Lion Links: 5/21/18

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Well, there have been better results this year, but we’re still only part way through the season, so let’s not overreact like we did to start the season, or like some may have during the win streak. It’s professional level sports, and these things happen. So now that we’re all calm, let’s hit the links!

New Orlando City Stadium Policies

We’re all well aware of the brouhaha that happened during the match at home against Atlanta. As such, the Orlando City front office will be instituting new policies and those will be announced later today. What exactly those policies will be is up for debate, but it’s possible that there will be restrictions on the sizes of cups, or amounts of alcohol to be served. It will certainly be interesting to see what the club has come up with to try and deal with a situation that should have never happened. Seriously people, don’t screw it up for the rest of us. We will update you as soon as we hear something later.

USMNT Roster Features the Future

Once again, interim USMNT Head Coach Dave Sarachan has again called up a very young squad for the upcoming Bolivia friendly, with an average age under 23 years old. Those making the cut include Christian Pulisic, Matt Miazga, Tim Weah, and Josh Sargent. The U.S. will take on Bolivia in Philadelphia on May 28. It’s been an ongoing theme since the U.S. failed to qualify for the World Cup, that the younger generation is getting a chance to prove itself in international competitions.

Jerseys Get Even Pricier

The price of team kits keeps going up and many teams around the world are adding more and more alternate kits, seemingly to simply separate fans from their hard-earned money. Keeping up with the latest kit can be daunting — and quite expensive — when most teams change at least one version every year. This story from the BBC addresses this issue. The piece is about the English Premier League, but can apply just as easily to leagues around the globe, and it’s an interesting read. Here’s a sample.

But who is raking in this all cash? The reality is that while fans may like to moan about the clubs, a very small group of manufacturers actually take the biggest slice of the replica kit earnings in the UK. These are Nike, Adidas, Puma and to a far lesser extent smaller kit suppliers like New Balance. On average, “Nike earns more in three months than every Premier League club combined will earn next season,” says sports lawyer Jake Cohen.

So don’t just blame Liverpool, Tottenham, or Manchester United for the high prices.

NYCFC May Lose Vieira

Patrick Vieira has certainly helped New York City FC achieve quite a bit during his tenure, but it seems that his time there might be over. The former Arsenal midfielder has been rumored to be linked to the new manager position for Nice in France’s Ligue 1. As of Sunday, the deal had not been finalized, but it is expected to happen soon. The move is expected to take place before the World Cup begins in Russia.

Free Kicks

• The USMNT’s Jorge Villafana and his wife were held up at gunpoint in Mexico. The couple was looking to exchange approximately $20,000 when they were accosted. Fortunately, both were unharmed. Villafana is currently with Liga MX side Santos.
• New York Red Bulls player Tyler Adams could be on his way to Red Bulls Leipzig in the Bundesliga. This would obviously be a big change in scenery, although not a big change in team name.
• Speaking of Adams, he left last night’s win over Atlanta United early with swelling in his knee. Adams’ injury was overshadowed by a scarier one involving Demar Lawrence, who had to be immobilized and stretchered off after going down awkwardly.
• It’s out, and if you haven’t gotten it, then you probably should. I’m not one to advertise for other podcasts, but The Men In Blazers have released their Encyclopedia Blazertannica, and it is a bundle of soccer fun dressed in tweed. So listen, read, and then come back to the PawedCast.

That’s going to do it for Monday’s Lion Links, so enjoy your day, and let’s see what happens the rest of the week. Regardless, we will be here to bring you the best Orlando City and Orlando Pride coverage we can. Go Lions, go Pride!