Lion Links: 12/30/14

We're almost all out of 2014 and we won't be getting any more in, sorry. It's been discontinued.

That’s actually good news when you consider that Orlando City SC will play MLS games in 2015. Before you know it, the Lions will be off on their preseason tour of Brazil, playing games again.

Speaking of Brazil, let's get to today's links:

Ronaldinho linked to Orlando City Transfer

As we told you last night, a report from Medio Tiempo links another Brazilian star to the City Beautiful. Ronaldinho to City is unlikely, especially after his recent rumored move to LA Galaxy, but we’re not ruling anything out with this front office.

Let the Mocking Begin!

Top Drawer Soccer ran its mock MLS SuperDraft and Orlando City did not come away with a defender. TDS has the Lions nabbing coveted Connecticut forward Cyle Larin with the No. 1 overall pick. The site has Orlando City going midfielder and forward in the second round with Maryland's Dan Metzger and Stanford's Zach Batteer, respectively.

Lions Have Questions Galore

Our friends over at Stumptown Footy, SB Nation’s Portland Timbers site, have drawn up their list of questions entering 2015 for every Eastern Conference team. The biggest question they have about Orlando City is whether or not the team’s aggressive roster gambles will pay off.

"There's been nothing conservative about OCSC's expansion plan. Virtually every major addition they've made comes with substantial risk: Are Kaka's best days behind him (two goals in 19 appearances on loan at Sao Paulo aren't comforting)? Is Brek Shea a flameout? Will Tally Hall regain his form after an ACL injury? Will Amobi Okugo find a position? Will Honduran young designated player Bryan Rochez produce?"

Salcedo Saga

The rumored Carlos Salcedo move from Real Salt Lake to Chivas de Guadalajara isn’t done yet. It seems to be dragging out a bit and there’s no telling how it will end up and where Salcedo will play next.

EPL Manager Weirdness

Imagine Head Coach Joe Philbin leaving the Miami Dolphins mid-season to take over as coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars (hey, I can dream, right?). That kind of thing would create quite a stir. But that's exactly the kind of thing happening in the EPL, where Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is set to make the move to Crystal Palace. Pardew has been under fire much of this season, so to escape the heat he's moving down to a team 10 points lower in the standings and currently in the relegation zone.

Wanted: New West Brom Manager

It was widely reported yesterday (here, by the mother ship) but West Bromwich Albion sacked manager Alan Irvine.

Free Kicks:

Recaps from every MLS season…Funniest beer ever?….Kind of a stinker in the Citrus Bowl last night (unless you're a Clemson fan), but indicative of the lopsided Lions victories we'll see in 2015…The Family (Snow)Guy.

Enjoy your Tuesday. If you've got anything interesting you'd like to share in the comments section below, please do!