Lion Links: 3/29/16

Today is the day for the U.S. Men’s National Team in FIFA World Cup qualifying (and Olympic qualifying), and yesterday saw Orlando City start up again on the training field in anticipation of Sunday’s game against current the MLS champion Portland Timbers after an international break. With all that on the go, we have everything you need to know in today’s Lion Links.

Orlando City Round Up

It was busy day for Orlando City yesterday, but you don't have to worry, we have you covered:

• Everybody’s favorite mascot, Kingston, progressed to the semifinal of MLS Mascot Mania and is currently up against the LA Galaxy’s Cozmo.
• With Sunday’s game rapidly approaching, it’s time to start getting your tailgate plan ready, and the club and Publix are looking for the ultimate Orlando City tailgater.
• MLS’s Simon Veness takes a 10 things approach to Orlando City’s Trinidadian midfielder, Kevin Molino.
• After a breakout game against New York City FC, journeyman goalkeeper Joe Bendik is looking forward to starting to settle down with Orlando City.
• In case you missed it, you can catch episode three of Orlando City Insider right here.
• And, last but not least, our affiliate blog for Atlanta United FC takes a look back at Orlando City’s expansion season and notes some lessons from which AUFC can learn.

D-Day for Klinsmann

After Friday's humiliating WCQ loss to Guatemala, the United States is looking to bounce back this evening in Columbus, OH, and get its qualification for Russia 2018 back on track. With that in mind, Klinsmann has added Graham Zusi and Christian Pulisic to the USA squad and, depending on results, tonight's game could be considered Klinsmann's last stand. Everyone here at Mane Land HQ is hoping that Klinsmann plays people in their correct positions and that the formation experimentation is over after some terrible results, even though Klinsmann denies anyone has been played out of position.

FIFA Fallout Continues

A month after the FIFA presidential election, FIFA's media woes continue with the announcement that the ex-president of the Honduran FA has plead guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering and wire fraud. Don't expect this to be the end of convictions stemming from the FIFA scandal, but it may take time before some well-known figures (I am looking at you, Blatter) end up in prison.

Extra Time

• After being rumored for a move to Orlando, former U.S. international Herculez Gomez returned to MLS with the Seattle Sounders.
• The Houston Dynamo saw its USL affiliated team, Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, excluded from the U.S. Open Cup.
• Twitter suffered a huge loss on Monday when the social media for non-league Sleaford Town dried up due to the tweeter being subbed into the game.

Well that is it for today, Mane Landers. We will have coverage of today's USMNT game and we will start to dig deep into our foes, the Portland Timbers.