Lion Links: 8/28/17

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. As Meatloaf said, “two out of three ain’t bad.” If you’re feeling frustrated with the MLS squad, I highly recommend checking out the Orlando Pride, OCB, or perhaps both. With both of those squads getting results left and right, it might put a smile back on your face. Now, let’s get to the links.

Helping Houston after Hurricane Harvey

We in Florida are all too familiar with the devastation and toll a hurricane can take on a state and a community. People in the southeastern Texas area are helping each other with places to stay, boats to help the stranded, and supplies. If you are not able to help directly, there are still many ways to assist those in need in the affected area.

Orlando City International Call-ups

Just in case you weren’t worried enough about the Lions upcoming match against New England Revolution, there’s this:

A Fan’s Fantastic Day

No matter what you think about the on-field product from Orlando City, the club’s off-field commitment to fans is beyond reproach. Disabled fan Anthony Oliveira was visited by many of Orlando City’s players, and for Anthony, none were more special than the captain, Kaká. Like his hero, Oliveira’s family is from Brazil, and now lives in Florida. Kaká signed a soccer ball and gave it to the young fan, where it will join the rest of the OCSC posters and paraphernalia that adorns his room.

Bruce Arena Announces World Cup Qualifying Roster

USMNT skipper Bruce Arena has chosen the 26 players that will comprise the roster for the World Cup qualifiers. As expected, regulars like Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, and Tim Howard got the call. Borussia Dortmund and 18-year-old wunderkind Christian Pulisic is also joining for this round. The American phenom wasn’t with the squad during the Gold Cup. Orlando City’s Dom Dwyer will remain in Orlando as he was not selected.

Soccer and Beer!

You might remember that M.I.A. Beer Company created a beer for Orlando City SC called ROARlando Citrus Golden Ale. We included it in an edition of Pride Pub earlier this year. Now it seems that some other breweries and teams are getting in on the action. Land-Grant Brewery has paired with Columbus Crew for Glory American Wheat Ale. Now there are partnerships with Boulevard Brewing Co. and Peticolas Brewing on beers for Sporting Kansas City and FC Dallas, respectively. This is a venture I can support.

Free Kicks

• David Mateos tweets his farewell to America, Adrian Heath, and many others associated with Orlando City.
• Former USMNT player David Wagner is making good as a skipper in the English Premier League for the newly promoted Huddersfield Town.
• The Premier League Top 6 after the weekend, plus look at the haircuts!

• Famous Birthdays for today include actor/comedian Jack Black (47), country singer Shania Twain (51), country singer Leann Rimes (34), Starsky & Hutch actor David Soul (73), Hobbit Billy Boyd (48), actor Jason Priestly (47), actor Daniel Stern (59), and author Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910).

That’s going to do it for this edition of Lion Links. We hope you have a good week, and I’ll see you in September!