Lion Links: 3/27/19

Good morning, Mane Landers! It’s Wednesday so you know that means — only four days until we’re back in the stadium as Orlando City takes on Wayne Rooney and D.C. United. I’m extra excited for this match, because for the first time my dad is going to get to experience the action live from the purple, plastic seats! He’ll either be sporting the OCSC polo I got him for Christmas, or a 2018 Dom Dwyer jersey. He looks a bit like Sam Elliott, so if you see us around section 118, be sure to say hello. Let’s get to the links.

USMNT Play Chile to a Draw

Gregg Berhalter came up short of winning his fourth straight match to start his tenure as head coach of the USMNT, but the Yanks still came away with a 1-1 draw last night against Chile in Houston. All of the scoring came early, as Christian Pulisic gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead and the Chileans didn’t take long to answer with the first goal against the USMNT since Berhalter took the helm.

Fancy a bit of Grocery Shopping Tomorrow Night?

Meet the player events are back! Fans will have the opportunity to meet João Moutinho in Oviedo tomorrow night from 5:30-7 p.m. at Shoppes at Sterling Creek Publix. If you’ll recall, Moutinho made his Orlando City debut against the New York Red Bulls last weekend, with the assist on the game-winning goal.

Sebas Méndez Makes Ecuador’s Starting XI Again

Whether you were in the Purple Palace to witness him or watched from home, there is no denying Méndez was alive for his country on the pitch last Thursday. Méndez saw the starting XI spot again last night as Ecuador took on Honduras.

Orlando Pride Draft Picks Share Their Experience

ProSoccerUSA.com had an opportunity to speak with Marisa Viggiano and Erin Greening — the Orlando Pride’s 2019 draft picks — this week. Though neither of the women have signed professional contracts as of yet, they had nothing but great things to say about preseason training, noting that it has surpassed their expectations. Viggiano shared how Ali Krieger has influenced her so far.

“Ali’s been amazing. Someone that I’ve always looked up to, watching her on TV when I was younger. To be here, she’s just really taken in a lot of the younger girls and she’s been imparting her wisdom. She has a lot of experience, she’s a great player. She’s really taken us in and helped us.”

Chioma Ubogagu Called Up

Phil Neville has officially named 25 players to the England women’s roster for the upcoming friendly matches leading up to the World Cup. The Orlando Pride’s very own forward Chioma Obogagu got the call. The four remaining friendlies will be broadcast live by the BBC.

Free Kicks

• Is the San Siro being torn down?
• What’s former OCSC VP Paul McDonough up to in Miami?
• Justin Meram wins an award.

That’ll do it for me today, friends. See you Sunday!