Lion Links: 7/31/16

Good Sunday morning Mane Landers. It's match day for both Orlando City and the Pride! After a hiatus (from a potential baby coming into the world – not there just yet, FYI), I’m back to drop some hot links on you with a tip first to get away with reading Lion Links in church.

If you’re like me, sometimes you can’t help but getting excited when reading good news. So, when that happens, you need to practice The Silent Exuberance. What’s that? Good question — it’s very simple. When you feel the excitement building, just close your eyes, form a smile, and thrust your arm down in a short burst.

Boom! Folks will be none the wiser to your happiness and this will save you weird looks from Mr. Jenkins, who already hates you for letting the kids color on the program. Mr. Jenkins…

Oh, sorry! On to the links!

Two Stoppage-Time Goals Lift OCB Over Louisville City

The young Lions of Orlando City B went to Louisville, KY, to face the USL's top team last night and for a long time it didn't look like things would end well. LCFC took a 1-0 lead off an early corner kick and looked in control for much of the match. However, things changed dramatically at the end of normal time. A foul in the box threw the Lions a lifeline and Tyler Turner stepped up to drill a penalty kick to level the game. Then Keegan Smith scored moments later to lift OCB to a 2-1 road win. Our Jeff Milby, who happens to live in Louisville, was on hand and he has your match recap (with videos!). The young Lions are unbeaten in eight games (3-0-5) and the win breaks up a run of four consecutive draws.

Hadji Barry: Doing Work

Former UCF Knight Hadji Barry has been playing some very good soccer for Orlando City, even scoring his first goal with the big team on Wednesday in the friendly against Stoke City. Barry, who credits Servando Carrasco for it, has been a constant scoring threat for Orlando City B and it’s starting to translate to MLS. Being in the starting XI the past two games has given him a boost of confidence too. As the season progresses, look for Barry to gather some more minutes and to do a lot more with them. Speaking of the reserve Lions, with which Barry has excelled…

Alex Morgan is Fleet Footed

We all know Alex Morgan has some skills, but as this latest video from the United States Women’s National Team shows, Morgan has some fast footwork. Joining her in the drill is Allie Long, and I’ll leave it up to you readers who has the faster skills. Either way, color me impressed by these two Olympians. Get ready world, here come the U.S. women!

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Scores Really Fast

The Mane Land’s (everyone's?) favorite international, ZLATAN!! (imagine rock music as you say his name) scored just three and a half minutes into Manchester United’s friendly against Galatasaray. It was a thing of beauty for the Swedish forward, who also gets the added bonus of scoring in front of his home country supporters. Great Job, ZLATAN!! as I am sure this is the first of many to come.

Charlie Davies Diagnosed with Cancer, Is in Remission

This past spring, New England Revolution and former USMNT forward Charlie Davies was diagnosed with cancer. Davies has been battling liposarcoma, which i am glad to report is in remission, according to the linked story. Previously involved in a terrible car crash that derailed his international career, it’s been a rough go for Davies, who hasn’t played yet since returning. But we are all wishing him well here at The Mane Land. Who knows? We just might see him tonight in Orlando.

If you’d like to hear more about his story, today at 1:30 p.m. FOX will air a video feature.

Free Kicks

Not to beat the ZLATAN!! horse to death, but fellow United player Wayne Rooney thinks this is just the beginning of his magic. Good luck, EPL…You know what comes on tonight? Of course, the Orlando City game, duh! But don’t forget to set your DVR for Sharknado 4: The Fourth Awakens. You don’t want to be the only one around the water cooler tomorrow who didn’t see it…Finally, Frank Lampard scored a hat trick yesterday against Tim Howard and the Colorado Rapids. Makes one question the decision to switch keepers mid-season, doesn’t it? Speaking of hat tricks, USMNT starlet Julian Green scored three for Bayern Munich against Inter Milan.

Well, that’s it for today. Keep cool everyone and maybe I’ll see you out at the game tonight!