Lion Links: 3/1/18

Good morning Mane Landers. It’s the beginning of March and it’s a beautiful Thursday morning, in fact the last Thursday morning before MLS kickoff. So let’s rejoice in the fact that we have only 2 days left before we finally get to see Orlando City face DC United at Orlando City Stadium.

Before we begin the Lion Links for today , I’d like to wish Johnathan Spector a very happy 32nd birthday today and showcase one of the best goals of his career against Montreal Impact last June:

Johnathan Spector Named Captain for Lions in 2018

Well, this had to be a great early birthday gift for the birthday boy. Spector was announced the captain by Orlando City early on Wednesday.

Spector will serve as an amazing captain for the Lions as well as the centerpiece to the defensive core. He will also give a much needed veteran presence to the young players on the club such as Josué Colman, Chris Mueller and Victor “PC” Giro.

Spector played and started all 25 games he played in last season, so he is definitely a reliable player that the Lions can count on game in and game out.

Spector also spoke himself about being the captain of the team:

This is starting to feel like Spector Links rather than Lion Links…..

Four Important Lions Out for Season Opener, Sané a “Maybe”

For those who were wondering what the formation may look like Saturday, these injury updates may make it a bit easier to answer that question:

Dom Dwyer, who suffered a quad strain was obviously not playing. Uri Rosell is still getting back into form after a long break from playing. Josué Colmán is still recovering from his quad contusion and Dillon Powers is also struggling with an ankle injury.

Lamine Sané is a “maybe” due to the fact that he hasn’t been with the club very long and just recently started training, but we are all hoping he will get a chance to play alongside Johnathan Spector on Saturday.

These injuries also give some light as to who will be on the field Saturday. Chris Mueller may very well get a chance to get some time as well as Stefáno Pinho, who will likely start in place of Dwyer Saturday. Christian Higuita may play as well with Richie Lareya’s status up in the air for the time being.

US Women’s National Team Begins SheBelieves Cup play v. Germany

The US Women’s National Team will begin play in the SheBelieves Cup tonight v. Germany.

The matchup will pit the top two teams in terms of the FIFA Women’s World Rankings. The US will be led by Orlando Pride’s own Alex Morgan, who is competing in her third SheBelieves Cup.

The SheBelieves Cup hosts the US, Germany, France, and England, all women’s national teams in the top 6 in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.

Look out for our SheBelieves Cup preview coming this afternoon talking about the event itself as well as what to watch, where to watch, and everything SheBelieves Cup. The story will be on themaneland.com.

Algarve Cup Action Gets off to a Fun Start

The Algarve Cup, hosted by the Portuguese Football Federation, began play yesterday with some intense action. Here we’re the results of each game on day 1:

• Portugal defeated China after an 83’ red card led to an 85’ minute goal from Carole Costa
• South Korea defeated Russia 3-1, all 3 goals coming in the second half
• Japan was thrashed by the Netherlands 6-2 giving up goals in spurts
• Denmark and Iceland drew in a scoreless battle
• Australia defeated Norway 4-3 with a 90’+5 goal from Larissa Crummer
• Sweden defeated Canada 3-1 in successful fashion

The Orlando Pride players in action at the Algarve Cup include Nádia Gomes for Portugal, Alanna Kennedy and Emily van Egmond for Australia and Shelina Zadorsky for Canada.

Gomes did not play for Portugal against China, while Kennedy and van Egmond both started for Australia. Zadorsky came on a sub for Canada and gave up the insurance goal in the loss to Sweden.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City rival Atlanta United took a major blow losing Ezequiel Barco to a right quad strain.
• The “Men in Blazers” cast took time out of their show to review the 2018 Away Kit.
• Orlando City announced kit numbers for this season!
• SportingNews ranks the top acquisitions of the MLS Offseason.
• Today’s birthdays include: TV Actress Daniella Monet (29), WWE Superstar Big E. Langston (32), Movie Director Ron Howard (64), LAFC’s Carlos Vela (29) and Pop singer Kesha (31).

That’s about it fellas.

Before I leave, I’d like to recommend some shows on Netflix for you all that could pass the time between now and Saturday’s Opener:

• “Everything Sucks”: A show about a freshman in the 90’s who is trying to find his place at his new school.
• “First Team: Juventus”: A behind-the-scenes depiction of different storylines at the Italian superpower club Juventus.
• “Altered Carbon”: A rebel brought back from the dead has a mission to fulfill in the future where the rich use the poor as pawns in their game.
• “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee”: The name speaks for itself.

Enjoy the rest of your Thursday and rest up tomorrow and get ready for Saturday against DC United! That game for all who may not know starts at 7:30pm ET at Orlando City Stadium.