Lion Links: 1/24/16

Hands up if your plans for Sunday Funday will include snuggling under a blanket and complaining about how cold it is while checking your Instagram feed for pics of #Blizzard2016 terrorizing our friends and family to the North. As thin-blooded Floridians, it's our birthright. So to warm up, let's talk about soccer – that should get your heart pumping for the regular season. By the way, its only 42 days away. Let's Go!

Larin Aims to Slay the Sophomore Slump

Orlando City forward Cyle Larin has big plans for his second season with the Lions. MLSSoccer.com has a feature piece by Simon Veness chatting with Larin about last season, his Canadian team hopes, and his goals for the upcoming year. Along with working to avoid the dreaded “sophomore slump,”

"I'm excited to be back, and it feels good that I now know what to expect"

Larin also shares that some "gentle ribbing" from Kaká was given for Larin scoring 17 goals last year, but having zero assists. Orlando City's website also put out a video from Friday's Orlando Health interview about his hopes for this coming year.

Brek (and his pants) Draws Attention

MLSSoccer.com's Armchair Analyst also did a quick piece about Brek Shea. For anyone who missed his pants from Friday's presser, here they are:

Not only are the pants amazing but the suggestion for tifo inspiration is pretty on point. As a reminder, The Mane Land did a write up of the press event and video of the full interview from Orlando City is here.

Alex Morgan’s 100th Cap and Goal

Orlando could not be more Pride-full of our new star striker Alex Morgan than we are today on the heels of last night's 5-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland. Morgan scored once, tallying her 57th national team goal. U.S. Soccer celebrates Alex's 100th cap playing for the U.S. Women's National Team with this terrific compilation video. If that doesn't get you excited for the upcoming season, nothing will.

MLS Preseason Updates

Everyone is itching for the season to start, and even though Orlando City hasn't yet released its preseason schedule, we can still patch together some ideas based on the release of other teams' schedules. Additional news of preseason moves is coming thick and fast, so check out this tracker to stay updated on the latest signings and call ups.

And Finally…

The Mane Land extends a very Happy Birthday to both Tommy Redding (19) and Earl Edwards Jr. (24) who are celebrating today.

It would be an understatement that Manchester United isn’t having a great season.

On this basis, ousted Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has written a six page tome to the United front office requesting the job to replace current Manager Louis van Gaal, and outlined how he would make the Red Devils great again. We shall see.

Stay tuned to The Mane Land for all your soccer-ific updates and in the meantime, keep warm!