Lion Links: 3/12/18

• Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. I know we might not be feeling very merry after the results this past weekend, but we need to process and move on. And by move on, I mean we should include stuff related to the last match. Oh, and we have some other stuff as well. Enjoy!

A Word From the Captain

We all know that there were deficiencies in Orlando City’s game this past Saturday, and that includes the captain. Jonathan Spector speaks to the idea that having Sacha Kljestan as a natural No. 10 is something that the team will benefit from. He also answers questions on how the defense was too porous, though he disputes that giving Minnesota room on the wings was the wrong move. Do you agree?

The Captain knows there’s room for improvement. pic.twitter.com/mhZzuj82L1

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 11, 2018

Stéfano Pinho Injury Update

It turns out that Stéfano Pinho’s injury on Saturday was officially to his right ankle. The team has not given a time frame on his return, but the striker was seen on crutches, which isn’t a good sign. That being said, Pinho himself tweeted out an update, before it was deleted.

Supporters will have to wait for further updates. In the meantime, Chris Mueller will be Orlando City’s primary striker, and Kjlestan will return from suspension in the nick of time.

Orlando City Development Academy Day Two

Orlando City Development squads had a very successful day on Saturday, however day two wasn’t quite so rosy. The U-19s lost, 1-2 to Atlanta United, and the U-17s dropped their game, 2-3 to Atlanta. The only bright spot was the U-15s drawing their United counterparts, 3-3, after trailing 2-0 at halftime. The teams will be back in action next weekend when they take on Boca United and Jax Armada.

Update: @OCSC_Academy drops 2 and draws 1 against Atlanta United. Back in action next weekend as we take on Boca United & Jax Armada. #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/yOCn3HMtjo

— Orlando City SC DA (@OCSC_Academy) March 11, 2018

FIFA Addressing Head Injuries

No matter what sport you look at, concussions are a problem that are getting more attention every year. The NFL has changed rules to try to protect its players in an inherently dangerous sport. The youth leagues around the country have taken steps as well, not to mention that participation is down. As a result, there are more people playing soccer at the youth level. However, concussions are still a concern. Now FIFA has taken a step to mitigate head injuries within soccer at all levels. The organization is instituting a 180-second stoppage if a medic is concerned about a head injury and even advocating helmets at the youth level. The world is changing.

Free Kicks

• Even though the MLS season has started, there are still plenty of Americans playing abroad in other leagues. Let’s check in to see how they did.
• It’s not great to lose, but it is nice to see compliments from the opposing side. You stay classy, Jérôme Thiesson.

soutout to @OrlandoCitySC amazing stadium, tremendous crowd and very good team. only strange thing is to cheer for @jamiewatson77 🤷‍♂️🤪 even bigger shoutout to my boys and our traveling loons! #wuw #treepoints #🌲🌲🌲 #greatteameffort #greatfeeling #WonderWall #MNUFC #loons pic.twitter.com/gjudDMbXSH

— Jérôme Thiesson (@j_thiesson) March 11, 2018

• A while back, Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on women attending soccer matches. However, the women in Iran are not quite so lucky. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was at a match in Iran, and had the opportunity to make a difference in an official capacity for FIFA, yet decided not to do so. The struggle continues.
• Famous birthdays for today include: politician Mitt Romney (71), actor Liza Minnelli (72), singer James Taylor (70), actress Jaimie Alexander (34), Argentinian national player Ricardo Gabriel Alvarez (30), and a bunch of young YouTube “celebrities” that I don’t know, like Jessie Paege (19) and Meg Turney (31).