Lion Links: 4/27/15

Well, at least it wasn't 1-0.

Orlando City lost at home again this weekend, falling to Toronto FC, 2-0 and failing to score at the Citrus Bowl for the third game in a row. Seriously guys, this is getting a little ridiculous.

Jozy Altidore torched Orlando for two goals and the Lions' lack of finishing ability was painfully evident as they created tons of scoring chances but couldn't find the back of the net.

Despite the loss, things aren't all doom and gloom in Orlando. The club remains in playoff position heading into May, but they'll likely need a victory over New England next week to stay there.

So with hope in our hearts, let's get to your Monday Lion Links.

Recapping the Toronto Match
You know the drill…

• We've got a recap of the loss (Spoiler Alert: Still no offense!)
• Player grades from another tough night at the Citrus Bowl

And later this morning be on the lookout for our photo gallery from last night's match! Nick Leyva works hard to bring you some awesome shots.

Brazilian Soccer's Financial Woes

Let's talk about Brazil.

Considering Orlando's best player is a national hero there and we've had several failed flirtations with other players from the country, the status of Brazilian soccer is always of interest to City fans.

But a recent New York Times article revealed some startling realities about the state of soccer in the country, ranging from massive debts to lagging attendance. It's gotten so bad that Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff has appealed to Congress to extend the period for which many of the country's clubs can pay back their debts.

Another interesting observation from the article is the fact that most Brazilian clubs fill their coffers by selling players abroad. This might even be stagnating the growth of soccer in the country, as promising young players are sent abroad to wealthy, second-tier leagues in China and the UAE, which are willing to pony up the funds for such talent. But it might be hurting the development of these players to spend their prime years playing in soccer backwaters.

Could Sean Johnson be loaned to Montreal for one game only?

In a move that would make Dom Dwyer and Orlando City proud, the Montreal Impact are reportedly trying to acquire the services of Sean Johnson for their CCL Final second leg against Club America.

Orlando City pulled off a similar loan deal when they brought Dwyer back for their USL Pro championship match in 2013, but the club had history with the Sporting Kansas City striker. Johnson has played his whole career with Chicago and would be thrust into a huge moment in Montreal with a CCL Championship on the line.

But the Impact might not really have a choice,

Starting goalkeeper Evan Bush will be out with yellow card accumulation and Montreal would likely hate to thrust a backup keeper into such a massive spotlight. Impact head coach Frank Klopas managed Johnson in Chicago and the young keeper has already established himself as one of the best in MLS.

There's nothing in the CONCACAF rulebook against such a move, but it's just not the kind of thing most American sports fans are used to.

Red Bulls looking at Liverpool defender

It looks like Steven Gerrard might not walk alone in MLS after all (I'm sorry).

The New York Red Bulls are currently linked to Liverpool defender Kolo Toure, apparently looking to bring in the Ivory Coast international on a two-year deal this summer. Toure would add even more muscle to the back line of the Eastern Conference leaders and give New York another experienced player to help replace Thierry Henry.

The 34-year old Toure has appeared in three World Cups over the course of his career.

Chelsea Play Oscar 30 Minutes After Head Injury

In yesterday's Barclays Premier League headliner, Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina collided in horrific fashion with Chelsea midfielder Oscar, prompting immediate outrage that a penalty wasn't given. the delayed outrage was worse.

Chelsea Manager Jose Mourinho left the Brazilian on the pitch for 30 minutes following the collision before he was sent to the hospital at halftime. This, despite the BPL's supposedly stricter head injury rules. There's really no excuse for this. I mean, look at the collision.

That it's for Lion Links today. Let's get some goals.