Lion Links: 11/10/17

Happy Friday, everyone! Are you still in shock at the roster announcement this week? Are you getting numb yet to the transfer rumors and all the joy and sweat that comes along with them? Have you settled into the off-season comfortably and just riding this wave with no cares in the world because whatever happens happens? Well, let me see if I can brighten your day with the choicest links from around the web to get you up to speed with everything.

Morgan Scores Again but USWNT Draws Canada

Alex Morgan scored her fifth goal in her last six international games but it wasn’t enough to win in Canada, as Adriana Leon tied the game in the second half. The teams played to a 1-1 draw in Vancouver in front of a huge crowd of more than 28,000. It wasn’t the best-played game with both teams’ press creating problems for the other and a not-so-great playing surface causing players issues in trying to figure out how to properly weight their passes. Morgan was the only Orlando player to see the field. Jill Ellis left the Pride’s Ashlyn Harris on the bench and Chioma Ubogagu didn’t dress.

Robinho Leads Orlando Rumor Mill

One of the latest rumors making the rounds links Brazilian forward Robinho to a move to Orlando City. The former Manchester City and Real Madrid striker currently plays with Atletico Mineiro in Brazil. Money is rumored to be the main sticking point with some sources, while other sources have other messages:

Get ready folks, this off-season is going to get fun.

Edwards Lands on USL Awards Finalists List

The 2017 USL awards finalists have been revealed, and a couple of names stand out. Orlando City and OCB goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. is up for Goalkeeper of the Year and former Lion, and current Louisville City FC head coach, James O’Connor is nominated for Coach of the Year.

Pride Fan Vote Winners for 2017

At 1 p.m. this afternoon, the Orlando Pride will announce their Golden Swans winners for 2017, but the fan vote winners have already been released. Here are just a couple of them for your viewing pleasure:

Revolution Have a New Head Coach

It is official. Brad Friedel has been named as the New England Revolution’s new head coach. Friedel has a pretty extensive, and impressive, resume both domestically and internationally. Leaving his coaching position on the U-19 USMNT, Friedel becomes the seventh coach for the Revs.

Rolfe Hangs Up His Cleats

After a 13-year career both domestically and internationally, Chris Rolfe, striker for D.C. United, has announced his retirement. If his name isn't that familiar, then head on over and get familiar with where he sits all-time in a number of MLS record categories. You can read his statement below:

World Cup Ball Released

Here it is in all its glory, the 2018 FIFA World Cup official match ball:

Look familiar to you? Well, depending on your age, or how far down the YouTube video rabbit hole you have ventured, it should. Bringing 1970 to 2018, the ball even includes an NFC chip.

Free Kicks

• Poor Cristiano Ronaldo. Even after winning the Ballon d’Or, again, he just cannot seem to find his stride in club play.
• Sam Allardyce keeps pushing, and hopefully it will go no further than being excellent fodder for the American soccer pundit. Remember how long he was England’s manager?

• Ever wonder just how much footy is on television in the United States? I know I have. Now we can scratch that itch, at least for this past month.
• Sporting Kansas City defender Ike Opara was named the MLS 2017 Defender of the Year.
• Want to have your say on the state of affairs of American Soccer? Head on over to this ProSoccerTalk link and let them know exactly what you think, crying Jordan memes and all!
• As a polite reminder to everyone, there are cameras everywhere, and they tell all.

The cameras don’t miss anything these days. 😅

A post shared by Major League Soccer (@mls) on Nov 9, 2017 at 2:40pm PST

And just remember, Mane Landers, the end is not nigh. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it isn’t a train. It is Cake, singing the song of survival for us all. Enjoy the sweet serenade of living to fight another day, and let’s get ready for the weekend!