Lion Links: 6/29/17

Hello, and welcome to Thursday’s edition of Lion Links. Lots of news circulating around the club and the rest of the soccer world today, so let’s jump right into it.

Orlando Pride Come from Behind to Win

The Pride grabbed another early lead against Sky Blue behind Chioma Ubogagu’s goal, only to see the hosts level at the end of the first half on a dubious penalty call — the second of the game against the Pride. But despite Sam Kerr’s wondergoal putting SBFC ahead in the first minute of the second half, Marta and rookie Rachel Hill led the Pride’s 3-2 comeback win. Check out the link for the full recap and video highlights.

The Pride are back in action at home Saturday in the first game of a double-header with OCB, as the Chicago Red Stars visit Orlando City Stadium.

MPG Says Farewell, is Waived by Orlando City

In an Instagram post Matías Pérez García said goodbye to Orlando City SC early Wednesday. Later in the day, the club announced that MPG had been waived and his international slot claimed by the recall of Leo Pereira, who had been loaned to OCB prior to the Seattle-Chicago road trip to make room on the senior roster for Richie Laryea. An agreement between the club and the fan favorite player was never reached and his time in Orlando is over.

Larin Enters Plea of Not Guilty

Cyle Larin’s attorney, Stuart Hyman, entered a plea of not guilty in his DUI case on Tuesday. This is pretty standard for an initial plea, actually. The next date of note in Larin’s case is July 21, when the next hearing will take place. Although cleared to participate in Orlando City activities, Larin has only begun his trip through the legal process.

Mid-season MVP?

Sports Illustrated just put out a power ranking list that picks each team’s mid-season MVP. The first bit of that news is the power ranking — OCSC stays at number 12 on SI’s power ranking list for a second consecutive week. The other bit of news is their selection for mid-season MVP. They chose Joe Bendik because of huge, late-game stops that have helped OCSC preserve points. Did they get it right?

Six Charged in Hillsborough Stadium Tragedy

One of soccer’s darkest days came when 96 fans were killed in a crush of bodies at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield England back in 1989. Fans of Liverpool and Nottingham Forest piled into a pair of pens designated for Liverpool fans at an FA Cup semifinal match. After many years and several investigations, six people have been charged with crimes as a result. It will be interesting to follow this story. One of the ripple effects from this tragedy is our own beautiful safe standing section at Orlando City Stadium, as sweeping reform has taken place since that sad day.

Free Kicks

• Former Akron alumni, Richie Laryea got a shout-out from his coach in the Akron Beacon Journal for making his official debut for the Orlando City this past weekend.
• Lion Nation members could win a trip to the MLS All-Star Game.
• Los Angeles FC may be close to signing international talent Wesley Sneijder to a deal according to this ESPN FC story. Sneijder is a long-time Dutch star.
• Check out this awesome look into how Bastian Schweinsteiger ended up in MLS.

That is all from me today, folks. If you want more soccer-related talk feel free to follow me on twitter: @awesomeniemeier.