Lion Links: 8/1/16

Welcome to another Monday morning, Mane Landers. I hope everyone enjoyed the action-packed Orlando soccer weekend. It started with Orlando City B bringing three points back from Louisville. Then the senior squad and the ladies took to the pitch. More on that in a bit, but it would really be nice if we could space the games from the Pride and the Lions apart more, so we can catch both matches. Thankfully, there’s YouTube.

I have my coffee this morning; I hope you have yours, so let’s burn that productivity at work with these links.

Kreis Almighty: Lions Dump Revs

The Kreis Age is upon us officially in MLS. Orlando City was primed to put on a good show in front of the fans and new Head Coach Jason Kreis, as the team played host to the New England Revolution for the third time this season. The Lions started the match with an unusual lineup and gave up an early goal to Kei Kamara, but bounced back for a thoroughly satisfying 3-1 win.

• Our Gavin Ewbank has your full match recap.
• TML's own Austin David broke down player grades and Man of the Match.
• The enemy perspective from our friends at The Bent Musket.

Come back later today to catch our five takeaways and the photo gallery from the match.

Pride Road Woes Continue in Boston

Meanwhile in Boston, the Breakers hosted Head Coach Tom Sermanni and the Orlando Pride at Jordan Field yesterday for the final game before the NWSL's Olympic break. The Pride were fighting to get back to .500 while shorthanded against the Breakers. Sarah Hagen missed the match with a concussion and Leah Fortune retired a few days before the match. The Pride yielded an early goal and they couldn’t find an equalizer. Our Daniel Byrd summed up the match here. The Pride return to action Aug. 26 as the Washington Spirit come to town. Let’s make the players feel welcome after the long break by filling up the Campground and showing how much we appreciate them.

Big Crowd in the Big House

The European clubs are just getting back into shape with the preseason starting for teams. As a part of teams’ strategy to grow their brand in the United States, clubs take part in the International Champions Cup, a tournament which has some of the world’s best clubs take on one another. Proving that soccer is alive and well in the match between Real Madrid and Chelsea drew a huge crowd in Michigan Stadium, home of the University of Michigan football team. Announced attendance at "The Big House" was 105,826 strong. Makes me proud to be a soccer fan in America.

Soccer God?

Everyone’s favorite player and new Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is making headlines both on and off the field. This time, it’s a matter of the first-class style he’s used to having. The self-proclaimed ‘God of Manchester’ did what Zlatan will do and left the team hotel to go stay at another hotel because United stays at a place with no pool. And speaking of God and soccer, Pope Francis issued a decree dubbing Lionel Messi the best soccer player of all-time. In all fairness, Supreme Pontiff is from Argentina, so there might be a bit of bias. Then again…Hand of God anyone?

Well, those are Monday’s links, Mane Landers. Keep hope alive. The Lions will be back in action this Sunday, when Orlando City hosts Seattle. Let’s keep momentum going. Til then, keep roaring.