Lion Links: 6/9/17

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! Unfortunately our boys in purple aren’t playing this weekend, but we have an extremely important World Cup qualifier to look forward to. We have a couple links for you today, and don’t forget to check out our coverage of both the men’s and women’s U.S. national teams. More on that below.  

Orlando Honors Pulse Victims

On June 12, Orlando City SC will help contribute to Orlando United Day — A Day of Love and Kindness, by opening the doors to the stadium from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for anyone who wants to pay tribute to the victims. T-shirts, scarves, and socks will also be available for sale, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Better Together Fund.

“It doesn’t matter how big or small your act of kindness is, just share the love on June 12,” Orlando City SC VP of Community Relations Kay Rawlins said. “Our community has shown unprecedented unity since that regretful day. Let’s continue putting our best foot forward and honor the victims by being good to each other.”

Orlando Pride Show Flexibility

After a slow start to the season, the Pride are slowly starting to earn the results respected of them, with the most recent victory coming at home against the Boston Breakers. Tom Sermanni shook up the team sheet, and put out a side in an unfamiliar 4-2-3-1 formation. The offense was able to contribute, while putting in a decent defensive effort to keep the clean sheet.

USMNT Rides Pulisic Brace to Win vs. T&T

The Yanks got a vital three points in the Hexagonal with a victory over Trinidad & Tobago last night. Christian Pulisic scored twice after halftime in the 2-0 victory out in Colorado. Pulisic’s brace added some excitement to a game in which the U.S. seemed to lack urgency and pace in the attack through the initial 45 minutes. Next up for the Yanks is a date with Mexico on Sunday.

USWNT Blanks Sweden to Open Europe Trip

Rose Lavelle scored the game’s only goal and the USWNT weathered a late flurry of chances to survive with a 1-0 win in Sweden. The Boston Breakers star took a beautiful pass from Crystal Dunn and deposited it in the Swedish goal to give the Americans their only score and a little revenge against the side that knocked them out of the Olympics on penalties.

Dempsey Still Chasing Landon Donovan

With Clint Dempsey close to tying Landon Donovan’s record for most goals of all time, it’s a very real possibility that he will not hold onto the title for long. Altidore is climbing up the ranks as well, and with emerging star Christian Pulisic earning his starting role, the title of all-time leading scorer could change hands often over the next decade. 

Free Kicks:

• Manchester United will reportedly not renew Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract in June, after he suffered a knee injury which could keep him out until at least January.
• Saudi Arabia declined to line up for a minute of silence for the London attack in its World Cup qualifier against Australia.
• Here we have an incredible and heartbreaking long form story about the plane disaster of Brazilian side Chapecoense.

That’s all from us today. Enjoy the weekend!