Lion Links: 3/20/17

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Once again, we get to bask in the glory of an Orlando City victory. It’s always a good way to start your week. We’ve got a bit of a break this week, but there are USMNT games coming up. Let’s get to the Links!

Welcome to the Lions, Mr. Sutter

It’s been a few weeks since Scott Sutter signed on with Orlando City. This past weekend, he finally arrived in the City Beautiful. Coming over from Swiss Super League club BSC Young Boys, Sutter has been impressed with the reaction he is getting in Orlando, especially on social media. As stated in the article by Alicia DelGallo of the Orlando Sentinel, it’s pretty obvious he’s happy to be here.

“If I tweeted something three weeks ago, I would get like two retweets and a couple likes,” Sutter said smiling. “I tweeted I’m on my way to Orlando and it’s like 400 likes and 200 retweets or something like that, it’s nuts. This morning I went for breakfast in a coffee shop and there’s stickers of Orlando City, and went to Publix and the workers are wearing Orlando city T-shirts. It’s pretty cool.”

We agree, Scott. It’s pretty cool.

Barnes-for-Rochez Analysis

There’s been plenty of talk about why the Lions waived Bryan Rochez to free up the DP spot, and why it was given to recently acquired Giles Barnes. Orlando might still be looking for another replacement DP and not wanting to use any TAM or GAM on Barnes. Atlanta United certainly had little to lose by acquiring Rochez.

City of Brotherly Love, Indeed

Two weeks ago, NYCFC fans were not quite as gracious in defeat as one would hope, between stolen stadium seats, and even fighting with law enforcement. This weekend, Philadelphia Union supporters were much better behaved, even going so far as to reach out to local law enforcement for smiling group pictures. Well done, Sons of Ben. Well done.

Brek Breaks Bad

Brek Shea’s new team, the Vancouver Whitecaps, have not been having a very good season so far. With two losses and a draw, the Whitecaps are still searching for their first win. Of course, it’s hard to win playing a man down. This weekend it was Brek who got sent off. Shea earned two yellow cards in the 70th minute to put the Whitecaps in a difficult position. The first was because of a foul, and the second because he said something to the ref. Evidently, Shea wasn’t thanking him for being a fair and decisive official. After Shea departed, Toronto went on to score two goals and take the match. We always wish the best for those that have worn purple, and we hope Brek is able to bounce back.

USMNT Roster Updates

Bruce Arena has called up attacker Sacha Kljestan and defender Matt Besler for the upcoming matches against Honduras and Panama on March 24 and 28, respectively. Fabian Johnson and Bobby Wood were both lost to injury, and cannot make the upcoming matches.

That’s it for this edition, have a great start of your week and check back for more Orlando City news.