Lion Links: 3/6/17

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Well, that was the result we were hoping for. A win against an Eastern Conference rival in our brand new stadium is a great way to start out the week, and I hope you’re wearing your purple to work or school today. Let’s get to the Links!

Undefeated in the New Stadium

It wasn’t as pretty as we would have liked, but a win is a win. Kaká went out in 10 minutes, and the time of possession was firmly in NYCFC’s favor. However, Giles Barnes came in for the injured Kaká and put through a beautiful cross to Cyle Larin’s head for the only goal of the night. Here are the details:

• Gavin Ewbank has your match recap.
• Austin David has your player grades and man of the match.
• Get the view from the safe standing section from Michael Citro.
• Get your opposing viewpoint of the match from our friends at Hudson River Blue.

Check back later this morning for our five takeaways from Scott Crumbly and our match photo gallery from photographer Nick Leyva.

Did You have a Ticket?

It seems that yesterday’s match was the hottest ticket in Orlando since the Magic went to the NBA Finals back in 2009. In fact, the tickets were selling for as much as $1,000.00 on the secondary market. Sebastian Salazar provides us the proof:

We knew our Lions were a big draw, but wow. That’s not to mention the first march to the new stadium:

Orlando City Garners Attention

Build a beautiful new stadium, and suddenly everyone is talking about you. FourFourTwo took the time to mention what the new stadium might mean for Orlando City this coming season. The guys over at Sports Illustrated weren’t quite as hopeful for OCSC’s chances this year, but they did give out their MLS predictions. Here’s hoping we surprise them.

OCB Also Excited about the New Stadium

Orlando City may have just played its first match in the new stadium, but it won’t be alone this year. Both the Orlando Pride and Orlando City B will be making their home inside the purple confines of the new digs. OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis is instilling the history of Orlando City Soccer into an OCB side that brings back only four players from last season. The team also knows it’ll have the best atmosphere in all of the USL.

U.S. Under-20s Win CONCACAF

Following a loss to a 10-man Panama side in the first match of the tournament, the U-20 team followed up with five straight wins to qualify for the U-20 World Cup and win its first U-20 CONCACAF title. It was a generally uneventful game, that ended with the U.S. winning 5-3 on penalty kicks. Orlando City’s Tommy Redding contributed to the defensive effort for the U.S.

Lavelle Debuts with USWNT

Rose Lavelle was the first pick in the NWSL Draft for the Boston Breakers and now has her first appearance with the USWNT. Despite the Yanks losing to England, 1-0, Lavelle shined. She had the best scoring opportunity in the 19th minute, and showed why she was the number one pick throughout the match. While she might not be a regular starter on the National Team yet, she definitely showed that she has the potential.

Finally, I’m going to leave you with a message from a player we definitely miss, and is obviously forever a Lion.