Lion Links: 7/4/17

Happy Fourth of July! It’s Tuesday again already. The year is flying by. It’s a light day on soccer news, so let’s go ahead and get to the links before you throw the hot dogs on the grill.

Will Johnson and José Aja in MLS Team of Week

After Will Johnson’s game-winner against Real Salt Lake, he made the starting XI on the Week 18 MLS Team of the Week. Defender José Aja also received recognition, making the bench. Hopefully the win against RSL got the squad back on track, because it only gets more difficult the rest of the way.

Cyle Larin Discusses DUI Arrest, MLS Treatment Program

Orlando City striker Cyle Larin spoke for the first time since his June 15 DUI arrest on Monday. Larin reflected on the implications of his arrest, and having to win everyone’s trust back. He also spoke of the impact of his time at a rehabilitation center in South Carolina.

Larin comes across as very contrite and apologetic. He said all the right things. Hopefully he learned from his mistake because Orlando City is depending on him, on and off the pitch.

Orlando Pride Waive Laura Alleway

The Orlando Pride waived Australian international Laura Alleway on Monday. The move frees Alleway to find an opportunity to play more since she had lost her starting position with the Pride.

For the Pride, the move frees up an international spot. Now they have flexibility to add to their roster as they push for a playoff spot.

Revolution Moves Up in Allocation Ranking

New England Revolution traded the fifth spot in the allocation rankings and $175,000 in General Allocation Money to San Jose for the second spot in the allocation rankings. Speculation is rampant on who the Revolution are after, so this is definitely something to keep an eye on.

Kelyn Rowe Praises Bruce Arena’s Eye for MLS Talent

After his call-up and start against Ghana, Kelyn Rowe is praising USMNT Head Coach Bruce Arena. Rowe, who plays for the New England Revolution, never got a USMNT call-up before due to former manager Jurgen Klinsmann’s aversion to MLS.

Rowe and other MLS players have gotten a chance under Arena, and it’s hard to argue with the results. Arena left the bigger-name players off the Gold Cup roster, but the team still looked impressive against Ghana. Arena deserves credit.

Confederations Cup Showed VAR Needs to get Better

The Video Assistant Referee program was in effect at the Confederations Cup final between Chile and Germany, but it was not without controversy. Chilean defender Gonzalo Jara elbowed German forward Timo Werner in the face, but the referee missed it.

German players demanded the referee go to VAR, and he did. But after seeing the video, the referee only gave a Jara a yellow card, so time was wasted and the call was still wrong. It begs the question of how to make it better.

It was a light day for soccer news, which isn’t surprising considering the holiday, so that’s all for this edition. But I do want everyone to have a safe Independence Day. Safety first, especially if you will be lighting fireworks. Until next time.