Lion Links: 7/2/17

It was a heck of soccer Saturday yesterday, so there is a lot to cover in today’s Lion Links, but before we get started, everyone here at The Mane Land wants to wish Orlando Pride forward and USWNT superstar Alex Morgan a very happy birthday!

Pride Take A Fall

After a stunning comeback win in midweek against Sky Blue FC, the Orlando Pride were unable to return to Orlando City Stadium and come away with the win. After playing three games in seven days, the Pride were made to pay for their own mistakes losing 1-0 against the Chicago Red Stars on a penalty conceded by defender Toni Pressley. Alex Morgan made her 2017 NWSL debut but the birthday gal was unable to get on the score sheet. The Pride will look to get back on track next Saturday against the Washington Spirit.

Ashlyn Harris Nears Return

The Pride may have lost yesterday, however, Pride fans still have some good news to wake up to, with news that Ashlyn Harris is close to returning from a quad injury. Harris has been unavailable for the Pride since hurting herself against the Seattle Reign back on May 21. Her potential return could provide the sixth-place Pride the boost they need to try and make the NWSL playoffs with half the season still left to play.

OCB Draws Red Hot FC Cincinnati, 1-1

Jordan Schweitzer opened his OCB account — and the scoring — in the nightcap of last night’s Pride-OCB double-header, but Djiby Fall struck on the counter to pull visiting FC Cincinnati level. The young Lions finished the match a man down after Pierre Da Silva was sent off late, but held on with some good Earl Edwards Jr. saves and organized defending to finish with a 1-1 draw. OCB is back in action next Saturday at home against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

USMNT Downs Ghana in Friendly

With the Gold Cup starting in less than a week, the United States continued its tournament warm-up by beating Ghana, 2-1 in Hartford, CT. Brand new U.S. citizen and former Orlando City player Dom Dwyer starred for the Yanks, grabbing a goal on his debut for his new country, while Kellyn Acosta bagged the winner with his first international goal. What a way to start July and this holiday weekend.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City’s U-17/18 squad will host the Colorado Rapids in the Development Academy Playoffs on Friday.
• MLS announces the details of the 2017 MLS Homegrown Game.
• Former Lion Harrison Heath was loaned by Atlanta United to USL side Sacramento Republic FC.
• Another former Lion, Brek Shea, throws some shade at O-Town.
• FIFA President Gianni Infantino hails VAR system as a “great success” after being implemented in the FIFA Confederations Cup.
• Atletico Madrid player signs a nine-year contract extension.

That’s all for today and with this being a holiday weekend I leave you with this friendly reminder from the Orlando Police as well as a reminder that the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Final kicks off at 2 p.m. between Chile & Germany.