Lion Links: 3/25/15

Good morning Lion Nation! Now that you’ve had over 72 hours to cool down, how’re you feeling about Saturday’s result? Hopefully you can see that there are much worse things happening around the league (like star players getting injured or the Fire becoming the new Chivas USA). So if you think about it, one last-minute loss isn’t so bad.

Skeleton Crew for the Montreal Match

Orlando Sentinel reporter Paul Tenorio is one of the top men covering the Lions. Yesterday, he previewed a few different possibilities for Saturday’s lineup against the Montreal Impact. As you have certainly heard, City will be without some of the key members from the team’s first three MLS matches, including depth players. Notable absences include Kevin Molino, Brek Shea, and Rafael Ramos.

Most Recent Injury Report

Tenorio also posted an up-to-date injury report for the Lions last night. It is, to say the least, depressing. The article notes that two members of the coaching staff had to participate in scrimmages Tuesday due to the depleted squad. As of now, it looks as if Orlando City could be traveling north with only 13 field players available. The injury list currently includes: Martin Paterson, Lewis Neal, Cristian Higuita, Carlos Rivas, and Tony Cascio.

Kaká Interview with Daily Mail

In a recent interview with the Daily Mail’s Sam Cunningham, Kaká opens up about his career and life in Orlando. In the piece, the Brazilian reveals he had chances to join Manchester City, as well as Chelsea under Carlo Ancelotti. He also speaks briefly about playing under “The Special One,” Jose Mourinho, at Madrid and his friendship with Galactico teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Brazilian superstar also reminisces about winning the 2002 World Cup and losing out to Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League Final. In addition, Orlando’s captain spoke about his Christian lifestyle.

Two-Game Discount at the Citrus Bowl

Listen up, Orlando soccer fans! Two Pack tickets are available for purchase from the club that will grant you entrance to both the May 17 match against the LA Galaxy and the Mexico vs. Costa Rica match on June 27. The packs start at $45. Season ticket members, though, will be able to exclusively purchase tickets to the international match before the public sale.

MLS Injury Report

Despite the Lions’ recent rash of injuries, things could be evening up on the latest MLS injury report for Orlando City’s next three games. Montreal is absolutely slammed with injuries, and only have four defenders on their roster currently fit for this weekend’s match. Meanwhile, D.C. United is expected to be without star contributors Luis Silva and Eddie Johnson for April 3. Lastly, the Portland Timbers are going to still be without their midfield trio of Will Johnson, Diego Valeri, and Ben Zemanski when they face off with Orlando City on April 12.

Dempsey Out of European Friendlies

As I alluded to in the introduction, injuries are currently plaguing the league. For example, Seattle star Clint Dempsey will be out for up to three weeks due to an injury to his right hamstring sustained during USMNT training. This means that not only will the star midfielder miss matches against Dallas and Houston, but he will likely be out for a vital match against the Galaxy on April 12.

Green to England Next Year

Bayern Munich CEO has stated that World Cup goal-scorer Julian Green may possibly be sent out on loan to an EPL club next season. The young German-American has had a rough go of it this season, having only secured four games with the Hamburg SV first team. The highly touted young speedster has even been demoted to U-23 duty for the club at times.

That’s all for now, folks! Enjoy your hump day and pray that our team can fill the 18-man roster in Montreal.