Lion Links: 8/27/16

It’s Saturday again, Mane Landers, and so far Orlando’s soccer teams are 0-2 in this week chock full of action. The Pride lost last night but fear not, we’ve still got OCB and Orlando City still to go. It’s the kind of weekend that spoils Central Florida soccer fans.

If you’ve been avoiding social media this week, it’s #RivalryWeek around MLS, which means Orlando has been paired with a random Eastern Conference team pulled from a hat, in this case New York City FC. At least this time around the story lines are focused on Jason Kreis’ history and not “they came into the league at the same time.”

Today also happens to be Pride forward Jasmyne Spencer’s birthday. The speedy winger turns 26 today and everyone here at The Mane Land would like to wish Jasmyne a happy birthday. Now, on to your links for today.

Pride Lose to Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride are still feeling the effects of the Olympics. They dropped their opening match on the league’s return from the break, 2-1 to the Washington Spirit. The Pride are missing some key pieces, namely the Australians and Josee Belanger — while Brazilian international Monica came off the bench in the second half — but they’ll need the impending reinforcements to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.

Molino Called Up for World Cup Qualifiers

Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino has been called up for Trinidad & Tobago’s World Cup qualifiers next month. Molino joins Canadian Cyle Larin, who was also called up for international duty. The two attacking Lions will suit up for their national teams for the qualifiers and you can check out a comprehensive list from around MLS here. The Soca Warriors take on Guatemala at home on Sept. 2 before travelling to Jacksonville to do battle with the United States on Sept. 6. T&T currently sits atop Group 3, three points ahead of the U.S., and looks like a lock to qualify for the Hex.

Chin Leaves Ottawa; Heads to Israel

According to Paul Tenorio, former Orlando City striker Dennis Chin has completed a move to Israeli second-division side Ironi Nesher from the NASL’s Ottawa Fury. The Rollins College alum was with the Lions throughout their time in USL from 2011-2014, but was not offered an MLS contract when the club made the jump. Chin has yet to find a home away from Orlando, spending 2015 with Arizona United and 2016 with Ottawa, so hopefully he can find stability abroad.

Roldan Named SBN’s MLS Player of the Week

For the second week in a row, a Sounders player has won SB Nation’s Player of the Week honors. This time, it’s second-year midfielder Cristian Roldan who has edged out teammate Clint Dempsey. Things seem to be turning around for the Sounders and Roldan, who was pegged as the best talent behind Larin in last year’s draft but surprisingly slipped to Seattle.

Dempsey Diagnosed with Irregular Heartbeat

Unfortunately for Clint Dempsey and the Sounders, he is being treated for an irregular heartbeat and is being held out of competitions. Because of this, he will not be involved for the Sounders this weekend or for the United States in the upcoming qualifiers against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Molino’s Trinidad and Tobago. It’s disappointing news for both USMNT fans and Sounders fans, who are hoping for a late playoff push. While it shouldn’t affect the United States’ chances of getting into the Hex too much, it’s cause for alarm for one of the greatest American players of this generation.

Those are your links to start the weekend. Remember to check in for all of our coverage tonight as OCB takes on the Richmond Kickers!