Lion Links: 10/14/16

It’s the weekend, baby! It’s also game week with Orlando looking to play spoiler this weekend vs. the Philadelphia Union.

Let’s get it started with some new links on this fine day.

Orlando City to Host Throwback Game

That’s right, a throwback game will be the final game for Orlando City in Camping World Stadium. The details are as follows: the game will be Oct. 23 vs D.C. United and will feature cool events like “where we came from” videos and appearances by original players. We here at The Mane Land did suggest this back in April, so it’s nice to see it become a reality.

Jason Kreis Speaks On the Future

The Orlando City Head Coach had some words of wisdom for the squad, including this quote:

“Next year we will continue down the line of trying to be a team that wants to dominate matches, and you dominate first and foremost by having and keeping the ball,” Kreis said. “It will be something that will continue to be talked about in preseason and worked very strongly on.

Strong words from Kreis, and after a disappointing season maybe these words are needed. In the article he also mentions that the team will not coast in these next two games and that there will be consequences for those players who try. I like this side of Kreis, it shows the fans he cares and that he is it in for the long run. With time his system can work for this team, and i’m excited to see him have a full off-season with the squad and bring in some players he likes and trusts.

Positives in a Playoff-less Year

There is hope, Lion fans. From a new stadium to new players, the future looks promising. Kreis getting a full run with the team and hopefully a better Carlos Rivas can really turn the team around. Expansion teams have a hard of couple years, but usually Year 3 is the key year. Don’t believe me? Just look at the Portland Timbers, who struggled at the start of expansion but hired a great coach (Caleb Porter) and made the playoffs for the first time in the third year. Orlando can do the same with Kreis and start a winning culture.

Pierre Da Silva Could be First Academy Player Promoted

The young player from New York and of Brazilian descent can make history in being promoted next season. Playing as a forward/midfielder, he can add depth to a squad that needs some. His story is great, too, as the article shows you how his dad sacrificed everything to help his son. Also, signing Homegrown Players has proved to be beneficial to teams, as FC Dallas has shown with a lot of youngsters playing and playing well under coach Oscar Pareja.

Roster for the USWNT U-20 World Cup

The roster is out, and there are some great players on it, like teenage sensation Mallory Pugh, who has already spent some time with the senior squad. It’s an experienced group with a lot of college players, and Head Coach Michelle French has made that a key part of her team as it looks to win the tournament. The 16-team field for the U-20 World Cup is a strong one, featuring Canada, Mexico, the U.S., New Guinea, New Zealand, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Ghana, Nigeria, Brazil, Venezuela, France, Germany, Spain, and Sweden.

That’s all folks, have a great weekend and hopefully the Lions can bring some good vibes this week with a win.