Lion Links: 9/2/18

Hey there, Mane Landers! Happy Sunday. I hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day weekend; I know I am. I’ve been training with a soccer program that’s set to visit Munich, Germany in a few months time, and I can’t wait to experience the culture and what I expect to be an incredibly high level of play from our opposition. I’ll be sure to take plenty of photos and videos to share with you all once we’re back, and I hope to write up a piece detailing every moment of the trip to provide insight to our audience of this exciting journey and life-changing adventure.

I can’t wait, and I can’t wait to share it all with one of the most passionate group of supporters in this country.

But enough about me. You’re not here for that. You’re here for your Sunday serving of Lion Links. And that’s just what I’ve come to bring you. Before we dive in, let’s all be sure to wish semi-new Lion center back Shane O’Neill a very special happy birthday! He’s been a great addition to the squad, and he deserves praise from all of us. So, pick your social media of choice and give him a holler! We’re lucky to have him.

That said…bon appetit, Mane Landers.

Lions Draw with the Union, 2-2

In the midst of a season of disappointing results, staffing changes, and questionable moves from the front office, the Lions notched a point against Philadelphia last night. Orlando City drew first blood, saw the Union equalize before halftime and take the lead late, then responded with a stoppage-time equalizer.

• Scott Carnevale has your match recap.
• Michael Citro dished out player grades and Man of the Match.
• And the view from the other side comes to us from Brotherly Game.

Also, be sure to keep an eye out for our very own Bearded Guy’s five takeaways, set to be published and at your fingertips later today.

Labor Day Honors: Eight Hardworking Players Recognized

I’m going to start this one out with a bit of disbelief that Yoshimar Yotún didn’t make the cut, because in my humble opinion, he’s absolutely one of the hardest working players in this league. That said, I can’t disagree with mlssoccer.com’s Tom Bogert on his selections for the hardest working players in the league, a recognition birthed from this weekend’s holiday — Labor Day. Players that made the list include Portland’s Diego Chara, Columbus’ Harrison Afful, the New York Red Bulls’ Tyler Adams and Kemar Lawrence, D.C. United’s Paul Arriola, Seattle’s Chad Marshall, LAFC’s Benny Feilhaber, and Toronto’s Michael Bradley. Once again, I can’t disagree with Bogert’s choices, but I do think he should have increased the number of players included on his list to nine to include Yoshi. I might be just a little biased, but man, Yoshi deserved to make this list.

MLS Honors National Beard Day

As a young man who doesn’t naturally grow an abundance of facial hair, this one was completely off of my radar until everyone’s favorite Bearded Guy and our very own Sean Rollins brought it to my attention. Apparently, the first Saturday of every September is recognized as National Beard Day. First of all, our Bearded Guy has the greatest beard in Orlando, no doubt. Maybe even in Florida…possible this country…or hell, maybe on the planet. You all know him, so you know I’m not just saying this to say it; it’s beyond spectacular and I’m envious of its commanding presence (hi, Tom…now you know). To celebrate the occasion, MLS has recognized some of the best beards in the league and boy, there are some beauts.

I’ll never qualify for a beard competition, but you can be damned sure I’d attend one. Why not? If Tom’s there, I’m there. That way I’ll be able to share in the spoils of his inevitable victory. The Lions’ Dom Dwyer makes the cut, but my personal favorite is Portland’s Nathan Reid’s flowing, orange beard. It. Is. Excellent. They even threw in a true throwback, displaying controversial former USMNT player and current commentator Alexi Lalas’ old school shag.

MLS Launches Fifth Annual Kick Childhood Cancer Initiative

The initiative, supported by all 23 clubs in MLS, aims at raising money for the Children’s Oncology Group, an organization dedicated to research in eradicating childhood cancer. This makes me proud to be an MLS fan, and I’ll certainly be looking to make a donation. You should consider it as well, or maybe buy some nice gold swag to show your support (which also counts as a donation). Also included in this momentous and inspiring initiative is the opportunity to not only contribute to a great cause, but also provide fans the chance to bid on match-worn and autographed memorabilia. Additionally, MLS Works will make a donation for each post that includes a scarf and the hashtag #ScarvesUp. So get on it, Mane Landers! The memorabilia is going to be beautiful, and the cause that you’ll be donating to is incredible and could legitimately save lives. Let’s show MLS that we’re a fan base that cares!

Free Kicks

• Are you kidding me? No. Really. Was this a joke? Sheesh…I love the fans of this club with my entire heart, but c’mon man! Some people just want to watch the world burn, I guess.

• So, eh, Sydney Leroux might be a psychic? #PowerCouple

• Me too, Alanna. Me too.

• DeAndre Yedlin scored his first Premier League goal yesterday during Newcastle’s 2-1 loss to Manchester City, and apparently, it’s historic…well, sort of. See below.

• The Pride’s next opponent, Sky Blue FC, has signed three players to national team replacement contracts. The ladies include former Orlando Pride midfielder Nickolette Driesse.
• The Seattle Sounders have made history. They’re the first club in MLS to win eight consecutive matches in the post-shootout era (remember the old school shootouts?). It’s been impressive to watch, and they’re certainly a candidate for a strong push into the playoffs and potentially even the MLS Cup. Kudos, Seattle.
• Stealing is for jerks. Ask Memphis Depay, who was burglarized while playing a match for his club, Lyon. The damage is estimated at around 1.3 million euros. Ouch. I hope they catch the perpetrators, Memphis. If you’re reading this and you’re a thief, I hate you.

All right, Mane Landers, that’s about all I’ve got for you today. Enjoy the remainder of your Sunday, and if you’re not working tomorrow, take a load off and enjoy your time! Visit family and friends. Reconnect with an old colleague. Make something of your day! Every single day counts, folks. Seize them. And if you need a day just to recharge, do just that. You deserve it (because whew, it’s been a rough season for both the Lions and the Pride).