Lion Links: 6/28/17

Welcome to Hump Day!

We know it’s been a rough few weeks for Orlando City, but we think that today’s Lion Links should cheer us all up. So with a lot to get through, let’s dive on in!

Larin Returns to Lions

Cyle Larin has been cleared to return to Orlando City’s lineup after passing the mandatory SABH assessment for his DUI arrest on June 15. The young Canuck returns in time for Friday’s trip to Real Salt Lake, however, after missing all team activities for almost two weeks, it remains to be seen whether Head Coach Jason Kreis takes him on the trip. However, with Carlos Rivas likely out, and the Lions in desperate need of three points, we expect him to be dressing in purple on Friday.

Canadian 2017 Gold Cup Roster Announced

Neither forward Cyle Larin or midfielder Will Johnson have been selected for the Canadian Men’s National Team for this year’s Gold Cup. Larin’s non-selection comes as no surprise, after the federation announced last week that, due to his pending DUI charge, he would not be available for selection. Occasional Orlando City captain Will Johnson also missed out on being selected after Head Coach Octavio Zambrano named his dynamic roster yesterday.

With the U.S. roster being announced on Sunday and with both Jonathan Spector and Joe Bendik missing out, soccer magazine FourFourTwo discusses whether or not that is the end of the road for those two gentleman in regards to international call-ups. You can check out our own Michael Niemeier’s thoughts on the subject right here.

Full of Pride

Make it two out of two for the Orlando Pride. Despite getting beat this week against the Houston Dash, Steph Catley took home Save of the Week honors for her goal line clearance on Poliana (who, BTW, won NWSL Player of the Week)

The Pride also made it a double celebration as their game against the Dash was the most-watched NWSL game this season on Lifetime. (Note: There was no 4 p.m. MLS game this week.)

Hope Solo Wanted in Europe

Depending on what you Googled to get here, Hope Solo does not currently have an arrest warrant out on the continent, but in fact, Olympique Marseille is reported to hold an interest in the ex-USWNT shot stopper, according to French sources. Solo has been out of action since leaving the Seattle Reign last year, after her dispute with the U.S. Soccer Federation. The Reign still hold her NWSL rights, however, she can feel free to attempt to play outside the United States and with Marseille being one of the more historic European WoSo teams, the offer may be tempting if Solo wants to restart her career.

Orange County Wants Moar!

After the success of Orlando City and this year’s NFL Pro Bowl, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs officially announced yesterday a $5 million dollar sports “slush” fund. Via a memo on Monday afternoon, Jacobs announced that the fund would be set up to help attract more sporting events to the Orlando area. The announcement puts a more formal structure in place after the fund was initially floated last November. Watch this space to see what type of events The City Beautiful can attract.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City U17/U18s won their group in the academy playoffs.
• Ex-Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath ranks as the 20th-best coach in American soccer, per FourFourTwo.
• U.S. officials named for 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
• Facebook is set to stream UEFA Champions League games next season through a partnership with Fox Sports.
• Real Salt Lake fired its GK coach ahead of Friday’s contest against Orlando City.
• WoSo weekly will be issuing their last update this week.

That’s all for today, Mane Landers. Hope you enjoy your Wednesday and keep it dialed to The Mane Land as we gear up for Friday’s game.