Lion Links: 1/29/17

Happy Sunday to you, Mane Landers. We have arrived at the end of a busy week of for Orlando City SC: Jonathan Spector is in, Kevin Molino is out for a record-tying sum, and the team is now a week into preseason. And soon, we’ll be talking about the season opener before you know it.

Today at 4 p.m., the U.S. Men’s National Team takes on Serbia in a friendly — more on that in the links below.   

Let’s get to the Links.

Shea Hopeful of Future Opportunities Under Arena

Brek Shea was reportedly very close to being called into Camp Cupcake this winter. It has been almost two years since the Orlando City attacker earned a cap for the USMNT. Shea told MLSsoccer.com that he felt better leading into this preseason than he has in previous years, and he is hoping that translates to more consistent performances and perhaps a return to the national team:   

“I am focused on the club, getting myself ready for the season, and then playing well. Whenever a player does that, they get a chance to prove themselves at national level, so hopefully I can do this first and worry about that later.”

Lions fans, who know the type of talent Shea possesses, will be happy to hear that Shea is focused on consistent performances this season.

Will Orlando Have an In-State MLS Rival?

Orlando’s expansion bid is a model for how to enter MLS. From finding a temporary home to opening a new stadium this year, OCSC has accomplished a great deal since Phil Rawlins moved his USL team to Orlando.

Two other Florida cities are hopeful that they can replicate Orlando’s success: Miami and now Tampa/St. Petersburg. The Orlando Sentinel’s Alicia DelGallo contrasted OCSC’s expansion experience with the current bids from the Sunshine State and the potential of OCSC having a state rival in the future. Only time will tell if Orlando gains a local MLS rival.

USMNT vs. Serbia Match Preview

The USMNT hosts Serbia in a friendly match in San Diego at 4 p.m.  The game marks the highly anticipated commencement of Bruce Arena’s second stint as the USMNT’s head coach. USsoccer.com has you covered with a match preview, containing a look at the rising Serbian squad. Serbia is undefeated in UEFA World Cup qualifying Group D. The match looks like a strong test for Arena’s first game in charge.

Today’s game could be a memorable one for Walker Zimmerman of FC Dallas.  Zimmerman is looking for a first cap to build on a successful 2016 season for the young defender.

Ex-Mexico Coach Herrera to MLS?

Miguel Herrera said he is open to a move to MLS when asked in a press conference about a future position in the U.S. Even if only a comment, Herrera’s consideration of MLS is another example of the league becoming more attractive to foreign players and coaches.

The coach of Club Tijuana and former coach of the Mexican National Team called MLS a “strong league” and noted that the lack of relegation was also an “advantage” to coaches.  

Thanks for stopping by for some Sunday Links. Enjoy the U.S. match today, and stay tuned to The Mane Land for all the latest Orlando City preseason news and happenings.