Lion Links: 2/12/15

Good Thursday to you, Lion Linkskateers!

It's another day in the City Beautiful and we're one day closer to the first day of the 2015 MLS season (and hopefully that season will start on time!).

There’s a closed-to-the-public Orlando City SC friendly tomorrow afternoon at Sylvan Lake Park, but don’t worry, The Mane Land will be there to bring you all the important news. The Lions play something called BK Häcken tomorrow, which is either a soccer club from Sweden or some new breakfast sandwich from Burger King.

Let's get to the linking, already!

Kaká's Greatness Rubs Off on the Magic

Orlando City's Brazilian Designated Player took part in a pregame jersey swap with Victor Oladipo of the Orlando Magic last night at the Amway Center. The Magic could use a little more Kaká. After the jersey swap, Oladipo scored 19 points to help lead Orlando to an 89-83 win over the Knicks.

Bradley named Toronto FC Captain; Gilberto Situation in Limbo

U.S. international Michael Bradley will be wearing the captain’s armband this season for Toronto FC. He replaces defender Steven Caldwell as team captain, although Caldwell is still with the club. The hairless one is just the seventh captain in club history. Meanwhile one of the club’s four Designated Players, Gilberto, is still up in the airabout his future, although he has been training with Brazilian club Vasco Da Gama.

Montreal Impact, NYRB Pursuing Ledesma?

Lazio midfielder Cristian Ledesma is reportedly eyeing an exit from the Serie A club and a pair of Eastern Conference MLS sides are in the running for his services. The 32-year-old Italian-Argentine also has an English Premier League suitor in Southampton.

Aston Villa Sacks Lambert

Paul Lambert is out as manager of Aston Villa after his club has set an EPL record low of only 12 goals scored in 25 league games this season. Lambert's firing comes just after Villa lost 2-0 to Hull City on Tuesday, extending the team's winless streak to 10 straight games.

It's been a long week, so that's all I've got for you today. Enjoy your day-before-Friday!