Lion Links: 8/26/16

Hello, all! And welcome to another Friday edition of Lion Links. On the eve of my birthday, there is nothing I'd rather be doing than bringing you fine Orlando City fans some noteworthy links. I can assure you.

All jokes aside, here are today's links!

Positive Signs

Despite Orlando's City's loss to Toronto FC on Wednesday night, head coach Jason Kreis saw some positive signs from his developing team. Since Kreis' arrival, results and performances have been holistically better; however, Rome wasn't built in a day. Kreis demands a certain level of both physical fitness and tactical understanding that perhaps these Orlando City players don't quite yet have.

Kreis Joins MLS Extra Time Radio

Speaking of Kreis, Orlando City’s head coach was a guest on MLS Extra Time Radio on Thursday, talking about his exit from New York and the future in Orlando. With the Lions welcoming NYCFC this weekend, it was sure to prompt some discussion on Kreis’ time with his old club, but he also discusses plenty of Orlando-related topics as well. You can hear the skipper at the 23:50 mark in the podcast.

Larin Returns to the Great White Beyond

International football is a machine that never stops, isn’t it? With Euro 2016 over and done with, World Cup 2018 is on the approaching horizon. With it, as always, comes qualifiers. Cyle Larin has been in imperious form as of late, earning himself an opportunity to represent his country yet again. The Canadians’ first match is against El Salvador on Sept. 6.

Victory's Off the Field

Orlando City's Ricardo Kaká has just been honored with Orlando Weekly's best local athlete award. As an Orlando native, it's been an interesting experience observing the dynamic between the city and its various sports teams. Orlando seems to have a particular grassroots connection with Orlando City Soccer Club, something it hasn't shared with other professional sports organizations, such as the Magic, in years, and seemingly never with the Predators. It's nice nice to see that personal connection between fan and professional palpably recognized.

Nightmare Fuel Pt. 587

We've had our fair share of horrifying images that happen to be football related as a part of our daily links, but this one might take the cake. Warning: Viewer discretion is advised. The official animated mascot of the U-20 World Cup is something that will surely be haunting my nightmares. Have a look at your own risk.

That's it for us here at The Mane Land! Have a nice weekend, folks.