Lion Links: 8/27/18

I just can’t bring myself to use my normal Monday greeting, so l suppose a good morning will have to suffice. Needless to say it wasn’t a great weekend for those of us that wear purple, but given the tragedy at Jacksonville Landing yesterday, I for one will keep it all in the proper perspective. From all of us here at The Mane Land, our thoughts and condolences go out to all affected by the terrible mass shooting.

Pride Searching for Answers

It’s been much longer than just one game since Tom Sermanni and the Orlando Pride have been looking for an answer to the lack of team cohesion that has led to a lack of goals and results. There has also been a lack of effort, and Sermanni and many of the Pride players seemingly haven’t been on the same page. One thing is for certain, whether it’s too many stars, or the wrong combination or formation, it didn’t work this year for a team that has too much talent not to make the playoffs.

USMNT Players in Action

One of the nice things about European leagues starting back up, is getting to see some of the young guns of the U.S. Men’s National Team in action. Christian Pulisic has picked up right where he left off, drawing fouls, providing service, and taking set pieces in Borussia Dortmund’s 4-1 win over RB Leipzig.

Elsewhere, Weston McKinnie lined up against John Brooks, as FC Schalke 04 fell to Wolfsburg, 2-1. It seems that word is out on McKennie as Wolfsburg was able to shut him down for the most part. Josh Sargent got his fifth start for Werder Bremen’s U-23 squad. It wasn’t just the Bundesliga, as others also played elsewhere in the world. Regardless, these players getting time on international squads is valuable for the U.S. going forward.

Serie A Supporters Give 43 Minutes of Silence

You may remember the Morandi Bridge collapse that delayed the start of Serie A’s Genoa side. On Sunday, the team bested Empoli, 2-1, but that was not the important part of the match. Prior to the match, the fans were asked to observe a minute of silence for the 43 victims of the bridge collapse. Instead, they observed one minute of silence for each of the 43 victims. For the better part of the first half, the only sounds were those on the field. After the silence, the fans started chanting “Genova, Genova”. Thanks to those fans for showing how good soccer supporters can be.

Big Deals in EPL

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich owns English Premier League side Chelsea FC, at least he owns it for now. There are rumors that Abramovich may be looking to sell Chelsea. Of course, he and the other leaders of Chelsea have denied such rumors, but time will tell.

Meanwhile, things aren’t looking very good over at West Ham United FC as the company that owns the stadium might not be around all that much longer. There are millions being lost in the deal for the London stadium, and that deal ends next month. It’s doubtful West Ham would be homeless, but something has to change.

Free Kicks

• Oh Alexi Lalas, you’re so funny. Do you recall when he said D.C. United star Wayne Rooney was washed up? Well, now he gets to joke about being a great motivator for Rooney.
• In the English Premier League, Watford and Chelsea each have nine points after three matches, but are just behind Liverpool on goal differential. Wait, Watford? Anyway, here is the weekend results and standings.
• Florida State University women’s soccer recorded its fourth straight shutout to start the season with a 3-0 victory over Middle Tennessee. The win matches FSU’s sixth-longest streak for the program.

That’s going to do it for your Monday edition of Lion Links. Stay safe, and treat each other with love and respect.