Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/15/18
Good morning, readers. Unfortunately this weekend was a mixed bag, with the Orlando Pride emerging victorious over the Portland Thorns but Orlando City’s win streak sadly ended against Atlanta United. It had to come to an end sometime, but that doesn’t make losing feel any better. Anyhow, there’s a whole bunch to talk about today, so on to the links.
Tarek Named to Preliminary Egypt Roster
Amro Tarek has been named to Egypt’s 29-man preliminary squad for the team’s pair of warm-up friendlies ahead of the 2018 World Cup. The team will play Kuwait and Belgium in its final preparations ahead of the upcoming tournament. With only one cap to his name thus far, a place in the World Cup squad would be a great step for Tarek. As an Orlando City fan who’s watched him perform well, it would be nice to see him get recognition for his play, even though it would mean losing him for at least a few weeks in the summer.
I feel so honored to be listed on the Primary roster for the Egyptian National Team @EFA for the World cup. I would like to thank my coaching staff, teammates and @OrlandoCitySC Fans for the support. 🦁😈#vamosOrlando #forClubAndCountry
— Amro Tarek (@AmroAbdelAziz) May 14, 2018
Suspensions Coming For Item Throwers
Joe Kepner has reported that multiple fans who threw things onto the field during Orlando City’s Sunday match against Atlanta United have been identified and will receive one- or two-year bans from the stadium. The club is also reviewing game and security footage to determine any other people who might have thrown things onto the field during the game and will take similar action against those people as well. I won’t say any more other than that I hope none of you reading this were among those who decided to express their frustration in that manner.
UPDATE: The 15 fans were trespassed by @OrlandoPolice last night at the game. @OrlandoCitySC is reviewing tapes to identify anyone else who threw items on the field. Those fans will face a 1-2 year suspension from the stadium. https://t.co/UU1avhrkoY
— Joe Kepner (@JKepnerWFTV) May 14, 2018
Any fan suspended is banned from the stadium and faces trespassing charges if they're caught trying to enter.
The club has a reinstatement process that suspended fans must complete. https://t.co/bWuVx3AW7t
— Joe Kepner (@JKepnerWFTV) May 14, 2018
Pride Rise in Power Rankings
Following a draw with Utah Royals and a 2-1 win over Portland Thorns, the Orlando Pride rose to the No. 3 spot in the NWSL power rankings. Not only was the win over Portland the Pride’s first ever victory over the team from the Pacific Northwest, but it also extended the team’s unbeaten streak to five games. The team gets the week off following its road trip out west, but will be thrown right back in the thick of things against the undefeated North Carolina Courage on May 23.
Harris and Nairn Up for Awards
Ashlyn Harris has been nominated for the NWSL Save of the Week for her 52nd-minute save of a Tobin Heath curler during the Pride’s weekend victory over Portland. The save came only a few minutes after Harris took a cleat straight to the chest, making the diving one-handed effort all the more impressive, not to mention the fact that it preserved the Pride’s lead.
4️⃣ saves. 1️⃣ winner. It's 🗳 time!
You choose the #NWSL Save of the Week ⤵️
— NWSL (@NWSL) May 14, 2018
Meanwhile, Christine Nairn was nominated for the NWSL Goal of the Week for her 21st-minute bomb that gave the Pride a 2-0 advantage. I’m not sure exactly how far out she was when she hit it, but it was an absolute stunner and is surely a deserving candidate for the GOTW. Make sure you vote!
These four had the finishing touch.
Now you decide the #NWSL Goal of the Week.
— NWSL (@NWSL) May 14, 2018
Gold Cup Venue News
The opening match for next summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup will be hosted at Allianz Field in St. Paul, MN. The match will be the first competitive one for the USMNT following its failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup last October. It has also been announced that LAFC’s Banc of California stadium will also host matches in the tournament.
The brand new @BancStadium in Los Angeles, CA will host #GoldCup2019 matches!
Keep in the loop on dates, tickets and general info by signing up at https://t.co/hATKvpX6xH! pic.twitter.com/qzbJ5V3sY3
— Gold Cup 2019 (@GoldCup) May 14, 2018
Unlike the 2017 edition, it is expected that next year’s tournament will see participating countries send their “A teams,” providing a more accurate yardstick of where the confederation’s teams actually stack up against one another.
Free Kicks
If you like hot sauce, then I’ve got good news for you: Orlando City has teamed up with Tijuana Flats to make some Orlando City hot sauces.
Some very big news regarding gambling in American sports:
BREAKING: Supreme Court strikes down federal anti sports gambling law, gives states go-ahead to allow betting on sports.
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 14, 2018
- Peru captain Paolo Guerrero will now miss the 2018 World Cup after having his doping ban extended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
That’s all I’ve got for you today. Don’t forget that while the Pride have the week off, OCSC has a Friday game against Toronto FC at 8 p.m. sharp. Keep it here for all your Orlando soccer news. Ciao.