Lion Links: 10/13/17

It is Friday once again, and what a week it has been. The USMNT has missed its flight to Russia for 2018, Orlando City’s first MLS captain, Kaká, is leaving the club after this season, and OCB hasn’t made the playoffs in the USL. Is it fortuitous that today is Friday the 13th? Well Mane Landers, pack your bags for Camp Crystal Lake, get that bad $13 tattoo, and enjoy today’s links du jour.

Kaká Says Goodbye

The sun is setting on our first MLS captain’s time here in Orlando. As I am sure you are all aware, Kaká will likely play his final match for Orlando City this Sunday, the final home match of the 2017 season, in Orlando City Stadium. Before he laces up the black boots one last time as a Lion, Kaká shared a video, expressing his thoughts that “I will forever be a Lion.”

Kaká Among Lions Nominated for Landon Donovan MVP Award

Although the Lions have missed out on the playoffs, there are some Orlando City players who have had a fairly good season. Kaká, along with Joe Bendik and Jonathan Spector, have been nominated for the Landon Donovan Most Valuable Player award. Part of the selection process is from fan votes, so go show one of our Lions some love.

OCB Eliminated From Playoff Contention

In one last nail in the coffin that is soccer in Orlando, OCB fell to the Rowdies, 2-0, at Orlando City Stadium last night. It isn’t that the team did not win any of the three I-4 derbies this season that stings the most, but the loss eliminated OCB from the playoffs. You can read up on the full match recap here.

Rafael Ramos’ Future is Uncertain

Rafa showed a lot of promise early in his career, there is no question. The issue at hand for him now is that 2017 was a year full of injuries and virtually no playing time with the first team. So, what happens next? Rafa’s contract is up in December, but he has an option that could continue his time as a Lion.

Orlando City to Host Puerto Rico Friendly on Nov. 4

The date and time have finally been set. To help raise funds for United for Puerto Rico, the Lions will host a friendly against the island’s soccer team on Nov. 4 at 7:30 pm. Support a great cause and watch Kaká play his last match as a Lion.

OCB’s Schweitzer Celebrates Canadian Call Up

OCB midfielder Jordan Schweitzer is still beaming from his call up to the Canadian National Team for the recent friendly against El Salvador. He has been a consistent player for OCB this season, racking up the seventh-highest number of minutes played. Hopefully, this is not the only call up for the young Lion.

World Cup Qualifier Replay?

Could it happen? Could enough pressure be brought forward to require FIFA to have the Panama vs. Costa Rica match replayed? We have all seen the “ghost goal” and as much as I would hate to get into the World Cup because of a rematch, and not on success in the Hex, I want the U.S. in the World Cup.

Free Kicks:

• The chairman of PSG, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, is in a bit of a pickle as Swiss prosecutors opened up a bribery case against him in regards to World Cup broadcast rights.
• Do not assault television sports pundits in Switzerland.
• Crew vs NYCFC in Queens, because Yankees.

#Banter

• Orlando City also had some banter ready for newcomer LAFC’s “new” stadium feature.

• Bruce Arena hinting at the exit clause in his contract? Well, if he does exercise it, this could be the one man who could save the USMNT right here, right now.
• Good news is the U-17 USMNT, a.k.a. the Baby Nats, are still alive in the U-17 World Cup.

That’s all I have for you today. Hope you all have a great weekend. Don’t forget that the NWSL championship match is at Orlando City Stadium on Saturday, and the Lions play Sunday. Hope to see you all there!