Lion Links: 7/13/16

Welcome to Wednesday’s Lion Links. It’s game day for both Orlando City and Orlando City B, and The Mane Land will have plenty for you to read throughout the day regarding tonight’s match-ups with the New York Red Bulls and Charleston Battery, respectively, but for now let’s take a look around at what else is going on in the world of soccer.

So you think you know Bobby Murphy?

Honestly, how well do any of us know Bobby Murphy? Well, here’s your chance to get the scoop on Orlando City’s interim head coach. He’s the quiet type, but versatile and that might be just what the team needs right now. It also seems that IHC Murphy isn’t the only versatile Lion on the field tonight. Darwin Cerén should be headed back to his usual defensive midfield position tonight, but his skill and professionalism have made him a very valuable player for Orlando City.

The Pride of the Pride

We all know Kristen Edmonds scored two goals in the 90th and 93rd minutes to grab three points for the Orlando Pride against the Boston Breakers, and evidently the NWSL Media Association took notice, naming Edmonds the NWSL Player of the Week. But c’mon…if she can do what it took Cyle Larin and Adrian Winter to do all by herself? Of course she’s going to get that honor. That wasn’t the only honor in the NWSL this week, though. That’s right, Cutter Insect Repellent is now the Official Insect Repellent of the NWSL. I know what you’re thinking. So what? I’ll tell you so what. One, sponsorship for the NWSL is a good thing regardless of the sponsor. Two, with 65 cases of the Zika virus in Florida, we might all be reaching for some of Cutter’s products.

Donovan’s Decision

The 2016 Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game Roster his been released, and OCB has two players on the list. Here’s the full list for you to enjoy, while Tyler Turner and Harrison Heath made the cut from Orlando. For a more detailed look, check out The Mane Land’s own Sean Rollins’ review of OCB’s selections.

Ellis names Olympic Team roster

Well, it seems that Alex Morgan will indeed represent the U.S. in the upcoming Olympics, however, Ashlyn Harris was named only as an injury alternate. Orlando Pride fans might wonder at the decision to use Harris only as an alternate, but what’s done is done. Check out the remainder of the roster here. No surprise that the first goalkeeper to record 100 career shutouts is also on that list. However, that’s not all Hope Solo is up to. Solo took to her personal blog to highlight the conditions that NWSL teams sometimes have to endure for the sport. In light of the ridiculous field conditions when the Seattle Reign met the Western New York Flash, I have to agree with Solo this time around.

PRO could definitely use the help

Well it seems that MLS is going to host a Video Assistant Referee Workshop. This is one of the first steps in FIFA’s video review protocols for referees, and MLS will be at the forefront. USA! USA! All kidding aside, this is the coming thing, and MLS is right to be on the front foot regarding the technology. Plus, PRO needs the help.

Well, that’s all for now. However, there is plenty more to read today, so stay tuned to The Mane Land for everything you need to get ready for tonight’s games. If you hurry, you can still get your ingredients for the Pride Pub. Vamos Orlando!