Lion Links: 8/31/15

It's Monday morning, Mane Landers and for the first time in a while, we have points to show from this weekend's game, so all in all it's a good Monday to be an Orlando City fan. With that in mind, let's get right into today's Lion Links so that you can impress your friends with your soccer knowledge.

Weekend Recap

With a nice result this weekend, our columnists had a lot more to say:

• Gavin Ewbank recaps the weather-delayed game against Chicago and highlights that Orlando City should be upset that they dropped two more points in a game that was there for the taking.
• Michael Citro gives his two cents on who were the best (and the worst) players on the field for Orlando City on Saturday.
• Allen Etzler provides his five takeaways (that he observed from the dry press box) and highlights the positives and negatives about Orlando City’s play.
• Finally, if you care about the other team’s perspective, you can read over the Chicago Fire blog, Hot Time in Old Town, to get the enemies’ perspective.

Chicharito Chase is Over

So we can finally stop taking about Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez joining MLS and Orlando City, as it is being reported that he has signed with Bundesliga side, Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Hernandez has been on his way out of Old Trafford virtually all summer, with MLS his likely destination. However, once the transfer window closed, many Orlando City fans’ hopes were dashed.

It did appear that potentially Manchester United were going to try to work something out with Cheech but it would appear that after his PK miss this week, Louis Van Gaal eventually decided it was time to pull the trigger and send him packing.

Klinsmann Sends Out Call-Ups for USMNT Friendlies

With some big games coming up for the USMNT, namely the Oct. 10 Confederations Cup playoff against Mexico, Jurgen Klinsmann has named a roster that brings some seasoned veterans and new blood into the international team for friendlies against Peru and Brazil.

Tim Howard is the most notable returning player to the roster, after his year sabbatical away from the team, and in all likelihood, after his performance on Saturday against Tottenham, he is likely to be the starter when the U.S. takes the field against Peru on Friday.

These upcoming contests have, however, come too early for some USMNT players. One is Brek Shea, who is set to return from injury for Orlando City when they play the New England Revolution on Saturday. Another is Timothy Chandler, who is set to be ruled out for about six weeks after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee.

One player who could potentially enter the USMNT landscape in the next few months is Darlington Nagbe. He is set to become a U.S. citizen in the next month or so, and you would have to think that his speed and agility would make him a potential selection by Klinsmann in the next few months.

Montreal Makes a Change

One team that is in the hunt with Orlando City for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference is the Montreal Impact. Despite making the CONCACAF Champions League final, and having four games in hand on their rivals, the team has decided to make a head coaching change.

Frank Klopas has been let go in a hope by the Montreal Impact front office that they have enough time (and games) to turn their season around and stay above the red line. With a new interim coach, Mauro Biello, and Didier Drogba waiting on the sidelines, this may be a savvy move by the Impact but only time will tell.

Uruguayan Makes MLS History

With Cyle Larin still waiting MLS adjudication as to whether or not the goal from Saturday night is credited to him or as an Eric Gehrig own-goal, one player who is already in the history books is Diego Fagundez. The 20-year old Uruguayan scored this weekend for New England against the Philadelphia Union to become the youngest player in MLS history to score 25 goals.

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That is all you need to know this Monday and just remember that just like Orlando City, The Mane Land has you covered rain or shine.