Lion Links: 3/23/19

Hey y’all, don’t look now but we made it through another week and to Orlando City’s fourth game day of 2019. Things are super crazy in my world right now as I’m in the final preparation stages of a move next weekend. Since this is only the third time I’ve relocated in over a decade, it’s safe to say that it’s not something I enjoy. I’m looking forward to the new place however, and the fact that my best friend is coming into town to help with everything keeps me sane. Enough rambling, you guys came here for the news so let’s get to it.

Lions Face MLS Discipline for Montreal Scuffle

I want to get the bad news out of the way first this time. The Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee reviewed the shenanigans that occurred during Orlando City’s loss to the Montreal Impact last Saturday. As you can imagine, it was decided that both clubs were in violation of the “mass confrontation policy” for the scuffle at the end of the match and both were warned.

Additionally, Lions striker Dom Dwyer was fined an undisclosed amount for “instigating and escalating a mass confrontation.” Interesting, eh? Additionally, Impact midfielder Ignacio Piatti was found guilty of simulation and embellishment and was also fined an undisclosed amount for this flop at the end of the first half.

Two More Pride Players Tapped for International Duty

Australian Women’s National Team Head Coach Ante Milicic released his 23-player squad for a friendly against the United States Women’s National Team on April 5. Alanna Kennedy and Emily Van Egmond of the Orlando Pride were called up to join the Matildas for the match just after their teammates Alex Morgan, Ashlyn Harris, and Ali Krieger, were called upon for the USWNT.

Speaking of, Krieger had much to say about receiving her first call up since 2017. Personally, I’m really happy to see her back in a U.S. jersey. In other Pride news, the University of South Florida women’s soccer program announced its spring schedule which apparently includes a closed preseason scrimmage in Orlando against the Pride.

USMNT Takeaways, Player Ratings, and Updates After Ecuador Victory

For what it’s worth, Andrew Wiebe posted his five takeaways from the United States Men’s National Team win over Ecuador. Player ratings were handed out, and thankfully Gyasi Zardes was not awarded the highest grade for his lucky deflected goal. It was announced that Tyler Adams left the team to return to Red Bull Leipzig, surprising no one as the Bundesliga side has relied on him heavily.

Goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez returned to his club, FC Dallas, while Weston McKennie’s ugly injury is still being evaluated. Head Coach Gregg Berhalter stated that he will “continue on [the] theme of using this camp to evaluate what we have” by changing up his lineup when the team faces Chile on Tuesday, March 26.

Orlando SeaWolves Get Blasted

Despite outshooting their opponent 34-26, the SeaWolves lost 7-1 to the Baltimore Blast in a tough road match. It was a game that the SeaWolves really could’ve used a win from as they head into a playoff push in the Major Arena Soccer League. Baltimore goalkeeper William Vanzela had a whopping 25 saves to keep the SeaWolves to just one goal and now Orlando heads to Harrisburg, PA tonight to take on the Harrisburg Heat before a big game against the Kansas City Comets in Florida.

Free Kicks

• I know this might be hard for some of you Mane Landers to believe, but newly appointed U.S. Soccer U-23 Head Coach Jason Kreis didn’t start Orlando City midfielder Cam Lindley in a 0-2 loss to Egypt.
• Defender Gregory van der Wiel left Toronto FC “by mutual consent.”
• A little over a year after buying him, Barcelona is open to selling Philippe Coutinho.
• UEFA charged Neymar for social media comments about the officials after Paris Saint-Germain’s loss to Manchester United in the Champions League.
• Another star player, this time Brazil’s Serginho, was subjected to racist chants during a match.
• The English Football League deducted nine points from Championship side Birmingham City for breaking its profitability and sustainability rules, leaving the club only five points clear of relegation.
• Finally, here’s my feel-good Chelsea FC story of the week, a profile on Real Madrid loanee Mateo Kovacic.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope it was enough to delay the inevitable pain we will all be experiencing this evening when we watch the Lions take on the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. Regardless, get out there and support at your local watch party. Go City!