Lion Links: 5/30/16

Welcome to Memorial Day Monday, Mane Landers. As we enjoy this extra day off, we have everything you need to start off the day right, so to make sure that you get all those tasks you have on that list to get done today finished, let's dive on in to today's Lion Links.

Lions Snatch A Point

After proving yet again that the game isn’t over until the final whistle, Orlando City snatched a late point against expansion rivals New York City FC. In case you missed it, here is everything you need to know:

• Our own Gavin Ewbank was on hand at Yankee Stadium and provides a comprehensive game recap and later we’ll have his five takeaways from yesterday’s game.
• Managing Editor Michael Citro grades the Lions after their late heroics.
• For those of you who like visual aids you can check out MLS’s highlights right here.

Copa Countdown

The Copa America Centenario starts this week with the USMNT getting us underway on June 3, when the Yanks take on Colombia in Santa Clara, CA. This is only the fourth appearance by the United States in the tournament,however, that hasn’t stopped redheaded ruffian Alexi Lalas from declaring that the USA should be a contender for winning it on their home soil. Only time will tell how true of a statement that is, but with some of the pre-tournament favorites missing their biggest stars, the ability to win it all will never be greater for Klinsmann and his players in an era when soccer is at the height of its popularity.

Mexican Player Kidnapped

In a bizarre story, Olympiacos and El Tri forward Alan Pulido has been kidnapped while in his home town of Ciudad Victoria. The 25-year-old was leaving a party with his girlfriend close to midnight when they were surrounded by numerous trucks and abducted. A nationwide manhunt has started for the kidnappers, who have not yet released Pulido, who was a target for the Colorado Rapids this off-season.

Extra Time

• Kaká was denied a goal on a diving save by Jaime Penedo but Orlando City’s captain and Brazil defeated Panama 2-0 in a friendly in a Copa America tuneup in Denver.
• Orlando City academy product Raul Aguilera was called up to the U.S. U-18 national team for an international training camp in Guadalajara, Mexico from May 28 – June 8.
• Real Madrid returned home to a hero’s welcome after winning the UEFA Champions League for the 11th time.
• The team which lost that final, Atletico Madrid, returned home to lick their wounds. Atleti Head Coach Diego Simeone admits he will consider his future and Spanish newspaper Marca highlight why he should stay at Vicente Calderon stadium.
• Johan Djourou says new Arsenal teammate Granit Xhaka reminds him of midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
• Fans rally around Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng after he is verbally attacked by a member of a far-right German political party.

That’s it for today’s Memorial Day Lion Links. We will have plenty of more soccer coverage for you this week despite the Lions now having a 20-day break before their next MLS match against the San Jose Earthquakes, so keep checking back and make sure you continue to vote for your Lions for the MLS All-Star team.