Lion Links: 6/12/17

Good morning, Mane Landers. I know I usually start off a bit more merry, but given it’s the anniversary of the Pulse tragedy, I’m not going to put on a merry face. That being said, we should focus on how our great community rose up in the face of that tragedy, and came together. We remember the victims, and send our best to the survivors and the families of those lost. There was quite a bit of soccer this weekend, so let’s get to the links.

USMNT Draws with El Tri

Heading into the Azteca against Mexico is always a daunting task, and fortunately the USMNT was up to it. While the U.S. did score on a long goal from Michael Bradley, the Yanks weren’t able to hold onto the lead. Regardless, any points against Mexico in Mexico are to be valued, and this can be considered a good result. You can check out the recap here by Scott Carnevale.

USWNT Defeats Norway, 1-0

The USWNT had a tough task on Sunday against Norway. Injured players not present, an unfamiliar shape, and a good opponent on the road made things very difficult. Despite that, the Americans were able to pull out the victory thanks to a Christen Press goal in the 60th minute. Check out the recap from Michael Citro.

Two Pride Players Honored

Canadian National Team players Kaylyn Kyle and Josee Belanger both retired from international play earlier this year. Yesterday, the two were honored at Canada’s match against Costa Rica. Belanger was the star of the Canadian Women’s National Team in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, and Kyle was a Bronze Medal winner at the 2012 Olympics in London (Canada’s first medal in 76 years). Other players recognized included Jonelle Filigno, Robyn Gayle, and Lauren Sesselmann.

Rowdies Can’t Compete with OCSC

We’re not saying that Tampa Bay can’t keep up with Orlando City on any given game day. But according to this article, they would have an incredible uphill battle to do what Orlando City has accomplished as an expansion squad. To that, we say…duh.

What if the U.S. Women Didn’t Win the 1991 World Cup?

It’s common knowledge these days that the USWNT is a force in the world of women’s soccer. But, was that always a predetermined destiny? In those days, money was hard to come by and U.S. women’s soccer was not a known product. Money was short, and funds were even used from FIFA (ostensibly for the 1994 World Cup) to fund the women’s program. Fortunately, FIFA never knew and it all worked out.

Free Kicks

• Former Orlando Predators coach, Rob Keefe, was deeply affected by the Pulse shootings and despite there not being an Orlando Predators team anymore, he is still making a difference.
• Remember that incident after the home opener when some New York City FC supporters got arrested? Well, it seems that Felix Vazquez is pleading innocent of the charges from the March 5 incident.
• Phoenix Rising owner/player Didier Drogba had a fantastic start to his USL career, scoring a goal, and assisting former Chelsea teammate Shaun Wright-Phillips’ goal.
• The Real Monarchs won their eighth consecutive game in the USL to tie the record set by Orlando City in 2014.
• The U.S. women’s U-19 squad lost to the Czech Republic, 2-1.

• The U.S. women’s U-23 squad drew with England.

That’ll do it for today’s Lion Links. Have a great week and check back for more coverage of everything Orlando City and soccer in general. Go City!