Lion Links: 5/21/17

Welcome back to another Sunday edition of Lion Links. I will be our host on this double game day, with both Orlando City and the Pride in action tonight. So, sit back, relax, and let’s go around the world of soccer.

No Pirlo Tonight

When Orlando City and NYCFC kick off this evening, midfielder Andrea Pirlo will not be in uniform as the Italian returned to New York to be treated for a knee injury. NYCFC will also be without Venezuela U-20 international Yangel Herrera, who was called up the U-20 World Cup in South Korea.

Showing the National Love

Recently, Kaká told Goal.com who his favorite footballer was and you will never guess. Yeah, can’t say I was too surprised considering just how the fellow Brazilian national’s season has gone thus far.

Speaking of Kaká

In the final year of his contract with Orlando City SC, Kaká said he wants to stay with the league, but there hasn’t been any progress made on a new contract. He seems to be happy with how OCSC has performed this season, despite missing five matches.

“For me, actually, it’s very good because I've always said the most important thing for a team to be a championship team is the group. To see the group playing very good without me — but not just without me, but without a lot other players because of injuries, cards and different things — shows me that we are (heading) in the right direction,” he told Goal.

Need Motivation for Tonight’s  Game?

Check this out from NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira:

McKinnie Shows for Schalke

American 18-year-old Weston McKinnie made his debut yesterday for Bundesliga side Schalke 04 against Ingolstadt. According to the report, McKinnie came on in the 77^th minute in the 1-1 draw, closing out the Bundesliga season. 

Taking Second

The Orlando City SC DA U-17/18 closed out the season with a second-place finish, one point adrift of Atlanta United.

Set Pieces

• The continued popularity of football in the United States is starting to change the urban landscape in American cities.
• A third-tier Spanish team has unveiled what could only be called Hulk-inspired. At first blush, I kind of scoffed it off, but I could see it grow on fans.

Of course, the reveal is pretty epic:

• ESPN FC did a nice piece chronicling Orlando City SC Head Coach Jason Kreis’ previous ups and downs in MLS and his current success with Orlando.
• LAFC held its first supporters’ rally Saturday and announced the supporters section will be called the North End and will be a “safe standing section” according to MLSsoccer.com.

That’s all for this Sunday edition. Enjoy the day and get ready for tonight!!