Lion Links: 1/4/16

Ugh, Mondays right? For a lot of us it's the first work day in the new year and I may have had too much Prosecco on New Year's Eve, resulting in a two-day hangover that even Sterling Archer would be proud of. That being said, let's get into this news.

Kaká Targeted to Play in Brazilian All-Star Match in Vietnam

According to CNN-IBN, Ronaldinho has agreed to play in a Brazilian all-star match versus Vietnamese players in April. Names like Juliano Haus Belletti, Andre Cruz, Denilson, Djalminha, Edmilson, Elber, Emerson, Kleberson, Luizao and Romario have all been tied to the match, and players like Ronaldo and Kaká are also being courted to partake. Now, the obvious obstacle to Kaká's participation would be the already ongoing MLS season.

U-20 USMNT Features Two Orlando City Call-ups

U.S. Men’s U-20 Coach Tab Ramos has named his 36-player roster for camp and it includes Orlando City Homegrown player Mason Stajduhar and defender Tommy Redding. The players named to the squad are hopefuls to compete in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea in 2017. Tune-up matches for the tournament will be played at Barry University in Miami.

Phil Rawlins Wants To Assure You That Everything Is Fine.

In a recent interview with the Orlando Sentinel's Mike Bianchi, Orlando City Soccer Club President and Founder Phil Rawlins wants fans to know that in spite of recent front office turmoil, the team has a plan and the course is being set. A quote from Rawlins:

"People are putting two and two together and making seven" … "What we are doing is being misconstrued. There's a lot of conspiracy theories out there."

With the demotion and eventual departure of Paul McDonough after the hiring of Chief Soccer Officer Armando Carneiro, who left the club after a short tenure in December, coupled with the dismissal of Ian Fuller, whose contract wasn't extended, fans were left looking for answers and a vocal minority even protested outside the club offices.

Chad Johnson Will Show Up at your House and Play You in FIFA

The artist formerly known as Ochocinco has a longstanding love of the beautiful game. During the 2011 NFL lockout, Johnson trained with Sporting Kansas City to, well, less than impressive results. But, like so many people who wouldn't be good at actually controlling a club despite their record in Football Manager, Johnson has been known to show up at fans' houses and play them in FIFA, even going so far as to leave his clothes and luggage at the airport just so he can go accept their challenge. Johnson previously accepted another challenge and lost, resulting in him paying a $500 Uber round trip.

That's it for today. Play us out, Mourinho!