Lion Links: 3/16/15

Orlando City SC recorded its first win to wrap up a successful weekend in Texas. Four points in the first two matches of the season is about as good of a start as fans could ask. Next up are the Vancouver Whitecaps at home, so get ready for another packed house at the Citrus Bowl.

There isn't a whole lot I can say about it that hasn't already been covered, but I do promise some Fan Posts in the next days of leftover material I gathered while at the game. In the meantime, here's some quotes from the game via the Orlando Sentinel.

Covering the game is a blast and I'm going to begin lobbying for Orlando City to play two road games in Texas every year.

More international transfer news

Rumors are starting to circulate about Italian international and current AS Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi coming to MLS. De Rossi’s made 100 appearances for the Italian national team and was a member of the 2006 FIFA World Cup winning squad.

He’s made 348 appearances for AS Roma and is most fondly remembered in the U.S. for sending an elbow to Brian McBride’s face during the 2006 World Cup. The reports indicated De Rossi has struggled for playing time with the Italian club and Toronto, New York City FC and Orlando City are the favorites to land him. Orlando already has three Designated Players, so I’m not sure how the club would be able to swing it, but you never know.

Who's next in line for an MLS franchise?

Reports indicate Minneapolis could be the front runners for team number 23. A group led by NASL club Minnesota United owner Bill McGuire wants to bring Major League Soccer to the Gopher State and has some powerful backing from other professional sports team owners. The Pohland family, who own the Minnesota Twins, and Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor are a part of the group that wants one of the two available expansion spots.

The Minnesota Star Tribune reported the group received a letter from MLS expressing its support of the group. The only snag is the group has to find a way to fund and build a new stadium. The Wilf family, owners of the Minnesota Vikings, also wanted the bid and have a $1 billion stadium currently under construction.

What's DeAndre Yedlin up to these days?

Here's a fantastic piece from Ives Galarcep about Yedlin. He's having a hard time finding regular action on the field for Tottenham but it doesn't concern United States Men's National Team Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

"Now DeAndre gets an introduction into a (Tottenham) roster of maybe 28-30 players, and only 18 can be considered for the weekend game. So he goes though that learning curve now," Klinsmann said. "But his talent, his potential and his capabilities, he's very important for the senior team already.

"He's in the right spot because he needs to grow. He will grow eventually. Even if he's not playing right now, he will grow. It's absolutely the right thing for him to do. It will take time."

U.S. Squeaks into U-17 World Cup

Orlando City prospect Pierre Da Silva didn't play, but the United States advanced to the U-17 World Cup in Chile after a dramatic 0-0 draw against Jamaica went to penalties. The first U.S. kick by Christian Pulisic was stopped by Jamaican goalkeeper Jahmali Waite, putting the Americans in a hole. Midfielder Jahwani Hinds threw the U.S. a lifeline with a shot over the bar on Jamaica's second kick.

The U.S. didn't miss again after Waite's save on Pulisic, but the penalty shootout went into sudden death with each team converting four of their first five kicks. Defender Alexis Valela pushed the Americans ahead as the sixth shooter and then midfielder Alex Marshall's attempt went inches wide to push the U.S. through. It was a tough way for Jamaica to bow out, but the United States will be represented in Chile in the U-17 World Cup.

That's it for today. Best of luck getting through your Monday.