Lion Links: 4/13/15

Boom.

This was the kind of game we’ve been waiting for ever since Orlando City joined MLS. On a day when the Lions simply outplayed and outclassed their opponents (that’s actually happened a few times), they were finally rewarded with a victory. No fluke goals here, just a resounding 2-0 victory. And that feels pretty damn good.

Let's get to your Monday morning Lion Links.

Recapping the victory over Portland

Finally, a game you'll actually want to relive for while.

Orlando City walked into Providence Park on Sunday and took three points from the Timbers in an impressive early-season victory. Cyle Larin scored his first professional goal, off his tummy no less, and Kaka slotted home a penalty (first try!) as the Lions knocked off Portland 2-0.

As usual, The Mane Land's got you covered with a recap of the victory and player grades.

Stumptown Footy, SB Nation’s Portland Timbers blog, also has match coverage and opinions from the other side, if you’re into that sort of thing.

And MLS.com did a nice feature on this match as turning point for Lions. It’s worth a read.

Ricketts makes return to Portland

Donovan Ricketts has made a lot of stops during his storied MLS career, but his stay in Portland was particularly memorable, and that was clear in the reception he received from the Timbers Army on Saturday.

The Portland faithful serenaded the Jamaican goalkeeper before the match, and Ricketts made it clear that he appreciated the reception.

He also played one of his best games of the season in Portland, where he won 2013 Goalkeeper of the Year honors and had quite a few memorable performances. In the Lions' victory, Ricketts came through with four big save to help secure the shutout.

Klinsmann names roster for Mexico friendly

USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann released his 22 roster invites for the national team's friendly against Mexico on Wednesday.

Not surprisingly, Lions' defenseman Brek Shea got the call and will make the trip to San Antonio for the midweek match. It will be a homecoming of sorts for Shea, who was born in nearby College Station.

Shea has already scored two goals for the USMNT in 2015.

His status for Orlando’s match in Columbus on Saturday is still undecided, but Shea played on short rest against D.C. United last week, so he might be fit to go against Crew SC.

Montreal Impact Adds Veteran Kenny Cooper

Recently waived striker Kenny Cooper wasn’t out of work long. The Montreal Impact announced the addition of Cooper yesterday. The eight-year veteran and former Seattle Sounders forward seems excited to be headed north of the border.

"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to join the Montreal Impact," Cooper said in a club statement. "With the recent achievement of reaching the Champions League final, it's obviously a great time for the club. I am eager and determined to contribute to more success this year. It will be a privilege to represent a club, so rich in history and fan support."

Cooper has 75 career MLS goals to his name.

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That's it for Lion Links today. You're next, Columbus.