Lion Links: 7/28/15

Good morning, Mane Landers.

If you're not feeling well from last weekend's loss to NYCFC, fret not, there are some positives to take away. We at TML have it covered here:

• Gavin Ewbank discusses how Cyle Larin has continued to shine throughout this season.
• Sean Rollins highlights two important figures often forgotten in Orlando City's history.
• Kevin Mercer gives five takeaways from Sunday's game.

Orlando City Reportedly Finalizing Deal for ex-Real Madrid Defender

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando City are in the final stages of completing a deal for Spanish center back David Mateos. While Mateos never appeared for the Real Madrid first team in La Liga, he was a mainstay in the club’s reserve side during his time in Madrid from 2009-2013. Mateos, who will provide support for Seb Hines and Sean St. Ledger in the center of Orlando’s defense next to Aurélien Collin, will be coming to Orlando from Hungarian side Ferencvárosi. The deal was still unofficial as of Monday evening.

"As has been reported we are actively working towards the signing of a couple of players, but until negotiations are completed and finalized there is nothing more we can discuss," club spokesman Lenny Santiago said.

Larin Makes MLS Team of the Week and is Nominated for MLS Goal of the Week

The Lions may have fallen short Sunday, but Cyle Larin had a stellar showing once again. The rookie, who has scored nine goals this year, had a hat trick against NYCFC. Even more impressive is that Larin only took three shots the entire game. The forward’s play at Yankee Stadium earned him a spot on the MLS Team of the Week. This is the first time an Orlando City player has made it since July 6.

Larin has also been nominated for MLS Goal of the Week, with his rocket in the top corner in the 84th minute to put Orlando City within one goal. This is Larin's third Goal of the Week nomination of the year. Show your Orlando City SC support and vote early and often.

Kaká Part of MLS All-Star Press Conference

While Orlando City flew back to Florida today, Kaká was in Colorado for the MLS press conference for Wednesday's All-Star Game. The first half of the conference featured the All-Stars' opponent, Tottenham, as manager Mauricio Pochettino, midfielder Nabil Bentaleb, forward Harry Kane and defender Kyle Walker fielded questions.

Kaká, forward Clint Dempsey and manager Pablo Mastroeni appeared for the All-Stars later to take a photo and field questions from the media. Kaká and the rest of the MLS All-Star representatives appear around the 22:40 mark of the press conference video below.

Speaking of Kaká, the midfielder also had quite a time in New York City. Aside from his many media appearances, Kaká also met Bono from U2 over the weekend. No word on if they sang a rendition of Beautiful Day.

Turner Part of Tonight's MLS Homegrown Game

Before the All-Stars face off against Tottenham Wednesday, the future takes the stage tonight as the MLS Homegrown Team takes on the Club América U-20s in the MLS Homegrown Game. Orlando City’s Tyler Turner will be playing for the MLS Homegrown Team and will face a tough challenge against Club América, which has gone 10-2-5 in the regular season this year. This is the second year the MLS has held the game; last year, the MLS Homegrown Team drew against the Portland Timbers U-23s 0-0.

Drogba Officially Joins Montreal Impact

In a deal that seemed all but completed, the Montreal Impact announced Monday they have acquired former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba as a Designated Player. The Impact were able to add Drogba via a sign-and-trade deal with the Chicago Fire, who owned the 37-year-old’s discovery rights because…MLS. In exchange for Drogba, the Fire received general and Targeted Allocation Money. The money allowed the Fire to claim forward Gilberto off waivers Monday. The Impact hope Drogba will continue to keep their playoff push going, as Montreal is currently sixth in the Eastern Conference. Impact President Joey Saputo had some poignant words for the signing:

"From the first conversation I had with him, I felt that he really wanted to play in Montreal. This is one of the biggest days in club history and his arrival to the club will be beneficial in every aspect."

That's it for today's links, everyone. Make the most out of today.