Lion Links: 4/4/17

We are ready for another Tuesday. It’s already April. This year is flying by. Remember to save some time for yourself, because you can’t get that time back. It’s a big week for Orlando CIty B and Orlando City. And outside of Orlando, there were some strange happenings in the soccer world, so let’s get to the links

Orlando City Reacts to First Loss of ’17

Orlando City Head Coach Jason Kreis his and players reacted to his club’s shutout loss to the Columbus Crew. Obviously, everyone is trying to take something positive from the loss. It’s still very early in the season, but hopefully no one thought they were going undefeated. This squad is injured. It’s trying stay in the hunt until it can get its full complement of players.

The players need to keep working, trying to get better. But why does this keep happening? It has happened too many times to think that it’s a coincidence. Something bigger is going on. Hamstring injuries are so bad because players return, but they aren’t full speed for some time. OCSC has to figure out what the issue is.

Orlando Pride #FillingTheBowl

Upper-level tickets are now available for the Orlando Pride’s home opener on April 22 against the Washington Spirit. There haven’t been any official updates on how the #FillTheBowl campaign is going, but this is a good sign. Seemingly, they wouldn’t open the upper level if the lower level was empty. But let’s not leave it to chance — get your tickets now. A sellout would make a big statement.

Orlando City B Faces Toronto FC II

Orlando City B hosts Toronto FC II tonight at 7:30. OCB looks to rebound from its defeat at the hands of Louisville City and earn the young Lions’ first win of the 2017 USL season. Toronto FC II lost 4-0 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies in its last match. Maybe this is an opportunity to build some momentum.

We’ll have your match preview later today and a full recap after the game.

USL Announces Forfeit for Tulsa Roughnecks

The USL released a statement detailing that the Tulsa Roughnecks forfeited their March 25 USL season opener against Colorado Switchbacks FC for use of an ineligible player. Neither the team nor the league have identified the ineligible player.

By rule, the league standings have been updated to reflect the Switchbacks have been awarded a 3-0 victory, instead of the 4-1 loss on the field. Every organization in the USL better take notice, because as the league’s stature continues to grow, it will clean up things like this for credibility’s sake.

Player Banned for Life for Kneeing Ref

Canelas 2010 forward Marco Goncalves has been banned from the club for life after he kneed referee Jose Rodrigues in the face. The incident happened just two minutes into the match. Goncalves was given a red card he felt he didn’t deserve, and that led to him kneeing the referee in the face. The referee suffered a broken nose. This game took place in the third tier of Portugal’s district league.

Surprisingly, this is the type of team that Canelas 2010 is. It has a reputation as the world’s roughest football team. To prove that point, 12 opponents have chosen to forfeit games and pay a fine rather than play Canelas. That is why the club sits atop the division. At some point, someone will have to do something, or they can use this method to earn promotion.

Well, that’s all for this week. Have a safe and prosperous week. Until next time.