Lion Links: 8/6/17

It’s Sunday, Mane Landers. It’s a day of rest, which I personally could use after last night’s trio of Orlando teams all playing at the same time. It was exhausting, but at least for a while it was going well, with all three teams leading.

But that didn’t last, and two of those teams finished tied, while the Lions conceded twice to drop some much-needed points in Quebec. The last time the three teams all played on the same night they all lost, so this is at least a two-point improvement. #SilverLinings

Anyway, the Pride have a quick turnaround before Tuesday’s match against Washington, while the Lions prepare for a trip to Red Bull Arena next Saturday and OCB gets ready to visit the Richmond Kickers that same night.

On to your Sunday Lion Links!

Orlando City Dumped in Montreal

The Lions can’t score, even when they score first. Cyle Larin finally got back on the score sheet but no one else did and the offense looked like it was trying to pass through the world’s largest plate of poutine in a 2-1 loss to the Montreal Impact. It’s crazy to think this team was in pole position after April and now can’t buy goals or wins. At least we saw a few moments that indicated a growing partnership between Larin and Dom Dwyer, and soon we’ll get some relief in the midfield when Yoshi Yotún comes into the squad. Anyway, here’s your match content:

• Gavin Ewbank provides your match recap.
• I doled out the player grades and selected the Man of the Match.

Check back later this morning for Dave Rohe’s five takeaways.

Pride Pound the Post in 1-1 Draw vs. Chicago

The Orlando Pride hit every part of the goal, but only got one to hit the inside netting in a 1-1 draw vs. the Chicago Red Stars at Orlando City Stadium last night. Alex Morgan scored her second of the year one game after snapping a goal drought for the USWNT, so it looks like she’s rounding into form. While the result wasn’t three points, it’s good to finally not lose a game against Chicago. Sofia Huerta’s strike to equalize was amazing.

OCB Earns Point in Front of USL Record Crowd

The young Lions played in front of more than 25,000 fans at Nippert Stadium — a regular-season USL record — and led 2-1 entering stoppage time. An unlucky bounce off Leo Pereira’s head fell perfectly for FC Cincinnati’s Danni Konig to score the equalizer in injury time for a 2-2 draw. OCB went 1-0-2 in three matches against the U.S. Open Cup semifinalists this year. It was nice to see the young Lions score twice after going goal-less the last two games. It was a great road effort in a hostile environment and an entertaining match. Earl Edwards Jr. even stopped a penalty in the game.

Lions Closer to Completing the Puzzle with Yotun Signing

Simon Veness of MLSSoccer.com writes that Orlando City GM Niki Budalic had his eye on Yoshimar Yotun even before the club brought in left back Donny Toia. But after the Lions picked up Toia, the team’s interest in Yotún waned a bit until seeing him play midfield for his country.

“After we picked up Donny, we weren’t really focused on him as much," Budalic said. "But he became more interesting as a midfield player when we watched him play for the national team during Copa America and during World Cup qualifiers, where he played more as a No. 8.

“He definitely has an eye for a final pass, both from wide areas with crosses but through the middle of the field as well, with an ability to switch the field. Those are things that really caught our attention and made us think we could really use a player like him.”

Free Kicks

• Orlando City waived Moussa Sane, who struggled to even get games with OCB this season.
• Those born on this date include poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1892), Lucille Ball (1911), Robert Mitchum (1917), Night Court actress Selma Diamond (1920), Andy Warhol (1928), science fiction writer Piers Anthony (1934), former Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent (1952), longtime Atlanta Braves slugger Bob Horner (1957), Bond girl Michelle Yeoh (1962), basketball’s David Robinson (1965), M. Night Shyamalan (1970), Atlanta United President Darren Eales (1972), Spice Girl Geri Halliwell (1972), Bates Motel actress Vera Farmiga (1973), Punky Brewster’s Soleil Moon Frye (1976), and Robin van Persie (1983).

And I’m spent. That’s all I’ve got for you today. Please enjoy what’s left of your weekend.