Lion Links: 2/17/15

Happy Tuesday Manelanders!

Hope everyone's President Day didn't get too wild and you're ready to attack the week. Let's get it started with some Lion Links…

Vegas likes NYCFC over Orlando

The bookies have spoken and the news isn't quite what Orlando City fans were probably hoping to hear. The oddsmakers have New York City FC at 15-1 odds to win the MLS Cup, while Orlando is currently sitting at 25-1 odds.

For comparison's sake, the favorites are Los Angeles (3-1), Seattle (9-2) and New England (8-1). Colorado, Philadelphia, San Jose and Montreal are all tied for last, sitting at 50-1.

While the news really shouldn't be taken too seriously (it is only February after all), it's a little surprising considering how tumultuous an off-season NYCFC had. The Lions will get their first chance to prove the bookies wrong later this week, when they take on NYCFC at the Carolina Challenge Cup on Saturday.

Orlando City U-16s take care of business at GA Cup

Orlando City's development academy system players got a chance to show what they can do at the Generation Adidas Cup this weekend, winning their three matches of the tournament.

The Lions knocked off the New England Revolution 2-1 on Friday and needed penalties to put away DC United 6-5 on Saturday.

On Monday, City took on Toronto FC and beat the Reds in penalty kicks. Unfortunately, even with three victories, Orlando wasn't able to advance to the championship game. But it was still a successful weekend for Orlando City's young cubs. William Crawford will have more on this later this morning.

USMNT friendly vs. Mexico sells out

When the USMNT takes on Mexico in a friendly match in April, they'll do so in front of 65,000 fans at a sold-out San Antonio Alamodome.

The game will be the latest installment in the USMNT's heated rivalry with their neighbors to the south, following last year's 2-2 draw with El Tri in Glendale. That game, played at University of Phoenix Stadium, drew just over 59,000 fans.

U.S. Soccer President Sunlil Gulati announced the sellout in a tweet earlier today. Like most U.S.-Mexico games, expect a largely bipartisan crowd with lots of support for the visitors. Also expect Miguel Herrera to do something hilarious.

U.S. Soccer releases new kits and Klinsmann responds to fitness critics

U.S. Soccer announced new away jerseys for the USMNT and USWNT on Tuesday.

The blue kits are definitely a different look for the national squads, but they're actually pretty sleek if you ask me. They'll make their debut when they're worn by the USWNT in the Algarve Cup in Portugal.

In other national team news, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann doubled down on comments he made last month criticizing his team's fitness throughout their January camp.

Sounds good coach.

That it's for Lion Links today guys. Take it easy!