Lion Links: 4/17/15

Top of the mornin', Lions. Happy Friday, and also happy birthday to Orlando City rookie striker Cyle Larin, who turns 20 today, just five days after recording his first professional goal at Portland.

We’ve just about made it through another week and are a day away from another Orlando City match day, this time away at Columbus. No better way to start off your weekend than with a set of Lion Links.

Louisville City Plays to a Draw with Rochester

Louisville City FC was in action on Thursday night at Louisville Slugger Field against the Rochester Rhinos in USL competition. Louisville jumped out to a 1-0 lead but later conceded and settled for a 1-1 draw when it was all said and done. LCFC remains unbeaten in USL competition. Full details to follow from our own Jeff Milby in his weekly Louisville City recap.

Former Lion Fidgi Haig Passes Away

In very sad news, Orlando City SC announced on Thursday the passing of former Orlando Lions and Florida Tech player, and long-time coach Fidgi Haig, who suffered a heart attack last week.

"We are with heavy hearts today as we've lost a true leader for the sport of soccer," said Orlando City SC founder and President Phil Rawlins. "Fidgi's impact on the game is one that goes far beyond wins and losses. His legacy and contribution to the sport will carry on for many years to come. Orlando City SC offers its sincerest condolences to the Haig family during this time."

Haig was part of the original Orlando Lions team in the early 1980s and spent three years with the club.

Columbus Warned by MLS for Mass Confrontation

Major League Soccer issued a warning to Columbus and New England on Thursday for mass confrontation. The action from the MLS Disciplinary Committee comes as a result of a minor run-in between the two sides in the 63rd minute of their match this past Sunday. Nothing more will come from this particular incident, but if either team gets into hot water with the league regarding its mass confrontation rules, they will be subject to a fine. Video of the quarrel can be found in the linked story.

Crew SC's Mohammed Saeid Showcasing Midfield Versatility

Columbus’s Mohammed Saeid has proven to be a valuable off-season acquisition, as he has stood in for the Crew while fellow midfielders Wil Trapp and Tony Tchani have missed time due to injury and suspension. With Trapp looking likely to miss Saturday night’s clash with OCSC, the Lions could see Saeid deployed in the midfield when they do battle at Mapfre Stadium.

Soccer by Ives MLS Ticker

Soccer by Ives has some notables from around the league in their latest MLS Ticker. In the news around the league are Tesho Akindele of FC Dallas, who has not made a decision on his dual-nationality between America and Canada, and Minnesota United, which is experiencing some push back in regards to its stadium proposal in Minneapolis. The Portland Timbers are also included in the ticker, as well as a former D.C. United player.

Paul Tenorio of the Orlando Sentinel Previews Orlando vs. Columbus

Paul Tenorio does a great job of covering Orlando City SC for the Sentinel, and you should certainly keep up with his blog and follow him on Twitter (@PaulTenorio) to keep up with all things OCSC. This video includes Paul’s thoughts on the Lions’ Saturday opponents, who come into the weekend sitting in sixth place in the Eastern Conference table and without one of their most important pieces in the midfield, Wil Trapp.

That will do it for this edition of Lion Links. Have a great Friday and Go Lions!