Mane Land Mailbag: Answering Your Orlando City Questions

The preseason is in full-swing, Orlando City’s new kits will be unveiled today, and the opening match at the brand new stadium is just over two weeks away.

As the content machine keeps on churning here at The Mane Land, it’s time to introduce some new features into the rotation. So we asked for your questions and are prepared to answer a couple of them today.

Here goes nothing.

Never say never, but I think it’s safe to say this is the roster that Jason Kreis will have at hand when choosing his opening day lineup. The Lions added a ton of pieces this off-season, especially on the back line. Kevin Molino’s departure left a big hole on the right side, but Kreis seems prepared to fill that hole with the options already on the roster.

As for David Mateos, it’s tough to say. I have no idea if any MLS team wants him for the salary he’s collecting right now. A transfer outside of the league is much more likely.

Well, that’s not an easy question to answer. As far as “internal problems” go, I don’t believe anything specifically is happening inside of the club. There were some rumors and stories about players going out and having a good time frequently, but I’m not keeping tabs on the players 24/7, so it’s not up to me to say.

I will say the tone of the club and expectations under Kreis have changed dramatically, and there’s a much stronger focus on players showing they’re committed to the club and to bringing a trophy back to the City Beautiful.

There’s been no indication that anything is close to being announced right now. I think it would be really weird to open the stadium — to a national audience — without a name, especially when clubs like Los Angeles FC and D.C. United already have stadium naming rights announced for stadiums that aren’t even planned to open until next year.

My gut says the club announces something right before the season starts, but don’t be surprised if you show up at “Orlando City Stadium” on March 5.

This is going to sound pretty basic, but chicken tender sub all day. The mojo pork sandwich is pretty good too, if you’re looking to mix it up.

Thanks for the questions. Maybe we’ll do this again soon?