Lion Links
Lion Links: 3/17/17
Good morning and happy St. Patrick’s Day, Mane Landers. I hope your day is better than my bracket — which isn’t bad, but it could be better. I bring you news about Orlando City, the league it plays in, and the nation it exists in, but first, we have a birthday.
We wish the Pride’s Dani Weatherholt a happy birthday. The midfielder turns 23 today, and I’m sure she’d love if you wished her a happy birthday, too. You can tweet her birthday wishes @daniweatherholt.
Recent OCSC Signee Fitting In
After just two weeks since arriving in Orlando, forward Giles Barnes seems to be integrating quite nicely into the squad. Orlando City traded Brek Shea for Barnes to fill an attacking void left by the now departed Kevin Molino. Despite being a new addition, it seems Barnes is fitting in quite well. He impressed in his first match, assisting a Cyle Larin goal, and has also been working hard in training, placing himself in the team’s starting XI during practices and showing the qualities of a team leader. His growth in the team comes at a crucial time, as his skills will be necessary for the upcoming weeks without Kaká.
Orlando City Stadium Ranked #2 in MLS
Orlando City Stadium has been evaluated and graded by FourFourTwo, and what a grade it is. Coming in at the second-best soccer stadium in MLS, it beats the other 21 homes to respectful clubs. But the $155 million stadium would be the best if not for the Portland Timbers’ Providence Park.
The Lions’ home itself looks stunningly beautiful, is surrounded by a town that bleeds purple, and is filled with 25,500 die hard supporters, all creating a beautiful ambiance and atmosphere that every MLS club should envy.
The Movement Takes on Orlando
Orlando City got MLSsoccer.com’s The Movement experience last night. The online TV show featured Orlando City in an episode titled “Orlando United.” Calen Carr traveled to Orlando to be a part of its unique soccer culture and supportive community in this Facebook Live premier event. The show started streaming at 7 p.m. last night on MLS’s Facebook page, but will be available to watch on other MLS platforms in the future.
LA Galaxy II Sign Former Lion
After three seasons as a Lion, defender Tyler Turner will now ply his trade in Los Angeles. The Homegrown Player featured for OCSC and OCB, and will now play for LA Galaxy II in the United Soccer League.
Turner signed with Orlando on Feb. 27, 2014 at the age of 17, making him the youngest signed player in the club’s history. Turner made seven appearances for OCSC in 2015 and was loaned to Orlando City B in 2016. There, Turner appeared in 26 matches, logging the second-most minutes on the team (1,991) throughout the season. During his time in Orlando, Turner most often featured in the right back role.
Fabian Johnson Might Miss USMNT Matches
Fabian Johnson had a forced exit in Borussia Monchengladbach’s Europa League match against Schalke yesterday. The American came off in the 16th minute with what appeared to be a muscle injury. The midfielder was supposed to feature in a starting role for the USMNT’s upcoming games next week, but this knock could hinder his appearances for the national squad.
David Bingham Called up to USMNT Squad
Bruce Arena announced that goalkeeper David Bingham will be called up for the World Cup qualifying squad. The San Jose Earthquakes keeper replaces Brad Guzan, who will not be available because he and his wife are excitedly awaiting the birth of their child.
Bingham has three caps for the USMNT, and is expected to add two more with qualifying matches against Honduras on March 24 and Panama on March 28.
That’s all for today, comrades. Make sure to check your brackets, but more importantly, make sure to cheer on the Lions as they host the Philadelphia Union tomorrow night.