Lion Links: 1/29/15

Happy Orlando City's First MLS Friendly-Eve!

Yes, the Lions will take on D.C. United tomorrow night at IMG Academy in Bradenton. Word on the street is that Kaka won't play in the match, but it'll be the first time Orlando City SC will suit up and take the field for a match as an MLS club. Barring anything unforeseen, I'll be on hand to bring you the action (via Twitter – follow @TheManeLand) and recap the game afterwards.

Today, the Lions will be at their Sylvan Lake training facility working on becoming an MLS team. Meanwhile, I'll be in a cubicle. Yeah, life isn't fair.

Anyhoo, let's get to your daily Lion Links fix.

Shea Features for USMNT

I'm not going to get too deep into this, because our John Rey will have more on the subject this afternoon, but Brek Shea became the first Orlando City player to take the field for the USMNT last night in Chile. The good guys lost 3-2 in the road friendly, but Shea did score first, taking all of six minutes to get on the score sheet. Fitness levels between the two teams had much to do with the undesired outcome for U.S. fans, as the Chilean league is about five or six games into its season, while most of the USMNT squad has been off for months. Shea played the full 90 minutes.

Orlando City "Road" Trip from Clermont

Clermont residents who want to attend the Orlando City opener, but don't want to drive, can sign up at Devenney's Irish Pub for their inaugural game bus trip. For $55 per person, fans can take the party bus to and from the March 8 game and it includes a Plaza Level ticket to the match against New York City FC. Space is limited, so talk to your server soon.

Another U.S. International Switches to MLS

Following in the footsteps of Brek Shea, Mix Diskerud and Jozy Altidore is Sacha Kljestan, who transferred from Anderlecht in the Belgian Pro League to New York Red Bulls yesterday. New York was able to acquire the U.S. international midfielder by obtaining allocation priority from Montreal Impact with a trade on Tuesday.

St. Iker Interested in MLS

Legendary Spanish and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas might become the next European superstar to make the jump to MLS, following the likes of Steven Gerrard and (at some point…maybe?) Frank Lampard. "St. Iker" told the Wall Street Journal:

"I have no problem saying that I would like to play in the U.S."

Casillas is currently 33 and, as a goalkeeper, should have plenty of good years left in him.

That's all I have for you this morning, folks. Enjoy your Thursday.