Lion Links: 9/29/18

Welcome to the weekend! Well, for most of you anyway. I’m working of course. I’m not going to let that spoil my mood though because I know one thing for certain. Orlando City will not lose a match today, and that’s not nothing! Let’s get to the links!

O’Connor Defends Lions

James O’Connor was hired into a very tough position. He was brought in during the middle of a season, in the midst of a losing streak, on a team without an identity. There has been plenty of criticism since O’Connor arrived as well, including from The Mane Land and myself. There are those that have said Orlando fans deserve better, and that the team gave up on the season given the 4-0 loss to the Chicago Fire. However, we then saw the effort given in the draw against the Houston Dynamo. O’Connor stated that the team would try to get results but also build for the future. He then put out a mixed roster of veterans. Some might find that funny, but O’Connor never said he was building a future of rookies, simply that he was building Orlando City’s future. It will partially be up to him to decide what that future looks like. It’s going to be interesting for certain.

Ronaldo Accusations

The most famous footballer in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, has been publicly accused of rape in 2009 by American Kathryn Mayorga. The reported assault took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, as reported by the German news magazine Der Spiegel. Ronaldo reportedly paid Mayorga $375,000 to never speak of the alleged incident again, however, her lawyers are now questioning the validity of the out-of-court settlement. Ronaldo’s lawyers are evidently going to sue the magazine for reporting the story. Needless to say, this is quite a mess, especially in the current cultural environment. As more details emerge, we will let our readers know.

It’s Officially Unofficial

So, I’m pretty sure that Orlando City is eliminated from the playoffs. I know that mathematically they’re not, but c’mon. So why is this even a story? Evidently, there are supposedly fans of the Lions and other teams that are still holding on to a feeling called hope. Frankly, unfortunately, all the Lions can do at this point, is maybe play spoiler for another team, but even that is doubtful. As I wrote above, Orlando is at least partially focusing on next season.

FIFA 19 Scans Orlando Players

Are you looking forward to rewriting history? Are you hoping to take your Orlando City Lions to the playoffs? Winning the Cup? Well you can do it in FIFA 19. When you do, you’ll know how the faces of your favorite Lions were captured and rendered in the newest version of the popular video game. Frankly, I’m curious as to whether you find it realistic or creepy. Let me know in the comments below.

Free Kicks

• Were you unable to watch the NWSL championship match? Did you not want to after the Pride’s season, but are willing to look just a little? Here’s all the glory of the Courage’s victory in pictures.
• We literally told you about this yesterday, but here’s a bit more detailed schedule of the USWNT’s World Cup qualifying. This time with dates!
• The Orlando SeaWolves indoor soccer team has a schedule and tickets are available. We here at The Mane Land support all Orlando soccer teams.

That’ll do it for this Friday. It was good seeing you all on a non-Monday. Enjoy your weekend, and I’ll do my best to enjoy at least my Sunday. See you next week!