Lion Links: 7/16/16

It’s Saturday, Mane Landers, and Pokemon Go has begun to break down the fabric of society. The people of Portland are now apparently homeless, the Columbus Crew have accepted their new overlords, and the Whitecaps are using Pokeballs to bring in new players:

I understand that the Canadian dollar is at a disadvantage to the American dollar but there are better ways to get new signings, Vancouver. Hopefully they don’t try to throw anything at Cyle Larin tonight. If you want to capture MLS players with imaginary mechanisms, there’s Allocation Money.

The good news is that if you’re reading this, the Internet is still active. More good news is that we’ve got loads of Lion Links for you.

Nocerino Discusses Fan Altercation

You may have seen this video that made the rounds last week, showing Antonio Nocerino arguing with supporters. The Italian recently discussed the confrontation with Alicia DelGallo of the Orlando Sentinel and claims that the supporters insulted his mother, who passed away. Nocerino’s issue is not about supporters making comments, as long as they’re about him and his play. Bring up his family and he will take issue. If it is an isolated incident — which Interim Head Coach Bobby Murphy claims it is — then it’s a disappointing example of the worst of Orlando’s fan base. Regardless of the players’ play, there’s a certain respect that they deserve for pulling on the shirt.

Kaká, Brek Shea Lead Lions in Jersey Sales

ESPNFC came out with the 20 most popular MLS jerseys, and it’s no surprise who’s representing Orlando City. Kaká came in sixth, with Shea rounding out the list at 19. Andrea Pirlo, Clint Dempsey, David Villa, Jordan Morris, and Steven Gerrard were the only players to surpass Orlando City’s captain, while Shea was one of three defenders to make the list.

Kristen Edmonds wins Goal of the Week

She may not score too many goals, but Kristen Edmonds has a knack for scoring golazos. She managed to bag two last weekend, and the winner earned her NWSL’s Goal of the Week. It was her third goal of the season, where she chipped the hopes and dreams of the Boston Breakers:

While it was a nice play and she nearly fractured her cheek in the collision, it probably wasn’t even her best goal of that match. Her free kick, seen here from a pitch-side perspective, was phenomenal placement. And who can forget her winner against Houston earlier this season? She’s got a knack for the spectacular.

LigaMX Looking to Play More in U.S.

After two successful matches in Southern California, Mexico’s top league is looking to get more exposure in the United States. Mexico’s top league is already the most-viewed league in the U.S., ahead of MLS and the Premier League, and with El Tri’s success in major American cities, it has spurred a desire to get Mexican club teams more exposure in the American market. FIFA won’t let them play official league matches in the U.S., but there’s potential for friendlies and — just maybe — cup competitions. Enrique Bonilla, president of LigaMX, hopes "that we can have a competition between some of the American teams and some Mexican teams, a kind of cup, between eight Mexican and eight MLS." An international cup competition would be exciting to see.

Winter Flourishing Back Home

Adrian Winter hasn’t been back in Switzerland for long, but he’s already scoring for FC Zurich. He recently scored in a friendly in a victory against Borussia Monchengladbach of the Bundesliga. It looks like he’s settled in back home already. Appreciate him while you have him, Zurich fans.

That’s all for today’s episode of Lion Links. Be sure to check back often for our coverage of tonight’s match in Vancouver and the Pride at home against Chicago.