Lion Links: 11/27/16

Welcome to Sunday’s edition of Lion Links. MLS playoffs start back up today with the second leg of the Western Conference finals. If second leg games are anything like the first leg action, we are in for a treat.

Life after Klinsmann

There has been plenty of reaction to the Jurgen Klinsmann saga since Sunil Gulati relieved the German of his duties as the U. S. Men’s National Team coach. It’s fair to say that most of the conversations swirling around the internet were about how to get the team back on track in the Hex under Bruce Arena. With Klinsmann gone, Kevin Baxter of the L. A. Times looked back at the results of Klinsmann’s tenure with Germany and U. S. Soccer. Baxter speculated that Germany might have reaped the rewards of Klinmann’s reforms with a World Cup victory in 2014. U. S. fans will hope Baxter is on to something.  

Bob Bradley Gets First Premier League Win

The week started with rumors and the eventual hiring of Bruce Arena. But this week also proved memorable for another former USMNT coach, Bob Bradley. Bradley recorded the first win by an American coach in the Premier League as Swansea City charged back to beat Crystal Palace, 5-4. Do yourself a favor and check out the highlights. Bob’s Boys led 3-1 before conceding three straight goals to trail Crystal Palace, 4-3. But the Swans weren’t done. In added time, Swansea rallied back with two goals to grab all three valuable points and Bradley’s first win.

Is Howard Webb the Next Ref Chief in MLS?

MLS is interested in bringing former English Premier League referee Howard Webb to MLS to serve as the head of the Professional Referee Organization. MLS doesn’t expect Peter Walton, the current chief, to return after this season. Webb retired from refereeing in 2014. His experience includes the World Cup Final in 2010. 

Second Leg Scoring Scenarios for MLS Playoffs

We will know the western half of MLS Cup 2016 after today’s 4 p.m. game between Colorado and Seattle. To help with the goal scoring confusion, MLSsoccer.com released a breakdown with the possible scenarios needed for each team to reach MLS Cup 2016. This is especially helpful for fans unfamiliar with the two-leg playoff style.  

Here is the Eastern Conference guide, but we’ll have to wait until Wednesday for the full MLS Cup 2016 picture.  

Seattle Still Waiting to Discuss Dempsey’s Future

The Sounders take on the Rapids today, still uncertain of whether Clint Dempsey will be able to play in 2017. MLSsoccer.com updated an earlier report on Dempsey and added that Seattle will wait until the 2017 preseason before making any decisions. Let’s hope this isn’t how Dempsey’s career comes to an end. Get better, Deuce!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and your leftover turkey sandwiches.