Lion Links: 8/13/18

Not so merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. It was quite a soccer-filled weekend between MLS, the NWSL, and the Premier League. If you didn’t watch enough soccer, I’m afraid that’s on you. Depending on whether you have an EPL team, your personal result might have varied, but regardless, we have everything you need to start your week. Let’s hit the links!

Orlando Loses a Heartbreaker to D.C. United, 3-2

A struggling Orlando City headed to the nation’s capital to take on Wayne Rooney and D.C. United. It did so without Yoshimar Yotún or Sacha Kjlestan, and then it lost Cristian Higuita on a red card. Orlando City went down a goal right at the end of stoppage time in the first half and fought back twice in the second half — once after losing Higuita. The Lions had a late opportunity to steal an improbable win in the final 30 seconds but the entire game turned around in the most heartbreaking way yet.

• Michael Citro explains it all in your match recap.
• The Bearded Guy gave out his player grades and Man of the Match.
• The folks at Black and Red United have your view from the other side.

Check back later today for five takeaways from last night’s defeat from yours truly.

Tom Sermanni Searches for Answers

Orlando Pride fans aren’t the only ones looking for answers after the loss to the Portland Thorns. It seems Tom Sermanni is still trying to figure it out himself. For the first 30 minutes of Saturday’s match against Portland, the Pride played well, but they all seemed to switch off, despite it being a must-win game. Sermanni joked that perhaps someone had poisoned the Pride’s water, but that was just because there was no clear reason for the drop in production. Sermanni made it clear it had nothing to do with team preparation, or the system the Pride used. Indeed, the team did everything like they usually do including meals, training, etc., and started the game brightly. The Pride now do actually have must-wins throughout the remainder of the season with a tough task ahead with the North Carolina Courage this weekend.

Weah is Way Good

USMNT youngster Tim Weah didn’t wait very long to make a statement for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 as he scored his first goal of the season in the 89th minute of PSG’s 3-0 victory. I say he didn’t wait long because he only came on in the 82nd minute, and his goal was his second shot on target. Weah isn’t the only young American plying his trade in the U.S. or abroad. Of course, Christian Pulisic is still with Borussia Dortmund, though he didn’t get a goal in their 1-0 win against Lazio to end the preseason.

Premier League’s First Weekend

Orlando City might be fighting for results in MLS, but the teams of the English Premier League got things going for their 2018-2019 season. The teams expected to contend picked up right where they left off. Defending champions, Manchester City, handed Arsenal a 2-0 loss in Arsenal’s first match without longtime manager Arsene Wenger. As expected, Liverpool absolutely dominated West Ham United, 4-0. Last year’s Golden Boot winner, Mo Salah, put in his and Liverpool’s first goal of the season. Sadio Mane added a brace and Daniel Sturridge got one 20 seconds after coming off the bench. On Saturday, Chelsea defeated Huddersfield, 3-0, and Tottenham downed Newcastle, 2-1. Manchester United, defeated Leicester City, 2-1 on Friday.

Free Kicks

• The USWNT U-20 team has one more match against Spain in its U-20 Women’s World Cup group stage. Actually, it’s happening right now if you’re reading this article when it dropped at 7:30 a.m.. If the Yanks beat Spain, they advance. A loss or a tie, and things are a bit more unsure.
• I’m not a vegan, but I do applaud the Forest Green Rovers of England’s Football League Two for being recognized as the first carbon neutral football club.
• If you didn’t know Billie Simpson before today then you do now as she one-timed it from behind the center line. Wow.

That’s going to do if from me as we start the week. Go City, go Pride!