Lion Links: 2/15/17

Welcome to Wednesday’s Lion Links. Today is a great day for Links and also a great day to buy chocolate on sale. If you’re not into chocolate or still hanging onto those New Year’s resolutions, the Links are still here for you.

Medical Staff Examines Higuita’s Injury 

Orlando City confirmed that Cristian Higuita suffered an adductor strain in training earlier this week. The club has not announced how long the midfielder will be out, but the Orlando Sentinel said that Higuita had a medical exam yesterday that should give the club a better idea. Higuita is competing for a starting role in the defensive midfield, a position where Orlando has a lot of depth and competition for starting spots.

Tommy Redding and U-20s Land in Costa Rica

The U-20 USMNT landed in Costa Rica for the 2017 U-20 CONCACAF Championship. U.S. Soccer put together a behind-the-scenes video documenting the trip. The team begins play against Panama on Feb. 18.  

Orlando Pride Receive an International Roster Spot 

The Pride completed a trade with the Chicago Red Stars yesterday, sending a 2018 second-round draft pick in exchange for an international roster spot. The move means that Orlando presently does not have a pick in the 2018 College Draft.  

Australia Calls Up Three Pride Players

Forward Lisa De Vanna and defenders Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy were named to Australia’s roster ahead of the 2017 Algarve Cup in Portugal. The Pride players were three of the 25 for the Aussies, although defender Laura Alleway was conspicuously not on the list. The team opens play in the tournament against Sweden on March 1.

Orlando City Roster for Kids vs. Pros Match

Orlando has announced its roster for the Kids vs. Pros charity match. Tickets for the match are $10, but they’re free for season ticket holders. The match is scheduled for March 2, and will feature players from Orlando City, Orlando Pride, and OCB taking on 100 kids. Feel free to post your match predictions in the comments section. 

Be A Part of OCSC with #ComingHome

OCSC is commissioning a large collage to permanently hang in the new stadium. Derek Gores, a Florida artist, is currently working on the collage that will feature fan images. Fans can share photos using the hashtag #ComingHome on social media for a chance to be included in the stadium project.

As always, thank you for spending your morning with us at The Mane Land. Have a great day, fellow Lions.