Lion Links: 10/16/16

It’s match day, folks! It’s been a while since we’ve had one but the lads in purple will be in Philadelphia Chester, PA, this afternoon for a date against the Union – a team Orlando City has yet to beat in MLS play. While the Lions are out of the playoff chase, the next  best thing to making the postseason is ruining it for the other team. So, why not win? A third road victory in 2016 would not be unwelcome in my household.

If you’re wondering what kind of team Jason Kreis will field tonight, here are a few of the Lions who made the trip: 

It’s easy to check out on the 2016 season when your team is eliminated, but the soccer season is finite and we’ve only got two more chances to watch our Lions this season. If you miss them, you’ll wish you hadn’t some time around Dec. 15, when you’re jonesing for some Orlando City action.

We’ll have all the match coverage you need later today, but for now let’s get to your morning Lion Links.

Crazy Day in MLS on Sunday Slate

Ten freaking games. That’s what Major League Soccer has in store for you today, although you’re most interested in the 3 p.m. game at Talen Energy Stadium. It’s an MLS fan’s dream. Starting at 3 p.m. with five matches, the league has a very full day on tap. MLSSoccer.com has this guide on how to catch all the action. Oh, and former Orlando City gaffer Adrian Heath will appear on MLS Matchday Live at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Here’s a peak at what that will look like:

Prepping for Sunday's #mlsliveshow …. It's gonna be lit 🔥. Starting at 2pm eastern on MLSsoccer.com and @mls Facebook.

A photo posted by Heath Pearce (@heathpearce) on Oct 15, 2016 at 11:12am PDT

Hats Off to D.C. United for Supporting a Supporter

Sometimes you just have to tip your cap when a team does something good. That’s not just applicable during matches when you see a stunning Giovinco free kick goal or a diving Andre Blake save. It also applies when a team does something like D.C. United is doing for longtime supporter "Big Rob" Gillespie. United is hosting a bone marrow drive in an effort to find a donor for Gillespie and others in need. Gillespie is suffering from leukemia and this very direct action by the club to help him out has to have his spirits sky high. Every team should do this — perhaps multiple times per year. Anything like this should be applauded and we wish Mr. Gillespie the best of luck in his fight.

Solo Said She was Sorry

Per a FourFourTwo story, USWNT and Seattle Reign goalkeeper Hope Solo told a Swedish talk show that she apologized immediately after her remarks in Rio in which she called Sweden “cowards” for that side’s defensive tactics in the Olympics. The U.S. and Sweden drew 1-1 and the Swedes advanced in the tournament on penalty kicks. Solo, who drew a six-month ban from U.S. Soccer following those remarks for an accumulation of bad behavior, said Swedish captain Lotta Schelin wasn’t offended and she intended no offense.

"I just had this conversation with all of the journalists in the room after the game, and we were talking about the style of play. I didn't mean to come across that the players were cowards or the coach was a coward. I meant that the style of play was not very Olympic-spirited.

"I think Lotta Schelin is one of the best players in the world — one of the best attacking players in the world. So it was really difficult to watch her drop back defensively, and I saw her most of the time in the 18-yard box in her defense.

Bob Bradley Loses in Historic EPL Debut

Former USMNT Head Coach Bob Bradley led Swansea into the Emirates to take on Arsenal in his debut as the club’s new skipper yesterday, marking the first time an American has managed in the EPL. Bradley’s side put up a hell of a fight but ultimately fell, 3-2, away to Arsenal. Mesut Ozil scored the game winner, but despite Swansea losing for the fourth straight match, Bradley’s crew did a lot of good things against one of England’s big clubs.

That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Check back in with us later for full coverage of Orlando City at Philadelphia Union.