Lion Links: 5/16/19

Happy Thursday, Mane Landers. While Orlando City did just have a match last night, we are just three days away from the next home match! Let’s have a look at what has been going on lately, including a game recap of last nights’ match. But first, we send our happy birthday wishes to defender Kamal Miller.

Orlando City Falls to Seattle, 2-1

With a squad that seemed more like the U.S. Open Cup lineup than the regular MLS starting XI, Orlando City rolled into Seattle looking to snap a three-match winless skid. That didn’t happen, but the Lions were competitive and fell 2-1 on the road against one of the league’s best teams. Benji Michel and Greg Ranjitsingh each made their first MLS starts and little-used Dillon Powers, Danilo Acosta, and Santiago Patino also made the starting XI.

The game included a controversial winning goal that was reviewed for a handball in the buildup. The decision went Seattle’s way and Chris Mueller’s late goal ended up just being cosmetic in the end.

• Our Jennifer Warren has your match recap.
• The view from the other side comes from Sounder at Heart.

Stay tuned later today for our bearded guy’s player grades and Man of the Match and Scott Carnevale’s five takeaways.

Alex Morgan Wants the World Cup to Inspire the Next Generation

With only 22 days until the Women’s World Cup, Orlando Pride and United States Women’s National Team forward Alex Morgan spoke on what she hopes to accomplish at the tournament, other than winning it of course.

“So I think we have a special few months ahead of us. I really believe that the World Cup can be a platform for female empowerment, and we want to capitalize on that, both on and off the field.

What all of this will lead to, I hope, is that women will build each other up and continue our fight for a seat at the table. I hope that the next time we are out there singing the national anthem, the girls holding the flag will look back at us, take courage, and be inspired by what we do.”

USWNT Set for New Zealand Tonight

Speaking of Morgan, she and her USWNT teammates will face former Orlando Pride coach Tom Sermanni and his New Zealand squad tonight. The match against New Zealand is the second game of the Yanks’ Sendoff Series and it will take place in St. Louis. Stay tuned later as we’ll drop our preview/how to watch post and we’ll have a full recap of the game afterwards. Here is some handy info on tonight’s game.

Final Whistle On Hate

Last night, the New England Revolution hosted Premier League side Chelsea in a friendly charity match that was organized to “help promote eradicating racism and anti-semitism from the game,” hence the match being called the “Final Whistle on Hate.” The Revolution suffered a 3-0 defeat with goals from Chelsea’s Ross Barkley (3’, 62’) and Olivier Giroud (29’).

Free Kicks

• Ajax have finished their outstanding season with their first domestic double in 17 years. Almost had the treble too.
• Due to pollution concerns from ongoing fires in Mexico City, the first leg of the Liga MX playoff semifinals match-up between Club America and Leon had to be moved out of the city.
• Vote for the MLS Goal of the Week for Week 11

That is all for me this week, Mane Landers. Have a great rest of the week and prepare to cheer our boys on at home this weekend!