Lion Links: 5/29/17

Merry Monday Memorial Day morning, Mane Landers. Well, maybe not as merry as we’d like after a disappointing trip to Minnesota, eh? However, it is still a day of celebration for two of our Lions, as both Seb Hines and Fernando de Moraes Sanfelice (who we know as Timbo), are one year older today. Happy birthday, lads! On to the Links.

Given how late the match was, we weren’t able to deliver everything in yesterday’s Lion Links, so here’s the rest from guys named Michael.

• Michael Citro has your player grades and Man of the match.
• Michael Niemeier has your five takeaways from the match.

Kaká Too Old?

There are pundits who think Kaká and his other aging MLS compatriots might not be contributing to their teams. If we lived in a bubble that might be true, but Orlando City’s recent troubles have little to do with an injured or aging Kaka. In fact, he has provided the spark to salvage a game during the slide. What do you think? Let us know below.

Sermanni Expects Better Results

Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni expected that the Orlando Pride would be able to get their first road win against Sky Blue on Saturday. Unfortunately, the ladies in purple lost, 2-1. Tom seems to think that while Sky Blue did what they needed to win, he felt that the Pride gave away too much and didn’t do what they needed to secure the win. Basically, the Pride need to try harder.

United States Men’s U-20 Advances

Despite a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, the U.S. Men’s U-20 team was able to win its group, thanks to the draw between Senegal and Ecuador. The U.S. had punched its ticket to the next round before the match had even started, but a win or a draw meant the young Nats would win the group outright. The U.S. got on the board first with a rebound tap-in from Brooks Leonard, though Saudi Arabia would get it back against the 10-man U.S. when Abdulelah Al-Amri got space during a corner kick. The U.S. takes on New Zealand on June 1 at 7 a.m. ET on FS1.

USMNT Roster is Set

When Bruce Arena took over the USMNT for the second time, most of his candidates from abroad were unavailable. Then in March, injuries limited his picks for the qualifiers. Now pretty much everyone is available, and Bruce gets to pick exactly who he wants. Who he wants doesn’t include Joe Bendik or Jonathan Spector evidently, despite calls from those of us here in Orlando for their inclusion. Regulars like Bobby Wood, Tim Howard, and Jordan Morris are back in the fold. Let’s hope Arena has put together a winning side as results are a bit important in the next few matches.

Finally, Can We Have This Please?

Or this?

I’m not kidding, we need some offense. At any rate, that’ll do it for your Links for today. Check back for more Orlando City news from The Mane Land.