Lion Links: 2/10/20

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! I hope you had a great weekend and are ready for the coming week. With two Orlando City matches coming up this week, we are getting close to the start of the 2020 season. I don’t know about you, but I can hardly wait. It really feels like it’s been longer than it has. Now, let’s get to the links!

U.S. Wins Concacaf Tournament

The United States Women’s National Team defeated Canada 3-0 to win the final of the Concacaf Olympic Qualifying Tournament. It took the Yanks longer than usual to get on the scoreboard, but Lynn Williams put the U.S. up on a beautiful goal in the 60th minute. Lindsey Horan and Megan Rapinoe added goals to put the match out of reach.The Orlando Pride were well represented in the match, with Ali Krieger, Emily Sonnett, and Shelina Zadorsky all starting and playing the full 90 minutes. The USWNT did not allow a goal during the entire tournament, outscoring opponents 25-0.

New Kits Ranked

Orlando City’s new Heart and Sol jersey has been a point of contention among the supporters, but now it is getting some outside recognition. In a ranking of the new MLS kits, Orlando City took fifth place.

“What we like: The purple sun radiating from the crest looks gorgeous, and the state of Florida jock tag might just be the best in MLS.”

I also agree with the criticisms, though.

What we don’t: The abrupt change from the sun’s purple rays to the bright white of the shoulders.

All in all, a top five ranking is pretty good. Hopefully, the Lions can place as well on the field this season.

SeaWolves Blasted Again by Baltimore

The Orlando SeaWolves’ slide just keeps on going. The SeaWolves got off to a good start, leading the Baltimore Blast 2-0 after the first period, but the Blast dominated from that point on and breezed to a 14-3 win. Orlando is now just 1-12 after 13 matches. But hey, it could be worse. Rochester is 0-15 this season in MASL play.

Kaká Talks Liverpool and Brazil

Former Orlando City great Kaká spoke about his admiration for Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool, including fellow Brazilians Allison Becker, Fabinho, and Roberto Firmino.

“I like their style, it’s completely different. Jürgen is a pioneer coach. He’s not afraid to change, to make moves and to try something different. It’s very good when you see something like that.”

Kaká believes players like Becker and Firmino are among the best at their positions in the world at the moment and hopes they can restore greatness to the Brazilian National Team.

All Bets are Off

Betting on professional sports is a very lucrative business. U.K. government officials are considering banning sports betting companies from sponsoring English Premier League clubs. Currently, 10 teams have betting company jersey sponsors. The EPL is against an outright ban, but would consider some regulations. Elsewhere, EA Sports is being sued for the gambling mechanics of “loot boxes,” with FIFA as a prime example. EA contends that it’s actually “surprise mechanics” regarding the boxes. Basically, players (including children) can spend as much money as they want for the chance to open big name players from loot boxes to play the game with. However, there is no guarantee no matter how much is spent.

Free Kicks

• Numerous matches in Europe were postponed thanks to a fierce storm that battered Northern Europe, including Manchester City’s game against West Ham.
• Despite a rumored move to the Chinese Super League, Gareth Bale is still at Real Madrid after the club refused to sell.
• It looks as though the fourth time is the charm as the English Premier League named Richard Masters as the new Chief Executive Officer. The EPL had gone through three other prospects before promoting its managing director to the position.

That’s going to be it for today, Mane Landers. Have a great day and go Lions!