Lion Links: 10/12/2017

Welcome back to yet another daily dose of Lion Links. We know that you’re probably still bitter over the fact that the U.S. Men’s National Team failed to qualify for the World Cup. Don’t worry, we’re mad too. If you want to distract your anger towards something else for a minute, click this link here.

If you decided to click that link, your anger is now directed at Nickelback and Chad Kroger’s face, and deservedly so. How are they allowed to make music? You’d think someone would have stopped them at this point. Like, do they know they are that bad? Anyways, I’ll move on, here are your daily links!

Kaká and Orlando City to Part Ways

Major news broke yesterday at a press conference at Orlando City Stadium, where Orlando City captain Kaká, announced that he will not be signing a new contract at season’s end, and will in fact be moving on from his time with the Lions. As Paul Tenorio stated, the club did indeed offer him a new contract, but the details were revealed that it was a major decrease from what he was accustomed to making during his time in Orlando.

Whether you were for or against Kaká returning to Orlando City, you have to have respect for the man, and what he helped do for MLS, the sport, and most importantly, our city. He definitely helped transform us into a major soccer city, and for that we are grateful. Personally, I believe that this move is better for the club moving forward, however I have to admit, I would’ve loved to have seen Kaká retire as an Orlando City Lion. We will have to wait and see what is next for him in his career, but until then, we have another game to cheer on Ricky in purple, and take a look at all the memories that he has made with us.

Two Pride Players Make USWNT Roster for South Korea Friendlies

Jill Ellis has named 22 players to the U.S. Women’s National Team roster for the upcoming series of friendlies against the Korea Republic a week from now. Two Pride players made the cut in forward Alex Morgan and goalkeeper Ashyln Harris. Although we have to admit, the absence of Ali Kreiger definitely has us a little perplexed, considering she was a beast on the Orlando Pride back line throughout the season.

OCB is in Must -Win Territory

Well, in Orlando we have one last hope left for playoff soccer and that lies in the hands of Orlando City B. OCB hosts the I-4 rival Tampa Bay Rowdies tonight, and the young Lions have to win in order to keep their hopes of making the playoffs for a second straight year alive. However, they aren’t completely in control of their own destiny as OCB will have to wait to see results of New York, Cincinnati, and Bethlehem before the Lions will know if they have earned a spot in the playoff picture.

MLS Responds to USMNT Not Qualifying for the World Cup

Major League Soccer had some words to say about the USMNT’s failure to qualify for Russia in 2018, and those words primarily were, we’re committed to growing the sport in the United States, and we don’t need the World Cup to do it! Although the product of MLS has improved over the years in substantial quantities, It’s hard to say that you don’t need the World Cup to help you grow. Viewership and eyes on the sport is always higher after a World Cup cycle, but we must admit we are curious to see what the plan of action is for MLS moving forward.

Free Kicks

• In Southeast Soccer news, Atlanta United has given a four-year extension to technical director and vice president, Carlos Bocanegra. Hard to debate that he doesn’t deserve it when you consider the results Atlanta has seen in its expansion season.
• In more sad news about the USMNT, our friend Paul Tenorio wrote for FourFourTwo, that it’s time for the U.S. to completely clean house, and after the unenthusiastic press conferences post-game, who can really argue otherwise?
• In slightly funnier USMNT news, Jurgen Klinsmann was reached post-game and asked for comment, his response below was a gem if you ask me.

• The worst thing about the World Cup is when you realize world class stars didn’t make it. The Philly Inquirer includes Christian Pulisic in its list of incredibly talented players that won’t be making the trip to Russia. You can check the full article here.
• Ever feel like you shouldn’t have done something? Well, that’s what happened for Chile and Bayern Munich midfileder Arturo Vidal. When he announced his retirement for international football, and then later announced that he couldn’t abandon his teammates, and will be back to compete for Chile again after the World Cup.
• And lastly, if for some reason you support Manchester City, there is good news! Sergio Aguero is slated to return early from his rib injury, and could be available to play Stoke City this weekend.

That’s all for today! Thanks for checking back with us, and we hope that today is the day that your “we aren’t going to the World Cup” hangover comes to the end. But if it hasn’t ended yet and you clicked that link at the beginning of the article, we are so sorry we subjected you to Nickelback, please forgive us!