Lion Links: 8/5/17

Good morning, Mane Landers! We have quite a busy day ahead with all three Orlando teams in action today. First at 7 p.m., Orlando City B returns to Nippert Stadium to try to remain unbeaten this season against FC Cincinnati (the young Lions are 1-0-1 vs. Cincy this year). Then at 7:30 p.m., it’s time to put your multiple devices to the test, because Orlando City’s away match with Montreal Impact will start at the same time as the Pride’s home match against the Chicago Red Stars. We’d also like to wish Giles Barnes a happy 29th birthday. There are clearly many options for your viewing purposes tonight, but for now you have the one and only Lion Links.

Orlando City Signs Versatile Peruvian Yoshimar Yotún

Orlando City has been in the market for a midfielder who can link the midfielders with the forwards, and it appears that Yoshimar Yotún is the player who will come in and fill that gap. Yotún comes from Swedish champions Malmo FF, where he played left back, left mid, and defensive mid. Besides his obvious versatility, he is also known for his creativity. Yotún also regularly features at left mid for Peru, where he has registered 64 caps. Regardless of if he becomes a regular in the midfield — as I hope he will — he will almost certainly have a lot to add to the team.

Why Peter Vermes was Content to Sell Dom Dwyer

The availability and eventual sale of Dom Dwyer was sudden and shocking, but apparently it was just a typical move from Sporting Kansas City’s coach Peter Vermes. This is because Vermes is a big fan of New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s philosophy, which is to only see players for what they are worth and sell players a year early instead of a year late. Another analysis would be that with the changes that SKC’s system has endured, it was time for Dwyer to leave. The pertinent system change is that SKC has gone away from its fast and furious attack which Dwyer thrived in. Whatever the reason, every Lions fan should thank Vermes.

What to Know About the Orlando Pride’s Upcoming Opponent

The Orlando Pride will face the Chicago Red Stars tonight in what is certain to be a tough game. The Red Stars are in first place in the NWSL and have also beaten the Pride twice this season. It isn’t all negative for the Pride though. The Red Stars can be a little one dimensional as Christen Press scored all three goals against the Pride in their last two meetings. They also have a weakness on set pieces that the Pride can hopefully exploit. Both teams may have some major difficulties with personnel because their players who participated in the Tournament of Nations — such as Press, Julie Ertz, Marta, and Alex Morgan — are unlikely to be fit enough to start.

Retired Punter Pat McAfee Plays Soccer with MLS All-Stars

When Tim Howard and Dom Dwyer were in Chicago for the MLS All-Star Game, former NFL punter Pat McAfee decided to stop by and test their skills. I’m not really sure who won, but overall it looked like they all had a great time. Dwyer also had some great shots which is good to see.

*Disclaimer: some language in the video is NSFW

Free Kicks:

• ESPN will be broadcasting English Football League Games and the Carabao Cup (formerly the EFL Cup) for the upcoming season.
• According to his former coach, Lizandro Claras Saravia, who has recently been deported, was one of the best defenders in the U.S.
• A new bar and cafe, The Lion’s Den, will be opening soon near Orlando City Stadium to feed off game day traffic.
• Is MLS a ponzi scheme? The world may never know.
• The Huffington Post Women’s Facebook page will carry an NWSL game each Saturday.
• The 2017 MLS All-Star Game set a record in viewership.

That wraps up today’s links. You should probably consider getting an energy drink for tonight. Have a wonderful day!