Lion Links: 3/19/20

Good morning, everyone. I hope this Thursday finds you safe and well. Let’s jump right into the links.

Uri Rosell Takes over Twitter

Last night, Uri Rosell took over the Orlando City Soccer Club’s Twitter account for a round of, “Ask me anything.”

He retweeted the questions with his answers instead of answering in thread, so you’ll have to head to OCSC’s twitter to see most of his responses. I knew I loved Uri, I think I even used the phrase, “stan,” last year, which is not at all like me, but he shared in one answer that The Office is one of his favorite shows!

OCSC Draws Inter Miami CF— Sort of?

I’ve never heard of the game Subbuteo before last night’s Twitter match between the Lions and the Herons. Are we referring to them as the Herons? Anyway, in the interesting, table-top game OCSC and Inter Miami ended in a 2-2 draw. So here is about 16 minutes of competitive play.

USL League One Extends Delay

The United Soccer League announced yesterday, that the previously announced two-week delay to the start of their season will be extended in compliance with CDC recommendations through May 10.

“We want to thank League One fans across the country for your support during these extraordinary circumstances. As always, your safety, health and wellness are our top priority. We will continue to monitor ongoing events, receive guidance from local, state and national health authorities, and participate in a national task force comprised of other professional sports leagues and organizations from around the country. We also want to extend our support and best wishes to all the individuals and communities who have been impacted by COVID-19,” the league shared on their site.

Soccer Players Look to Make a Difference

As we continue to plan for a world we can’t predict, soccer players around the globe are doing what they can to help. Real Valladolid formally rejected La Liga’s offer of coronavirus test kits.

“La Liga offered them to us [the tests] but we have not taken them for medical and social reasons,” club spokesman David Espinar said in a statement. “No player has presented any symptoms and we believe that there are people out there who are much less well off than we are who need them far more than we do. It is those [people] who should have priority.”

Additionally, German National Team players announced that they would donate $2.7 million to help fight the crisis following the Coronavirus.

“We need to look after each other in times like this. We in the national team have been thinking and we are going to donate to a good cause,” said Germany captain Manuel Neuer in a video posted on Instagram.

In the same vein, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched an online fundraising campaign to help, “kick coronavirus away.” And in true Zlatan fashion, he said, “If the virus don’t go to Zlatan, Zlatan goes to the virus.”

Free Kicks

• Jenny Chiu recapped all of the OCSC toilet paper challenges.

• In just eight seconds Christian Pulisic gave everyone a small panic attack.

• Looking for some soccer documentaries to watch while we’re on a break? SB Nation’s Angels on Parade outlined what to watch and what to skip.

That will do it for me this morning, Mane Landers. Have the best week you can and stay safe!