Lion Links: 5/11/17

Top of the morning, Mane Landers, on this terrific Thursday in May. It’s terrific since the Lions will be back in the Purple Palace on Saturday to take on Sporting Kansas City. While it may have been a rough week for those of us that support Orlando City, we have the opportunity to get back on track this weekend. Let’s get to the Links!

Kooky Kritic of Kaká

Well it seems that someone isn’t very keen on Kaká’s return to the Lions after his injury. Taking a look at Orlando’s games since Kaká’s return, the author posits that the 2007 Ballon d’Or Winner is on such a decline that he is hindering the Orlando City team that won five out of six games when he was out. While I’ll leave it up to you to decide if you agree, he does seem to ignore any other factors to the two-loss road trip that the Lions incurred following their captain’s return.

Orlando City Countdown

We’re all searching for answers after the two-game road trip full of losses. However, there’s almost certainly nothing to be truly worried about, and fortunately we have some numbers to make you feel better heading into the weekend.

Seb Hines’ Knee is Almost New

It’s safe to say that Orlando City fans have never had a 100% approval rating of Seb Hines. He’s had knee problems since before he arrived, and that is a big issue for a center back. It’s hard to jump, or move laterally, or any which way if your knee isn’t cooperating. Seb will provide some much needed depth to the back line going forward with Tommy Redding away on U-20 World Cup duty. If you’re not convinced about Seb’s quality, Giles Barnes compared his pre-injury potential with Rio Ferdinand.

Maddy Evans is Also a Writer

Turns out that Orlando Pride midfielder Maddy Evans is documenting her journey in soccer. In her first entry she speaks to her time with Penn State, the Australian W-League, and NWSL. I’m certain that we can look forward to her thoughts on the Orlando Pride as she contributes more in the future.

Tommy Redding on the Rise

Orlando City fans are familiar with Tommy Redding and his potential, but the rest of the nation is about to find out as well. As we told you yesterday, Redding has been called up to the National Team for the U-20 World Cup in South Korea. Of course, Tommy isn’t the only call up for the World Cup. This is hopefully only the beginning for the young defender. Given how he has played for Orlando City in MLS (check out the PawedCast for Michael Citro’s take on Redding), and the U-20 National Team, it’s entirely possible that Tommy will see a senior National Team call in the future. For now, let’s watch what he accomplishes in the U-20 World Cup and after for Orlando City.

Tournament of Nations

With a name straight out of a Van Damme movie, the USWNT will host its second international tournament of 2017, when Japan, Australia, and Brazil come to the states to compete in the TOURNAMENT OF NATIONS (emphasis mine)! Between July 27 and Aug. 3, these top teams will compete in Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Diego (stay classy). The tournament offers a chance for these teams to play against the best in the world and keep up their form.

That’s going to do it for this Thursday, Mane Landers. I’ll be back on Monday to touch base and let you know how the weekend went. Go Lions!