Lion Links
Lion Links: 8/14/19
Happy Wednesday, Mane Landers! It’s been a crazy week with kids back to school, but we’re doing it. It’s a midweek game night and while I’ll be paying for it on Thursday, I’m living for it today. Let’s get to the links.
Orlando City Prepares for Midweek Match-Up
Sporting Kansas City will be at Exploria Stadium tonight in a match that the Lions really need to win. Unfortunately, it appears the Lions will have to do it without Cristian Higuita, Joao Moutinho, and Ruan, all of whom are out with hamstring injuries. The defense has only allowed one goal in the last three home matches. Will the defense be able to shut down Sporting KC without Moutinho and Ruan? What do you think the starting XI will look like?
Lions at play 😈#ORLvSKC | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/HmWzQVnUzt
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) August 13, 2019
Orlando City’s Field Recognized
It’s no secret that we have the most beautiful stadium, with a perfect field week in and week out. That’s no easy task when you consider the harsh conditions that Florida throws at us daily. Head Groundskeeper Matt Bruderek and his incredible staff have earned the 2019 Latitude 36 Sports Field of the Year.
Huge congratulations to @mattbrud and his staff from @OrlandoCitySC on receiving the 2019 Latitude 36™ Sports Field of the Year! This award was presented during the @FloridaTGA Annual Conference.#Latitude36 #VamosOrlando @MLS pic.twitter.com/xraL7aqDKv
— Sod Solutions (@SodSolutions) August 13, 2019
Orlando Pride’s Julie King is Grateful for Second Chance
Prior to her time on the pitch last Saturday with Orlando, Julie King hadn’t played in a match for almost two years. She thought perhaps her time in the NWSL was up when she was waived from the North Carolina Courage. Marc Skinner likes the wealth of league-specific experience she brings to the Pride back line.
“When I look back on the past two years, it’s been crazy. I’ve definitely had some of the most challenging times, obviously physically but really more so mentally. It’s allowed for me to see that it is an honor to step on this field every day and it’s an honor to be able to play with these girls,” shared King.
MLSPA Stands Behind Supporter Groups
Right before the season began, MLS included a clause in the fan code of conduct that disallows the use of political language. The use of political language was lumped in with the likes of abusive, threatening, racist, homophobic, xenophobic, and sexist language. There’s been quite a stir regarding this among fans and supporters’ groups. Just this past weekend, a group of Atlanta supporters were removed for non-compliance with banners. The Major League Soccer Players Association posted a tweet standing behind the rights of supporter groups to use their platforms.
The MLSPA supports the efforts of its fan/supporters' groups to overturn MLS's overly vague ban on "political" speech at MLS games. (1/2)
— MLSPA (@MLSPA) August 13, 2019
Free Kicks
- The Orlando SeaWolves added to their defense.
- 1986 World Cup winner and final goal scorer Jose Luis Brown has passed away.
- Could Neymar be heading to Barca?
- Application of video review for offside calls will be reconsidered.
- Manchester United’s Mount Rushmore.
- Atlanta’s head coach says that equal pay is ridiculous.
- Could Louisville be getting a 2020 NWSL team?
- Houston Dynamo part ways with Wilmer Cabrera.
That’s going to do it for me tonight, Mane Landers. I’ll see you at the game, but be sure to check back here for all things Orlando City vs. Sporting Kansas City.