Lion Links: 7/27/16

Good Wednesday morning, Orlando.

Tonight brings with it a friendly for Orlando City against English side Stoke City in Melbourne and it also marks the beginning of MLS All-Star festivities with the Chipotle Homegrown Game, so the midweek entertainment will serve to make the weekend feel a bit closer, when Orlando City will return to league action against New England back inside the friendly confines of The Campground.

For now, it's time to pop the top on some Lion Links.

Kreis Holds Court at First Training Session

New Orlando City Head Coach Jason Kreis addressed the media on Tuesday at Sylvan Lake Park prior to presiding over his first training session with his new team. Kreis spoke with a lot of confidence, and seems to feel like he's settled in a very good spot at OCSC.

"The evaluation as it is right now is that I'm very excited about this opportunity," he said. "To me (Orlando City) represents — it could represent, it will represent over time — the absolute ideal MLS club.

Kreis touched on a number of subjects during his media availability, including the health of several Lions, the club's performance at Columbus last weekend, and his ideal approach to the game as it relates to that of the City front office. Required reading this morning, for sure.

Bright House Networks Stadium to Host 2017 Florida Cup

It was announced Tuesday that UCF's Bright House Networks Stadium will be one of several host sites for the 2017 Florida Cup, the third edition of the young tournament that bills itself as Florida's largest international sporting event.

"UCF is thrilled to partner with the Florida Cup to provide a first-class venue for some of the most popular international soccer clubs from around the world," said UCF Athletic Director Danny White. "The Central Florida region knows how great Bright House Networks Stadium is, and is looking forward to showcasing the world-class facilities that you all see today to the entire world."

Not only was BHNS announced as one of the host sites, but three of the participating teams were also unveiled: SC Corinthians Paulista of Brazil, Bayer 04 Leverkusen of Germany, and Barcelona Sporting Club from Ecuador.

OCSC's Turner Set to Go for MLS Homegrown Game

The Chipotle Homegrown Game will provide an opening act for tomorrow’s MLS All-Star Game tonight in San Jose when Landon Donovan leads some of the brightest young talent in MLS against the Mexican U-20 squad. Orlando’s Tyler Turner will take part in the contest, albeit without his fellow OCB and OCSC running mate Harrison Heath, who was set to play before injuring his MCL in mid-July against New York Red Bulls.

The Homegrown Game is set for a 9 p.m. ET start from Avaya Stadium.

Seattle Parts Ways with Sigi Schmid

After Orlando City parted ways with its only manager ever earlier this month, the Seattle Sounders followed suit on Tuesday, mutually parting ways with longtime Head Coach Sigi Schmid. Seattle has risen to great heights under Schmid’s leadership, but things have spiraled downwards in 2016 with the Sounders sitting second from the bottom in the West and an apparently ugly locker room situation festering among the club. Brian Schmetzer will take over in the interim, with the Sounders now 10 points out of the last playoff spot in the Western Conference as the All-Star Game takes place.

That's it for this morning, Lions. Enjoy the Wednesday evening soccer festivities for both Orlando City and MLS Homegrown, and we'll see you again bright and early tomorrow.