Lion Links: 5/24/16

The Lions hope to continue their revival tomorrow at Camping World Stadium against the Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia Union and we will be on hand to preview, recap and critique your favorite team. However, until then you have to get through Tuesday and that means you have a daily dose of Lion Links to digest, so let’s get started.

Larin Up for MLS Goal of the Week

After a strong performance in Saturday’s win against the Montreal Impact, Cyle Larin once again found himself on the score sheet with a brace after having a bit of a goal drought in recent weeks. One of his scoring efforts was good enough to find itself up for MLS Goal of the Week. So remember, Mane Landers, to vote early and vote often (preferably from different IP addresses) to make sure that the young Canuck gets another victory this week.

MLS Team of the Week

Saturday’s victory was nothing if not a team effort and therefore it’s nice to see Orlando City get some recognition in Week 12’s MLS Team of the Week. Orlando’s net minder Joe Bendik, its talisman Kaká, and young gun Cyle Larin all garnered nods (unfortunately Larin only makes the bench due to NYRB putting seven on New York City FC). However, it wasn’t all bad for Larin, who got a starting spot in Goal.com‘s team of the week where Bendik was given the bench-warming role. There is one place where all three Lions make the field, but we aren’t sure who they are, but this is links so enjoy!

Pride Signs a Reserve GK

Yesterday the University of North Florida announced that the Orlando Pride had signed goalkeeper Megan Dorsey to the roster. However, alarm bells started ringing in Mane Land HQ as the Pride is currently out of roster spots especially with last week's signing of draftee Christina Burkenroad who replaced the injured Cami Levin. So after some digging, it appears that Dorsey has been added to the amateur reserve list and could be called upon by the club during international breaks, but is not an officially signed member of the Pride just yet.

Gaal-leujah

After weeks of speculation, Dutch manager Louis van Gaal eventually finds himself out of a job after being sacked by Manchester United, despite winning the FA cup just three days ago. The 64-year-old lasted just two years at Old Trafford, but is thankful for his time in the Theatre of Dreams and probably leaves the squad in no better shape than when he took over for David Moyes. Van Gaal's successor is almost certainly Portuguese malcontent José Mourinho and only time will tell if Manchester United can get back to the team it once was.

Lampard is Lame

After making his season debut for New York City FC in the 7-0 thrashing by the New York Red Bulls, English midfielder Frank Lampard decided to take issue with his critics who booed his every touch. Yes, you read that right. The same Lampard who wasn’t truthful about his contract situation with the club, put in pitiful performances last season and oh so much more was upset that people booed him. This shows that Frank truly just doesn’t get it and highlights the risk you get when you sign prima donnas who, frankly (no pun intended), are past their prime.

Kattner is Caught Out

The man who replaced disgraced FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke, who was suspended from footballing activities for 12 years for his part in the FIFA scandal that took down FIFA President Sepp Blatter and UEFA’s Michel Platini, has been fired with immediate effect after an ethics investigation discovered a secret bonus scheme of illegal payments. Acting Secretary General Markus Kattner was relinquished of his duties “due to breaches of financial impropriety in connection with his employment.” This announcement continues to highlight how far this corruption scandal went into FIFA and shows that despite the changes it has undertaken in the last year, FIFA still has a lot to do.

That's it for this Tuesday, Mane Landers. It's an action packed double game week for your Lions this week, the Pride continue their away stand against FC Kansas City, and OCB plays the Charlotte Independence in Melbourne. So regardless of the soccer action you follow, we have you covered.