Lion Links: 6/9/16

Hey, everyone. So, no Orlando City matches until the 15th. I’m going through withdrawals from the Lions. Luckily, the Pride plays on Saturday, so we’ve almost made it to the fireworks factory. In breaking with tradition I don’t have a food and wine pairing for you this week. It’s getting to be summer and all I really eat is chicken and rice to maintain the boat muscles. In lieu of that, I’ll provide you with a quick workout routine that’ll get you Bradfit (patent pending) in no time! Just like J.K. Simmons. Alternating dumbbell curl/reverse grip-curls 3×10, Concentration curls 3×10, preacher curls 3×10. You’ll want to keep in mind that concentration curls are gonna be done with lighter weight, focus on your form and you’ll feel a deep burn.

Now, on to the news!

Dunga Thinks MLS Makes You Soft

So, Kaká got hurt at Brazil's training camp and now Dunga made some comments that included his thoughts on the level of competition the Orlando City captain is accustomed to facing now:

"Kaká is one of the reference points or trademarks of Brazilian soccer. He's been unfit the last two appearances, he had a lesion. Maybe it is because of the training of the Brazil team, the quality and intensity of the game maybe is different from what he's used to."

So, that's a pretty passive-aggressive way of displaying your preconceived notions about the level of play in MLS. If only there were some way to refute Dunga's claim. Oh hi, Diogo Kotscho!

“It is very sad to see someone using prejudice to justify Kaká’s injury,” said Diogo Kotscho, the club’s vice president of communications. “MLS is a very physical league and the work we do here and all over MLS with the players is referenced worldwide. Our training facility and professionals are world class. Brazil has five injured players in one week, players from many places. MLS has some weaknesses; Physical training for sure isn’t in this list. He can’t come to our city [and] disrespect professionals that he doesn’t know without answer.”

Hold on, what?

“Brazil has five injured players in one week, players from many places.”

GOT EEM. So, this may be one of the weaker Brazil teams in some time, and having to participate in two international tournaments in two months will certainly take its toll on any team. Hopefully, Kaká doesn't miss too much time and gets back in time for the MLS season to resume.

Boxi Yomba Released by OCB

In a move that we here at The Mane Land covered yesterday, U.S. youth international Boxi Yomba has been released from Orlando City B. The former Atlético Madrid product is only 19 and hadn't notched a single minute for the USL side since joining. Injuries and the team having most of its positions filled are the two leading causes for Yomba's release. We here at The Mane Land wish the young man all the best at his next stop.

SB Nation's Euro 2016 Preview

For a tournament that isn’t Copa América Centenario, I guess Euro is worth paying attention to. Over on the SB Nation Mothership, they have a comprehensive Euro 2016 preview that looks over each country’s schedule and has a group tracker as well as knockout stage previews. We’re in a wealth of international soccer this summer with Copa América, Euro, and the Rio Olympics. Head on over to the Euro Preview, see how Jamie Vardy and England are gonna do and tell ’em Brad sent ya.

Hope Solo's Domestic Violence Case Won't Be Thrown Out

In the weird ongoing personal life of USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo, it came out yesterday that the charges stemming from a 2014 incident with her nephew and half-sister won't be dismissed and her next step could be to either go ahead with taking the case to trial or appealing to the Washington State Supreme Court. As no trial dates have been set, it's unknown at this time if the case would prevent Solo from participating in the Rio Olympics as the USWNT looks to defend its gold medal performance from the 2012 London games. Solo has won more games and has earned more caps than any keeper for the U.S. Women's National Team.

Free Kicks

Today's birthdays include: Dick Vitale who is 77, Michael J. Fox is 55, Johnny Depp is 53, Heather Mitts is 38, and Natalie Portman is 35 … 1.6 Million people watched Tuesday's USMNT-Costa Rica match, it's the highest rated men's soccer match on the network … Rayo OKC may already be folding … and finally, according to a Public Policy Poll: 46% of Pennsylvania residents found the Phillie Phanatic to be better qualified to be president than Donald Trump.