Lion Links: 2/25/17

Welcome to the start of the weekend. We have a great Lion Links today for you with awesome news for the Orlando City family. Get ready to enjoy today’s news and share this with your friends.

Orlando City’s New Stadium is Open

#WelcomeHome to all Lions fans. Yesterday was a great day for the Orlando City family with the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate our new home. It sure was worth it wait seven years for this great stadium. Check out the great images Austin David captured of the new stadium. 

Work Continues in the Area Near the Stadium

In an effort by the city to help fans feel more comfortable coming to the game, the city is investing more in the infrastructure around the Lions’ new home — from lighting to sidewalks. Find out what the city is working on right now to help you enjoy your experience in the stadium.

Chicharito Coming in 2018?

The 2017 season has not even started but Orlando City SC may have help in 2018. The ever-present rumors about Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez possibly coming to MLS are back. As you’ll recall, former Orlando City GM Paul McDonough said the Lions had planned on keeping Chicharito’s discovery rights forever. If so, the Lions could be in line for the Little Pea in 2018, or could receive compensation from another team if Hernandez opts to go elsewhere. Here is the full story.

Da Silva Picked as a Breakout Player

Paul Tenorio of FourFourTwo listed Orlando City’s Pierre Da Silva in his seven potential breakout players in Major League Soccer in 2017.

The midfielder, who was snatched out of the U.S. under-17 set-up and into Orlando’s academy, has finally made his move up to the first team. With Kevin Molino now in Minnesota, Orlando is going to need someone to step up and produce in midfield, and Da Silva is going to get his shot. He has all the potential to make an impact, it’s all about what kind of opportunity he gets from coach Jason Kreis. We think he’ll make an impact when he is given that chance.

U-20 USMNT Qualifies for the Next Round in the CONCACAF Championship

Tommy Redding and the boys made it to the next round to fight for a spot in the upcoming U-20 World Cup in South Korea. The team obtained a victory against St. Kitts and Nevis by score of 4-1. Here are the details of the game. The next round will have the U.S. taking on Mexico on Monday.

USWNT Selects 23 Players for the SheBelieves Cup

The U.S. Women’s National Team will play in the second annual friendly tournament against Germany, England, and France from March 1-7. The SheBelieves Cup tournament will be played in three different venues. USWNT Coach Jill Ellis named the 23 players that will be included in the team, which has three representatives from the Orlando Pride — Ashlyn Harris, Ali Krieger, and Alex Morgan. Speaking of Harris, Alicia DelGallo of the Orlando Sentinel wrote this story on the USWNT goalkeeping competition. The team is training in Orlando ahead of the SheBelieves Cup.

Pride’s Weatherholt Named to U-23 USWNT for La Manga Friendlies

The U-23 USWNT has called up 22 players to represent United States in friendly matches in Spain between March 2-7 against Japan, England, and Norway. Here is the complete list of the players called to be part of the team, with representation from the Orlando Pride in the person of Dani Weatherholt.

Remember to stay tuned to @TheManeLand on Twitter and Facebook to find out all the news about Orlando City SC, Orlando City B, the Orlando Pride, and the club’s youth academy. Thanks so much for joining us and enjoy your day.