Lion Links: 5/24/17

Welcome to Wednesday’s Lion Links, Mane Landers. It has been a rough couple of games for the Lions in the recent weeks. Saturday’s game against the Loons cannot get here soon enough. A good result this weekend will help put these tough days in the rear-view mirror. In the meantime, let’s catch up on the latest Orlando City happenings.

More Rave Reviews for Redding

Orlando City fans are getting used to reading and hearing about the potential that Tommy Redding is growing into right in front of their eyes. FourFourTwo is the latest publication to sing the American defender’s praises, ranking Redding 20th in its 20 Best CONCACAF U-20 Boy Wonders. For comparison, Justen Glad, another young MLS defender, came in at No. 13. Orlando City will have to cope without Redding for a few more weeks while he is competing with the U-20 USMNT in the World Cup this month.

OCSC Keeping Results in Perspective

It’s no secret that the last five games have been less than satisfying. Under those conditions, both Jason Kreis and team captain Kaká talked about staying focused and not overreacting after Sunday’s loss. Kaká mentioned that the team has had to adjust to a busy schedule and travel in past games. The captain also said, “Five games without a win, it is starting to bother us.” 

Kreis also talked about how the recent bad results have hinged on a few plays and not overall poor play:

“I think that over the first portion of the season, a lot of things were going our way. Some bounces were going our way, some decisions were going our way, some special plays were being made in both penalty boxes.”

Harris Out Eight Weeks

Ashlyn Harris left Sunday’s draw against Seattle with an apparent quad injury. On Tuesday, the club announced that Harris will now miss the next eight weeks with a high quad injury. With Harris out, Aubrey Bledsoe is back from a concussion this week and available for the Pride’s next match against Sky Blue FC.

International Call-Ups for the Pride

The Brazilian Women’s National Team called up Marta, Monica Hickmann Alves, and Camila Pereira for upcoming friendlies. Brazil will play Spain in Madrid on June 10 and Iceland in Reykjavik on June 13. The Pride do have a game soon after those friendlies. The team travels to Houston to play the Dash on June 17.

OCSC-Themed Pub is Now Open

Looking for a place to watch the next OCSC away game? Lion’s Pride is now open and serving up pub grub and Orlando City action. The place is furnished with Orlando City memorabilia and features a two-story television wall where fans can take in the game with other OCSC supporters. Lion’s Pride is located at 123 W. Church St.

Youngest American to score at U-20 WC

Josh Sargent became the youngest American to score at a U-20 World Cup. The 17-year-old scored a brace as the U.S. came from behind to tie Ecuador in the first group match. Sargent took the title from Jozy Altidore, who scored 10 years ago in a 6-1 win over Poland. Next up for the U.S. is Senegal on Thursday morning at 7 a.m.

Thanks for stopping by for Wednesday’s Lion Links. Don’t forget to check the newest PawedCast later today and keep it tuned here for all the latest Orlando City news and developments.