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The Blue Links: April 18th, 2016

We've got all your links to start off the week with the craziness in Orlando, Sporting Kansas City news, USMNT youngsters shining bright, and we've also got the pitch invader that all pitch invaders should strive for.

By Cody Bradley

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Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

I have already been asked if it is time to panic because Sporting KC has lost 3 of 4. If that is where you are, please calm down and watch a happy Amadou Dia.

They've picked up some big wins already and two of the losses were by the slimmest of margins as KC came so close, so many times. Injuries have played a role, especially the one to Soni Mustivar, and I don't see any big reason to be worried. Benny has yet to get warmed up!

So cheer up, move on, and get to your links to start the week.

Major League Soccer

It was another rough weekend for referees as the end of Orlando City and New England descended into madness as the match drew to a close. All in stoppage time... there was a handball in the box missed and it led to a goal for OCSC. Then moments later the ref did called for handball on Orlando in the opposite box - another terrible call - and the Revolution tied it back up. Both coaches were on the field screaming and almost fighting. Highlights worth the watch below!

The USMNT starlet Jordan Morris scored his first goal for the Sounders in a 2-1 win over Philadelphia. What did he think about it? "It was awesome," he said.

Jermaine Jones made his debut for the Colorado Rapids in a fun, snowy game (IMAGES) that you couldn't help but think of the Snow Classico. It was a dream start as he scored a goal and added an assist in the 2-1 win over NYRB.

Montreal defeated the Chicago 2-1. Drogba scored. But please just watch these two RIDICULOUS twin goals that were scored in the same spot. Igboananike opens scoring for Fire:

And then Ignacio Piatti, who has been one of the best players in MLS thus far, wins the game with an even better golazo in stoppage time:

All the MLS action has led to these LATEST STANDINGS. FC Dallas is at the top of the table, but RSL and the Rapids are close behind with games in hand. Sporting KC is in 4th in the Western Conference and 5th overall with a 4-3-0 record. Montreal Impact is 1st in the East.

Atlanta United FC unveiled plans for a very impressive training complex.

The Guardian has a good piece on traveling support in MLS. The Roadron got a a bit of recognition:

"The Cascadia three of the Timbers, Sounders and Whitecaps appear to be the most frequent flying fans, followed by Sporting KC."

Also just to add more layers of confusion to the business of MLS:

US Soccer

This section has a lot of good news, but it simply must be started off with USWNT Star Tobin Heath last night for the Portland Thorns.

Speaking of the USWNT... you can now order Men's jerseys with the 3 stars above the crest. Support the ladies or just pretend to live in a fantasy world and call it a USMNT jersey if you like.

FC Kansas City tweeted out a picture of their Championship Rings and then realized there was a mistake on them. Face -----> Palm.

At the young age of 17 years, 6 months, and 30 days, Christian Pulisic became the 4th youngest player and the youngest Non-German player to score a goal in the Bundesliga this weekend. Video of the goal below.

We as American soccer fans have done a pretty good job about not getting too excited about the youngster (See: Julian Green) but he's making it difficult. Landon Donovan had some fun with it.

Bobby Wood also continued his blistering scoring pace in the 2.Bundesliga. He gave FC Union Berlin the win this weekend and leads the league in goals.

NCAA Soccer just had Video Review approved for the 2016 season.

ICYMI: Here is a 15 minute documentary on former USMNT player, "The Unrelenting Charlie Davies" and his amazing story from life a threatening car wreck to getting back on an MLS field.

For one last bit of positive news for the sport in America, FC Cincinnati had an attendance of over 20,000 on Saturday. They are another expansion team, but already set the USL record. The city is looking to get an MLS team eventually.

Swope Park Rangers

The Rangers had the week off but they did play a scrimmage against the University of Tulsa on Saturday. SPR played most of the game with a bunch of SKC Academy guys and they lost 1-0.

You can find the USL Standings right here, where Swope Park is in 3rd place.

They head down to Oklahoma to face Jimmy Nielsen and the Oklahoma City Energy FC on Saturday at 7pm.

Sporting Kansas City

Peter Vermes wasn't too torn up after the game.

"I thought we were good tonight. I think we could have easily scored a couple goals. We had great looks one-v-one with the keeper. I think he gave up a couple soft goals to be honest with you. But that's the way it goes." - PV

Rest of the quotes with Feilhaber and Vermes here. Thad did our recap of the match here. The team's recap is here. The highlights of the match are below.

Sporting KC face the San Jose Earthquakes this weekend in another road match. SJ beat NYRB this past weekend.

Erik Palmer-Brown is now starting for Porto B, and the post just robbed him of a goal.

If you are still feeling down about another loss please use this man as motivation to get through this week. If he can get passed all the security he deserves to be on that field, I tell you.

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