Lion Links: 8/9/16

Welcome to Tuesday, Mane Landers, and even though the weekend didn't end how we would have liked, we have to remember the positives. One bright spark this season has been OCB goalkeeper Mark Ridgers, and since it's his birthday today, everyone here at The Mane Land HQ would like to wish him a happy birthday.

Sunday School

So Sunday’s loss to a struggling Seattle Sounders side was quite humbling and showed that new Head Coach Jason Kreis still has a lot to do to turn this franchise’s fortunes around. The lack of energy from Sunday’s game may be attributed to longer and harder training sessions, but signals a change in philosophy for the first team that we need to be stronger and fitter to compete in a stronger MLS. The trade of Darwin Cerén for Matías Pérez García indicates that Kreis is preparing for a new system that will help this team make the strides forward that both fans and the front office want. Here’s hoping that our next soccer lesson doesn’t take place in front of another national TV audience.

Loons are in for 2017

It appears that MLS will have 22 teams in 2017. We learned on Monday that Minnesota United FC could be signing up to join the league alongside Atlanta United next March.

Since they are still awaiting planning permission to build their new soccer specific stadium, they will be expecting to play home games at the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium and have probably been brought in to keep the conferences in alignment with Atlanta's entry in the league. It also appears that Minnesota will be dropping the United, as currently all "United" merchandise is on a flash sale

Morgan is a Social Media Sweetheart

Everything Alex Morgan touches seems to turn to gold and nowhere is that more self-evident than on social media. She has over 2.5 million followers on Twitter, 2.9 million on Facebook, and 3.9 million on Instagram. Her posts and words are seen by millions every day and she has really helped highlight the pay divide in women’s soccer while being motivational to young girls around the world to follow their dreams. It’s also why FOX used Alex Morgan as well as others to highlight that you can win the chance to attend this year’s NWSL championship in Houston.

USWNT Olympic Catch-Up

The USWNT takes on Colombia in Manaus comfortably leading Group G after victories over France and New Zealand. The heat and humidity may cause some concerns for the USA, never mind the travel time to the Amazon and back, however, players like Tobin Heath, who already has two assists from those two previous games, will be trying their hardest to make victory happen against Las Chicas Superpoderosa.

Brasil em ruínas

After disappointing 0-0 draws for the Brazilian national team against Iraq and South Africa on the men’s side, the hosts’ tournament hasn’t gotten off to the best of starts. The Seleção, who are led by Barcelona superstar Neymar at this tournament, are trying to make up for the 7-1 thumping they took in the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the hands of eventual winners, Germany. However, so far Neymar has cut a frustrated figure out in front of his soccer-mad home crowd, leading to chants for another Brazilian superstar, Marta, and the performances are not cutting it as Brazil looks to avoid an early exit.

Free Kicks

• We will remind you closer to the game, however here is your first advance warning:

• German sportswear manufacturer Adidas has partnered with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich to name just a few to allow fans to design the team’s third kit for play in the 2017/2018 season.
• Lord Ouseley says that Brexit will make it harder to combat racism on the pitch and outside grounds after the rise of intolerant hate speech since the June vote to exit the EU.
• Our own Gavin Ewbank takes a look at the rapid rise of futsal in the United States, which has a new league emerging in 2017.

That's it for today, Mane Landers. We will have a How to Watch for today's USWNT Olympic game against Colombia, as well as previews in the coming days for both Orlando City and OCB, which are in action this week. The NWSL continues its hiatus but we will keep you up to date with everything the Pride is up to.