Lion Links: 3/3/16

T-minus three days until the start of the 2016 MLS season. I feel like I’m a rocket about to blast off to the moon, that’s how anxious I am for kickoff Sunday right here in the Citrus Bowl. Now, Orlando City recently announced 7-Eleven as its official convenience store. So, Inspector Brad went out to find what wine and cheese pairing I could conjure up given the inventory at my closest store. The best I could come up with is uh… well, this. So, that’s your pairing for today. Enjoy!

Now, on to the links!

Carlos Rivas to Miss Opener, David Mateos Out 2-6 Weeks

Well, this didn’t take long. Injuries have already found their way into the squad as David Mateos sustained a hamstring injury during training Tuesday and Carlos Rivas injured himself not too long after. Rivas’ injury doesn’t seem as bad and he hopes to be with the squad when it faces the Chicago Fire in week two. Expect Tommy Redding to be getting the starting nod over Aurélien Collin in Mateos’ place. Redding didn’t see the field much last season and the move could be the breakthrough that the prospect has been waiting for.

Brek Shea Uses Uber, Celebrities Are Just Like Us

In what is easily one of the most unique endorsement deals, Brek Shea and the rest of the Shea household were Uber's "Rider Zero" for the ride share service's new uberFAMILY feature. UberFAMILY utilizes special drivers with carseats in their vehicles to take riders to and from MCO and tourist areas around Orlando.

Kei Kamara Re-signs with Columbus Crew, will be Subjected to Its Kit Through 2018

So, this shouldn’t surprise anyone but if you finish second in MLS MVP voting, your team is going to re-sign you. Even if that team is Columbus. The deal makes Kamara a Designated Player for the Crew and the team could have done a lot worse than lock up its franchise single-season record holder in shots, shots on goal, and game winning goals, a lot worse. Kamara will be 34 by the time his contract runs out and, unlike eventual 2015 golden boot winner Sebastian Giovinco, all 22 of his goals last season were non-penalties. Sadly, this means he’ll still have to wear the Crew’s new jerseys.

Josée Bélanger, CanWNT Lose in Algarve Cup Opener

This is a pretty huge shock as the Canadian Women's National Team featuring Orlando Pride member Josée Bélanger were taken down 1-0 by Denmark. CanWNT were viewed at as heavy favorites going into the tournament and now need results over Belgium and Iceland and hope the Danes drop points during their remaining matches. If all that happens, they could make the final against whoever wins group A comprised of: Brazil (also featuring Orlando Pride member Monica), Russia, New Zealand, and Portugal. Realistically, Brazil comes out of Group A.

CONCACAF Champions League: Where MLS Goes to Die

MLS's nightmare knockout stage of the CONCACAF Champions League continued yesterday as both Seattle and Real Salt Lake failed to move on to the next round. Despite picking up a one-goal lead, Seattle fell 3-1 (5-3) to Club America and RSL drew against Tigres 1-1 but lost on aggregate 3-1. RSL had a chance late in the game to draw even on aggregate, but missed a penalty and sealed its fate. In all, MLS sides were 0-4-4 in the quarterfinal stage and were beaten by a total of 15-5. Whoops.

Paul Tenorio Says His Goodbyes

Orlando Sentinel's Paul Tenorio is leaving Orlando for the Windy City. Tenorio has put out stellar work over the years covering the team since its inception and all of us here at The Mane Land are sad to see him leave. At the same time we are happy he and his family are headed back to their native home of Chicago. Best of luck to you, Paul. Hot dogs are on you when we come to visit.

Free Kicks

Today's Birthdays include: NPR Host Ira Glass (57); Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee (54); hockey great Brian Leetch (48); and actress Jessica Biel (34)…Adam Johnson was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a minor yesterday…Guatemala's former soccer federation president pleaded not guilty to bribery charges…and finally, luchadores have started their own soccer team in Mexico

That's it for today, Play us out Simpson Family!

That being said–don't forget to #FillTheBowlAgain