Lion Links: 5/20/17

Happy Saturday, Mane Landers! Even though there won’t be any OCSC teams in action today, there is still a lot of interesting news to talk about. Also, if you’re a fan of the NBA it should be a pretty exciting game three in San Antonio tonight…but I digress. Let’s get to those links.

Cyle Larin Could Break the MLS Transfer Record

I know many of you are probably tired of the constant Larin to Europe rumors, but it’s pretty much the biggest, and maybe only, transfer rumor Lions fans can talk about right now. Also, it’s a terrifying thought to think about a Larin-less future for Orlando. Thus, a new report claims that if/when Larin leaves the City Beautiful, he could break the MLS transfer record of $10 million. Jason Kreis basically said Cyle will go when it’s the right time.

"[Larin] is our player. We'll lose him when we want to lose him. He can't go anywhere unless we sell him, so we're very much a part of the decision."

“At some point, when the right offer comes in that's the right offer for him and for us, then we'll look at that. But we're in no rush, and I don't think that he's in any rush either."

If Larin does go in the near future, it would be great to see Orlando City receiving a boatload of cash, but that thought won’t be nearly as comforting if the money doesn’t go towards finding a new goal scoring threat.

PC Shines in His Debut

Orlando City’s defense has been bolstered tremendously as a result of the last transfer window. It appears that while Jonathan Spector, Scott Sutter, and Donny Toia shined, Victor “PC” Giro just didn’t really get his chance. But when Kreis gave him his first appearance and start for the club, PC did not let him down. PC’s quality performance, along with that of Leo Pereira, gave Lions fans a great deal of joy as they now have two more viable defensive options.

A Look Inside Orlando City’s Tunnel

Orlando City’s new stadium is already quite a sight to see and has been touted as a massive factor for the club’s outstanding home form. Some of the intimidating features of the stadium are the closeness to the pitch, the purple wall, the noise bouncing off the roof toward the field, and now a decorated tunnel. The new-look tunnel is filled with motivational sayings in both English and Spanish, as if the Lions needed more motivation at home. This story by mlssoccer.com’s Simon Veness looks behind the scenes at how the idea came to fruition.

Orlando City Looks to Sweep NYCFC

Quite like Manchester City, NYCFC has become a bit of a villain in MLS simply because they’re the rich kids on the block. Being their expansion companions, we have assumed the role of putting them in their place by beating them almost every time we face them. This season, the Lions have one home and one road win to show for the first two matches against them and this Sunday poses an enticing opportunity to complete a full sweep of our…rivals? The game will take place at Orlando City Stadium and kicks off at 7 p.m. tomorrow.

Major League Soccer to be Broadcast in Three New Countries

Major League Soccer has come a long way from its humble beginning in 1996. Back then, MLS was a young league just trying to survive while also clamoring for international recognition. Now in 2017, MLS fans can say with great pride that the league is broadcast in over 170 territories around the world. Three new TV deals have just been agreed upon which will add Honduras, India, and New Zealand to the list.

That’ll do it for today’s lion links. Have a fantastic Saturday!