Lion Links: 7/17/17

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! It was quite a weekend with the USMNT winning Group B in Gold Cup competition, and the Pride taking it to FC Kansas City, 4-1. That wasn’t all that happened though, and we’re here to let you know all about it.

USMNT Gold Cup Roster Changes

As we told you yesterday, there were many roster changes expected as the U.S. heads into the next round of the Gold Cup. We received confirmation of those changes on Sunday. Goalkeepers Tim Howard and Jesse Gonzalez replace Brad Guzan and Sean Johnson. Midfielders Michael Bradley and Darlington Nagbe come on as Alejandro Bedoya, Cristian Roldan, and Kelyn Rowe return home. Finally, forwards Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey arrive while Dom Dwyer departs. One notable absence is Christian Pulisic. Otherwise, these changes did not come as a surprise, though now it means Orlando City will have to face Brad Guzan in goal against Atlanta United FC. The U.S. moves on to the quarterfinals and we now know the opponents:

Catley, Kennedy Called Up for Tournament of Nations

Again, not a big surprise, but Orlando Pride defender Steph Catley and midfielder Alanna Kennedy have been called up by Australia to compete in the upcoming Tournament of Nations. Also called up by the Matildas is former Pride defender Laura Alleway. The tournament takes place at the end of the month.

The Beast is still a beast

Though Julio Baptista is no longer in Orlando, he’s forever a Lion. Playing for Brazil in a six-on-six match against China, he just about broke the netting. Check it out:

Did we mention he had a hat trick? Anyone else wishing he was still in Orlando? Well done, Julio, well done.

Tragedy in Senegal

Union Sportive Ouakam and Stade de Mbour had just finished the League Cup final in Dakar when tragedy struck. After being tied in the 90th minute of play, Mbour scored to win the match. Union fans were outraged and fighting started between rivaling supporters, prompting police to fire tear gas into the stands. This caused a panic and sent people to one side where the added pressure collapsed the front of the wall near the field. Eight people lost their lives and at least 60 were injured.

Jacksonville Armada Acquires New Ownership

For half a year, the Jacksonville Armada have been league-owned. Now, it looks like the Robert Palmer Companies will be buying the club. Palmer is the CEO of RP Funding based in Maitland, FL. Fortunately, the new ownership is committed to staying in Jacksonville, and thus keeping a part of Florida’s soccer community intact.

Free Kicks

• Game of Thrones returned last night. You watched it, right? If not, here’s what you should know before you do. Does anyone else miss the (Adrian) Winter is Coming jokes?
• There’s a new Doctor Who. The Doctor is now a woman, and will be played by Jodie Whittaker. Funny enough, Whittaker starred with former Doctor David Tennant in the show Broadchurch. Congratulations Jodie!
• San Diego Comic Con starts this week, which means plenty of info on Avengers: Infinity War, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and more.
• Sunday was National Ice Cream Day. And you missed it.

That’ll do it for this edition of Lion Links. Keep checking back for more coverage of everything Orlando City.