Lion Links: 8/16/16

Well it's another Tuesday after a weekend that could have ended so much better than it did, but once again we've picked ourselves up and dusted ourselves off to bring you the soccer news that you need to know in today's edition of Lion Links.

Team of the Week

Despite putting in what was described as a special performance by Orlando City Head Coach Jason Kreis, Brazilian play-maker and Orlando City talisman Kaká only finds himself on the bench in this latest edition of the MLS Team of the Week. Our No. 10 is joined by our favorite Canuck, Cyle Larin, who also warms this week’s bench. Kaká received a little more recognition from Goal.com, however, where he finds himself in the starting XI, however Larin doesn’t get the same treatment as he was also made to sit on the bench despite former Orlando Sentinel writer Paul Tenorio highlighting Larin’s growth from first to second year in MLS.

Pride Update

Obviously, after the USWNT’s elimination from the Olympic Games at the hands of Sweden, Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris will be returning to the Orlando Pride in time for their next game against the Washington Spirit. One bright spark, other than our superstars returning earlier than expected, is that Morgan was voted as the NWSL Player of the Quarterfinals:

And even though Australia is out of the tournament, one player who is unlikely to be returning for the Pride’s late-season run in is Steph Catley. Catley, who was subbed out 20 mins into the quarterfinal game against Brazil, has been dealing with a near-stress fracture since the start of Olympic warm-ups, and is now likely out of action until around Halloween.

Soccer is Here

Beer maker Heineken does not want you to have to watch soccer alone ever again. So with that thought in mind, they have created www.soccerishere.com. The app, which uses a google maps API, will allow you to find games with like-minded folks, while increasing your need to consume their beverages in bars that serve their products. What this also tells me is that soccer is here to stay in the United States, which means that there are more reasons than ever to drink beer at 7 a.m.

Former EPL Player Dies in Tragic Circumstances

Former Aston Villa striker Dalian Atkinson died after being shot by police with a taser while at home. Atkinson, who played in the inaugural season of the Premier League and scored the goal of the season in the 1992-93 campaign, was shot after police were called to his father’s house on a disturbance report. Details are still emerging and the shooting is under investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Extra Time

• Former Lion Akeil Barrett has a new home with Sporting Kansas City’s USL affiliate, Swope Park Rangers.
• German forward and ex-Arsenal man Lukas Poldolski hangs up his boots with Die Mannschaft.
• USSF President Sunil Gulati spoke out about Hope Solo’s comments, describing as them as highly inappropriate.
• ESPN lands the TV rights for the 2020 UEFA European Championships.
• Kaká lauded his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo for continuing to set new benchmarks despite his illustrious career.

That's it for this week, Mane Landers. Remember to keep coming back to The Mane Land for the best Orlando City coverage for all three Orlando teams.