harris: We Need to Weather the Storm
This season, Ashlyn Harris has been at the top of her game. She has won the NWSL Save of the Week for the past two weeks, all while facing more shots than any other goalkeeper in the league. She has saved the Orlando Pride countless times and does not seem to be letting up. Despite her strong start, Harris is not impressed by that stat, Orlando is giving up too many shots and she recognizes that eventually they are going to get past her. "We have to be better in the back," explained Harris. Granted, it would be difficult for anyone to stop the likes of Christen Press, Tobin Heath, Carli Lloyd, and Morgan Brian. Harris is ready for tonight's game and the opportunity to start opposite Solo.
"I think it is great to get tested by the best teams in the beginning so that we can learn quickly, because that is what we need to do. We need to learn quick and keep progressing fast to keep up with all the other teams that have been together for three-plus years."
Big Day for Sarah Hagen
Friday marked an important anniversary for Orlando Pride forward, Sarah Hagen. 11 years ago Friday, Hagen officially defeated Dysgerminoma, a form of cancer that creates germ cell tumors. After three rounds of chemotherapy and a hysterectomy, Hagen beat cancer.
11 years strong. 11 years cancer free. @sarahapplehagen, we are so happy to have you as a member of The Pride.https://t.co/2EDbslw0Jl
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) May 6, 2016
That's it for today, but check back in throughout the afternoon for all your Pride related updates!