Lion Links: 2/20/17

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Can you feel it? The season is creeping ever closer, but until then we have Lion Links to start our days. I have to say that the international soccer scene has been pretty entertaining as of late. You’ll see what I mean below, but suffice to say, it’s been a fun off-season. Let’s hit the links!

Orlando Drops a Pair to Toronto

Orlando City hosted Toronto FC for a pair of games on Sunday, and unfortunately, the Lions came up short in both. Kaká was able to score in the first game, giving Orlando City its only goal of the day. However, Toronto was too much for the Lions, despite the home-field advantage in Central Florida. Toronto won the first match, 3-1, with goals from Jozy Altidore, Sebastian Giovinco, and Justin Morrow. Orlando lost the second match 4-0. Fortunately, it’s only the preseason.

The Reason NWSL Players are Heading Abroad

As Orlando Pride fans, we are all aware that some of the top players have headed to other leagues, even if just temporarily. Our very own Alex Morgan is currently playing at Lyon. Alex said she was using the opportunity to advance her game, and allow her to contribute to both the Pride and the USWNT at a greater level. It is true that the premier women’s teams abroad are able to leverage the money and the facilities afforded by its men’s club counterparts. However, that isn’t the only reason players are making their way to Europe. Drawn out negotiations with the U.S. Soccer Federation may have prompted some players to explore their options, as well. At least for now, most will be coming back to play this NWSL season.

Molino Shines for Minnesota

Former Lion, Kevin Molino, made quite an impact for his new team, Minnesota United FC. Kevin scored a brace against Real Salt Lake, showing why Adrian Heath wanted him for his squad, and why Orlando City fans were sad to see him leave. Heath spent a lot of money to get Molino to Minnesota, and it seems that he and Molino are satisified with the deal. Molino did clarify that there was no friction between him and Jason Kreis, and he appreciated how professional his departure was handled. We wish Kevin luck in all his future games, except those played against Orlando City.

More NFL Teams in Soccer Kits

A few weeks ago, we shared Noah Cline’s designs for what NFL teams uniforms would look like as soccer kits. Well, it seems that creating such designs is the thing to do this off-season, since we now have another set from another designer. Trayton R. Miller has given his take on the NFL team uniforms. While it’s not quite the “computerized” look we got from Mr. Cline, there are still some interesting designs. What do you think of your favorite team’s mock up?

Coach Tackles Player

In the “Classico Nacional” of Liga MX (Mexico’s first division), Club America took on Chivas, and things got interesting. By interesting, I mean that a former player (as in a log time ago “former”), turned coach, Ricardo La Volpe decided that he would take a more “foot-on” approach to managing the game.

Tell me you don’t like the look on La Volpe’s face. Hey, Kreis is a former player… just saying.

There’s nothing better than ending on a fantastic video like that. Have a wonderful day everyone!