Lion Links: 10/4/17

I don't know what was in the water — or other drinks — this weekend, but I come back from Europe and the news is just flying off the handle. We’ve got updates you wanted to know, some things you probably didn’t (poor Camila), and some you didn't even know you needed until you see them (we’re talking porn stars). Without further ado…

Pride Sweep Weekly Awards While Clinching Third

In the midst of plenty of awful and weird news, let’s start with the positives. The Pride clinched the NWSL’s third seed this past week and couldn't have done it without two incredible plays that both earned weekly awards.

First up is Alanna Kennedy’s free kick laser in the 91st — earning NWSL Goal of the Week — that lifted what could have been a draw and fourth-place finish for Orlando.

Ashlyn Harris continues to shine in NWSL Save of the Week opportunities, and this week was no different. I have been very critical of Harris and her tendency to be out of position or to be moving too often once the ball is struck. But in the 29th minute she came up with an absolute class save, with great footwork and a strong hand to deny a first-time strike from a free player 12 yards away. Enjoy:

Drinking Around the World Gone Very Wrong For Orlando

Unfortunately this weekend wasn’t all good news for the Orlando organization as a few players were escorted out of Epcot this past Sunday. TMZ was the first to break the story that detailed Alex Morgan, Giles Barnes, and Donny Toia all involved in the incident at Disney. While specific details are speculative, we do know that there were verbal altercations by all three in the midst of their weekend festivities.

Tom Sermanni did let us know in yesterday’s press conference that he does expect Morgan to play on Saturday against the Portland Thorns in the NWSL Playoffs.

Marta Loves COD and FIFA, Who Knew?

Check out this recent interview with Marta and Heath Pearce for a COPA90 U.S. “WTF” feature:

Camila Out Indefinitely

We have the final diagnosis on Camila, and unfortunately it isn't a very good one. It appears she has torn her ACL and sprained her MCL, and will be out indefinitely into the 2018 season. All of us here hope for a full and speedy recovery as Camila will look to bounce back on after a very good first year with the Pride with five goals and four assists.

A Slow Start and a Blazing Fast Finish Tells the Story for the Pride Season

In advance of this weekend’s first ever playoff appearance by the Orlando Pride, take a look back at how they ended up being Orlando City SC’s first top flight professional soccer team to make the playoffs. If you want to focus on one important match that sparked the beginning of an amazing finish, I would look no further than the June 28 match against Sky Blue FC. Featuring a comeback only done seven times in league history, Marta and Co. won this match and would only lose two for the rest of the season.

USMNT Has a Very Good Chance at Qualifying This Week

For all the panic that exists over the U.S. Men’s National Team, it is still in a very good spot to qualify straight out for Russia. While it might be down to the wire, ESPN’s SPI breaks down the importance of this Friday’s match against Panama.

Just When You Think FIFA and the World Cup Hosts Can’t Get Any Worse

I couldn't be more over FIFA and the next two World Cups if I tried. As in I’m constantly asking myself what the hell is going on every time I hear a story about either upcoming World Cup and somehow am still amazed at the stories that come out.

Well, they’ve done it again along with Russia to make a farce out of the FIFA stadium requirements mandating all stadiums must have a 35,000-seat minimum to host group matches. So you can imagine that if Orlando wanted to host a match they would just add some seats inside right? Well the Russian Federation, backed by FIFA, decided to add a few to the outside of the stadium. Because in FIFA logic anything is possible.

Lion Links:

• Hadji Barry makes USL’s ToTW bench.
• Barcelona to the Premier League? Not out of the question, says club president.
• PSV Eindhoven of yjr Netherlands, Ecuador’s Barcelona S.C. and Atlético Mineiro have been added to the 2018 Florida Cup field.
• BBC had a very unfortunate error in closed caption, calling Newcastle United “black and white scum”.
• A bomb plot at PSG was thankfully thwarted.
• NWSL and Lifetime garner women’s soccer increased exposure in first-year partnership.
• Montreal looks certain to make some changes in the coaching staff.
• Former Orlando City DP, Bryan Rochéz nets his first goal in Portugal.

And finally, in kit news, I proudly present the greatest shirt sponsor of the 2017 season — and possibly ever — from German amateur side SV Oberwürzbach featuring porn star Lena Nitro as the lead sponsor:

Bravo, SV Oberwürzbach, Bravo.

Until next week, Mane Landers. I hope to see many of you out this Friday night. You’ll definitely be catching me in Market on Magnolia and around the Church St. area before heading into the match in Section 19. So if you see me, stop on by and say hello!