Lion Links: 7/23/18

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Well, that was some wicked injustice this weekend, wasn’t it? Best to let others dwell on it so we can move on to other happenings in the world of soccer. We should focus on the positive, just like Orlando City will be trying to do. Let’s get to the links!

Rumor: Justin Meram on the Trading Block

Justin Meram has been absent from the Lions’ 18, let alone the starting 11, for three straight games and that is starting to make some people wonder. Now, we have rumor that he could be on his way back to the Columbus Crew. Of course, there are also rumors that Cincinnati, Portland and Vancouver may also have some interest — and that a deal with FC Cincinnati could be close. I’m not sure how Orlando City can recoup the money spent on Meram, but I guess we’ll have to see if anything happens.

All of the Pride’s Brazilians Make the Cut

Brazilian Head Coach Vadão has put out his roster for the 2018 Tournament of Nations, and all of the Brazilians on the Orlando Pride have been called up. Marta, Monica, Camila, and Poliana were all selected and will also not miss any Pride games while in the tournament. This is the second Tournament of Nations, and will feature Brazil, Australia, Japan, and the United States.

Loaned Pierre Da Silva Scores Equalizer

Orlando midfielder Pierre da Silva is on loan until July 29 with Saint Louis FC and in the 79th minute of their match against Orange County SC on Saturday night, he knocked home a rebound to get the point for STLFC. He was awarded Man of the Match in the 2-2 draw. After this performance, Da Silva will likely play for Saint Louis again when the club travels to face Reno 1868 FC this upcoming Saturday, July 28.

Pulisic Scores a Brace

Borussia Dortmund defeated Liverpool in the International Champions Cup, 3-1 on Sunday. USMNT player Christian Pulisic scored in the 66th and 89th minutes to give Dortmund the win over the Reds. Virgil van Dijk put Liverpool up in the 25th minute and Liverpool played well through the midfield but couldn’t close it down when it mattered. Jacob Bruun Larsen added the final goal for Dortmund in stoppage time. Both teams play again Wednesday when Dortmund takes on Benfica, and Liverpool meets Manchester City.

Double Dose of Ugliness

German footballer Mesut Özil has retired from international play following treatment he’s received that he describes as racial intolerance. Özil is of Turkish heritage, and took a picture with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan back in May. Özil has said there was no political meaning behind the picture, but the German media has put out their own narrative.

Meanwhile in Russia, Torpedo Moscow has terminated the contract of Erving Botaka-Yobama. Botaka-Yobama is of Congolese heritage though he was born and raised in Russia. However, he was let go after only six days. He was met with plenty of vile comments from the supporters of the club in regards to his race. Torpedo Moscow has stated that the termination had nothing to do with his race.

Free Kicks

• Congratulations to the Orlando City Youth 2007 Girls on finishing as runners up at the Disney International Cup.

• FC Dallas reportedly will trade Kellyn Acosta to the Colorado Rapids. The 22-year-old has been with Dallas since 2013, but has not had a great season so far this year.
• For the gamers out there, the Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 demo will arrive in two weeks. The demo will feature 12 professional sides as a teaser.

That’ll do it for today’s links, but I certainly hope you have a wonderful day and a great week.