Lion Links: 3/26/16

Hello there, Mane Landers! Get up and kick start your Saturday with some Lion Links where you can also find news about Orlando's teams despite this weekend being jam-packed with international fixtures.

Cyle Larin Striving to Become a Talisman for CMNT

The 20-year-old Orlando City striker is excited about leading the front line for his own nation. He is striving to bring his monstrous form in MLS to the international level and help Canada reach new heights in world football. He has already been a key figure for Canada, netting the winning goal against Honduras back in November to put Canada in position to advance to the Hex.

Seven Orlando City Players Loaned to OCB

With Orlando City B’s inaugural USL season about to kick off tonight, Orlando City has loaned out seven players to the reserve side to reinforce the squad while getting young players more playing time. Goalkeepers Mason Stajduhar and Earl Edwards Jr., defender Tyler Turner, midfielders Harrison Heath and Richie Laryea, and strikers Bryan Rochez and Hadji Barry have all been loaned to the B team.

"This is just one example of the benefits that Orlando City B provides us," said Head Coach Adrian Heath. "These guys will be playing valuable minutes in a system that matches ours. I can't stress how important that will be for their development as players."

Due to the nature of the loans, all the players with the exception of Stajduhar may be recalled at any point in the season, provided the team complies with league roster rules. The first fixture for the Baby Lions in the USL is against Wilmington Hammerheads at the Titan Soccer Complex tonight at 7:30 p.m. Our Sean Rollins will be on hand to bring you the action, or you can watch it on YouTube.

Kevin Molino Features in Trinindad & Tobago’s Victory

Orlando City’s Kevin Molino featured for his national team in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against St.Vincent and Grenadines, where Trinidad & Tobago won, 3-2, not without suffering. It was an important victory for the Soca Warriors in view of a possible qualification to the Hex.The two island nations will play again on Tuesday.

USMNT U-23 Draw 1-1 at Colombia

The USMNT U-23s held on an important draw at Barranquilla in their first leg encounter against Colombia in their Olympic playoff. A first half goal from Luis Gil shocked the hosts, who equalized in the second half following a penalty conversion from highly-rated youngster Quintero, former Porto talent. Qualification is still wide open ahead of next week’s second leg at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX.

Aaron Johannsson Ruled Out for the Rest of the Season

Werder Bremen announced that USMNT striker Aaron Johannsson has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to his hip and groin problems from which it seems that the striker cannot recover. With his season now over, the former AZ striker will have appeared in only six matches, scoring two goals.

No Dry Eyes at the Amsterdam Arena for Cruyff Tribute
There was a moving tribute at the Amsterdam Arena, as the match was halted on the 14th minute with the crowd and the players themselves providing an emotional standing ovation for Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, who left this world peacefully on Thursday, at the age of 68.

…And Regarding Julio Baptista

Still not convinced about Julio Baptista? Check out his sensational goal against Liverpool back in the 2006-07 campaign, when he literally destroyed Liverpool in a Carling Cup fixture, scoring four goals in an astonishing 6-3 win at Anfield.

That's all for today, folks. Enjoy your Saturday and the rest of your Easter weekend.