Lion Links
Lion Links: 5/4/15
On paper, it looked like just the win Orlando needed to jumpstart their season.
But after the news that Kevin Molino has been lost for the season with a torn ACL, the Lions 3-2 victory over Brazilian foe Ponte Preta on Saturday seems much less inspiring.
Let's get to your Lion Links.
Molino done for the year
Despite the win on Saturday, celebrations among Orlando fans were surely tempered due to the one thing nobody wants to see in an exhibition: an injury to a key player.
But that's exactly what happened when Kevin Molino went down with an ankle injury in the 20th minute. The news isn't good.
.@OrlandoCitySC MF Kevin Molino tells me he tore his ACL and will be out for the rest of the season. Had started every game this year.
— Christian Bruey (@CBrueyWFTV) May 4, 2015
To reiterate, this is very, very bad for Orlando City
The Lions midfielder hasn’t gotten off to the best start in 2015, but he’s still a key cog in Orlando’s offensive attack. And with Pedro Ribeiro already out and rehabbing an injury, the Lions can’t afford to lose another player who occupies a similar role.
The club confirmed the news late Sunday night.
BREAKING: Kevin Molino sustained a torn ACL Saturday night. He will miss the remainder of the 2015 MLS season. Read: http://t.co/ab7z31mHeW
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) May 4, 2015
Recapping the win
We've got everything you need to relive Saturday's big win over Ponte Preta. And the confetti. So much confetti.
- A recap of the victory
- A photo gallery, featuring Ponte Preta’s terrifying mascot. Seriously, that thing is nightmare fuel.
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Post-game commentary on what this win means for Orlando, courtesy of Kevin Mercer
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Five takeaways from Michael Citro
Failed MLS goalkeeper lands on his feet
After washing out following four season with FC Dallas, former MLS goalkeeper Josh Lambo has signed on with a local California club…the San Diego Chargers.
Lambo last appeared in MLS as trialist with D.C. United, before giving up soccer and enrolling at Texas A&M. He joined the Aggies as a kicker where he put up impressive numbers in two years at the school. He’ll join the Chargers for OTAs next week, where Lambo will look to secure a roster spot.
There's precedent for this sort of thing, with former MLS forward Devin Barclay kicking for Ohio State between 2009 in 2010, but Lambo would be one of the first to go from MLS to the NFL.
Chelsea claims EPL title; could Drogba be eyeing a move to MLS?
The EPL crown will once again reside with an English juggernaut as the Blues claimed their first Premier League championship since 2010.
Chelsea defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 on Sunday to win the title with three games left in their league campaign. Eden Hazard scored the winner as Jose Mourinho got his first Premier League title after returning to Stamford Bridge in 2013.
One thing worth noting for MLS fans is the news that Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has expressed interest in a move to MLS if he's not offered an extension at Chelsea.
The 37-year old Drogba is certainly past his prime, but the Ivory Coast international has one of the most decorated careers of any active player. He captained Ivory Coast at the World Cup last summer and made 26 appearances with Chelsea this season, scoring four goals.
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That's it for Lion Links today. Stay strong Kevin.