Lion Links: 3/18/14

Now we can finally be done with green and get back to purple! What better way to recover from your late St. Patrick's Day than to plop down with a cup of Joe, your breakfast, and read through this morning's Lion Links?

Klinsmann Loves Shea

The USMNT coach heaped praise on Brek Shea in a recent interview. The German believes that the blonde-haired beauty has unlocked doors for himself in beginning a transition to left back. The gaffer raved about his attacking talents and said that the Orlando City coaching staff had been keeping in contact with the national team about Shea’s position change.

Mexico to Play Costa Rica in Orlando Friendly

The Orlando Sentinel has reported that Mexico will likely play Costa Rica in an upcoming friendly in Orlando. These reports confirm that OCSC is following through with a promise to attempt to turn “the city beautiful” into a soccer capital. The city has also put together a bid to host games in the Copa America Centenario, and will host the 2016 and 2017 editions of the Women’s College Cup.

An Irish Lion

With yesterday being St. Patrick’s Day, it only seems fitting that we highlight Irish international Sean St. Ledger. The center back signed with Orlando City SC on March 5 after a successful trial in preseason. The experienced defender played 37 times for Ireland and scored Ireland’s only goal at Euro 2012.

A Look at the Eastern Conference Table

Who would’ve guessed that the two expansion teams would be top of the table after two weeks of MLS play? While it’s nothing to get overly excited about, it is cool to see brand new clubs competing in the league. The Eastern Conference is undoubtedly weaker than its Western counterpart, but it is still not common for expansion teams to be top performers in their inaugural MLS seasons. For example, Montreal, Toronto, and Philadelphia have yet to make the post-season. Let’s hope to join Seattle and Portland as recent success stories.

NYCFC Makes Retail History

The expansion team sold out of scarves at its home opener on Saturday. Over 40,000 soccer fans ready to watch the newest installment in the New York vs. New England rivalry flooded Yankee Stadium. They may say there is an excessive need for fan gear in New York, but I don’t see adidas running out of sky blue anytime soon…

Germany U-18 Team Calls up Zelalem

Should USMNT fans be quivering in their boots as the news has leaked that the Germany U-18 team has called up Gedion Zelalem? The general consensus here is that there is nothing to worry about. Gedion has already gone through the expensive and arduous steps to reach eligibility for the USMNT. Also, just last week Jurgen Klinsmann stated that he thinks the young German is ready to play for the first-choice team.

Thats all, folks. Good luck getting through hump day.