Lion Links: 3/12/17

Despite there being no game this weekend, there is still plenty going on around Orlando City SC this weekend. In today’s Lion Links, we’ll dive into some of those happenings. And, while there’s no link for it, Orlando City B defeated FIU, 3-0, on Saturday, with first teamers Cristian Higuita and PC getting a run out for fitness purposes.

7-Eleven Supports OCYS

7-Eleven, the official convenience store of Orlando City, has found a new way to help the club. The youth development program is essential for the future of the Lions and 7-Eleven showed its support for Orlando City Youth Soccer by collecting $2,500 through donations and in-store activations. The funds will be used to provide academy players with necessary equipment and other expenses that allow the academy to be fully funded.

Redding Returns to Orlando with “Confidence”

Orlando City’s young center back has been away recently in Costa Rica with the U.S. U-20 National Team, winning the 2017 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship. Redding started every match for the U.S., playing all 90 minutes in five of the six games. The 20-year-old says the tournament returns him to Central Florida with more confidence heading into the 2017 MLS season.

Orlando City Stadium Continues to Receive Rave Reviews

As MLS Commissioner Don Garber said during his trip to Orlando, most MLS stadiums have been built as multi-purpose facilities, featuring such attributes as stages. Orlando City Stadium is a soccer-specific stadium in every sense of the word, having been designed specifically for the sport. It’s been said that the design, which is relatively new to American soccer, may have a large impact going forward.

Orlando City Academy Teams Take On Atlanta

While the senior team saw its game this weekend called due to inclement weather and the reserves have yet to begin their regular season, two Orlando City academy teams took to the field Saturday. The Orlando City U-16s and U-18s faced MLS newcomers Atlanta United, splitting the pair of games.

That’s it for today’s Lion Links. To keep up with the latest news about soccer in Orlando, stay tuned with The Mane Land. And we’ll have another set of Lion Links for you tomorrow.