Lion Links: 5/31/17

It’s game day, Lions fans. Orlando City needs a win by any means possible today against D.C. United, as the team is trapped in six-game winless spiral. To get you up to speed before the match, let’s take a look at Wednesday’s Lion Links. But first, let’s wish a happy birthday to OCB midfielder Austin Martz, who turns 25 today.

Captain Kaká Out Tonight

If Orlando can put an end to its rough patch, it will have to be without the help of Kaká. The club confirmed that the oft-injured Brazilian will miss tonight’s game still resting a knock picked up in the game against NYCFC. While the team has struggled since Kaká’s return to the lineup, he has added three goals, which is second on the team. 

DisCo Ruling for Tackle on PC in Minnesota

Sam Cronin, Minnesota United midfielder, was suspended one game and fined an undisclosed amount for his hair-raising tackle on PC during Saturday night’s game. Cronin received a yellow card for the challenge, but straight red cards have been given out for lesser crimes. Looks like the MLS Disciplinary Committee got this one right, even though it’s too late to help the Lions. 

Pair of Lions Called Up for Canadian Friendlies

Cyle Larin and Will Johnson were named to the Canadian squad for a friendly against Curacao. The June 13 match is in preparation for this year’s Gold Cup competition. OCSC will enter the U.S. Open Cup fourth round on June 13, against the winner of the Miami FC and Tampa Bay Rowdies match tonight, so that duo will be out for the USOC match no matter the opponent, although they’d likely have been rested anyway.

Kaká Makes ESPN’s Top 100 List

Each year ESPN releases a World Fame 100 list. In this year’s list, Kaká came in as the world’s 18th-most popular sports star. Some of the list’s criteria are the amount of social media presence and endorsement revenue. Cristiano Ronaldo finished at No. 1 in front of LeBron James and Lionel Messi. Soccer dominated the list with a total of 38 players included. 

MLS All-Star Voting

The voting for this season’s MLS All-Star Game is now open. Follow the link to vote for the players you want to see take on Real Madrid in Chicago this summer. This year, you can vote for a third striker through FIFA 17 by scoring with that player in the game. Each goal gives that player a point. 

Alex Morgan Update

Alex Morgan is back training with Lyon in preparation for the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final match against PSG tomorrow. Morgan was out with a quad injury and was questionable for the upcoming final until now.

Thanks for spending part of your Wednesday with some game day links. The Mane Land has you covered with the rest of the pre- and post-game coverage of tonight’s match against D.C. United, so stay tuned. Hopefully tonight is the beginning of a turning point for OCSC.