Lion Links: 6/3/19

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! It’s a good thing we don’t record the Mane Land PawedCast until later in the week, as I’m only just getting my voice back after the back-to-back-to-back wins for Liverpool, Orlando City, and Tallahassee Soccer Club. It was quite a great day for the teams I support, except one. I’m looking at you Orlando Pride.

O’Connor Speaks Out

There’s nothing quite like listening to James O’Connor speak about a win, and not just because of the accent. Obviously, O’Connor was pleased with the victory, but you can hear in his answers that he feels Orlando City has been unlucky in some of its contests and not getting the points deserved for the level of play. Orlando was able to take advantage of its chances early and see the game out in the second half on Saturday in Montreal.

Skinner Preaches Patience

As we’re all painfully aware, the Orlando Pride have not been getting any results. Despite being disappointed following the latest loss to the North Carolina Courage, Skinner feels that the team is being rebuilt the right way. Skinner has said that he’s having to build the team from the foundation on up as there wasn’t much to work with when he arrived. He has also promised that the club will continue working on the things it needs to to improve.

All About the Opposition

The headline would have you believe that the Montreal Impact were ashamed to lose to Orlando City. However Montreal Head Coach Remi Garde was actually ashamed of his team’s performance. So much so that he apologized to the fans for the players’ “lack of respect for the game.” Meanwhile, Orlando City’s U.S. Open Cup opponent, Memphis 901 FC, is very excited for the opportunity to play the Lions. Memphis is feeling confident that it can make a game of it.

USWNT History

If, for some reason, you’re not already familiar with the storied history of the U.S. Women’s National Team, then watch these videos to get caught up before the Women’s World Cup begins. You might know players like the Pride’s own Alex Morgan, or recent Men In Blazers Golden Jacket recipient Megan Rapinoe, but do you know of Abby Wambach, or the 99ers? You should, because it’s as rich a history for U.S. soccer as we’re likely to have for a bit. If the team is able to defend its World Cup, the USWNT will be the first in history to do so.

Neymar Denies Allegations

As mentioned in yesterday’s links, Neymar has been accused of raping a Brazilian woman. The woman filed the complaint with Brazilian police, alleging the incident occurred in a Paris hotel room and the police are investigating both it and the video Neymar made vigorously denying the allegation as the video may have disclosed private photos and messages. We will bring you more information as it comes available.

Free Kicks

• The Matildas fell 3-0 to the Netherlands in their last match before the World Cup. Netherlands goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal made several saves to keep the clean sheet and the Pride’s Emily van Egmond and Alanna Kennedy both played a full 90 minutes.
• Do you think you have what it takes to play professional indoor soccer? If so, you have an opportunity to prove it with the Orlando SeaWolves.

• How many Designated Players would this be, LA Galaxy?

• Finally, there’s this commercial from Nike to get you ready for the Women’s World Cup.

That will do it for today’s Links. Keep checking back for more news on all things Orlando City.