Lion Links: 4/12/18

Hey, Mane Landers! Hope you all are enjoying a beautiful Thursday, and hey, Orlando City plays the Philadelphia Union tomorrow on ESPN! As Orlando prepares for the Union, I pose this question. Where did Chris Mueller go?

Let’s get to the Links!

Jonathan Spector Back in Concussion Protocol

Captain Jonathan Spector was once again put into concussion protocol and did not participate in training on Wednesday. Spector did not play March 31 against New York Red Bulls but apparently took a hit at some point late in the 3-2 victory over the Portland Timbers and has been listed as day-to-day. With the upcoming match against Philadelphia being on Friday, the likelihood of Spector being on the pitch is slim. Spector’s injury forced RJ Allen, who is typically a right back, to fill in the center back spot after Amro Tarek subbed off in the 73rd-minute in the win over Red Bulls. Look for Tarek to pair with Lamine Sané on Friday night. Spector will hopefully be fully healthy soon.

Getting to Know Mohamed El-Munir

Orlando City shared a very nice video involving one of its newest defenders, Mohamed El-Munir. El-Munir speaks about growing up and playing soccer in Libya and the journey he took to get to Orlando City. The Libyan national has seemed to be a great signing for Orlando City throughout the beginning of the young season, and he has even been given the nickname “El-Mo” by some Orlando City fans. The video is below for your viewing, and it is a great watch:

Pride’s Marta and Mõnica Lead Brazil to 4-0 Victory over Venezuela

Orlando Pride players Marta and Mõnica both netted goals for the Brazilian women’s national team in a 4-0 victory over Venezuela in the Copa América Femenina. The win guaranteed Brazil a spot in the final round, with 14 goals in three games, which has resulted in three wins. Marta and Monica played major roles in the victory, scoring the team’s first and fourth goals. Brazil finishes group play on Friday against Bolivia.

D.C. United May Sell Majority Stake for $500 Million

D.C. United owner Erick Thohir is prepared to sell his stake in the club to billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong for $500 million. Soon-Shiong would become the largest stakeholder within the club and would value D.C. United at an MLS record. With Audi Field set to open later this year, the increase in value was expected. Soon-Shiong would share the team along with Jason Levein, who would own the other 22% of the club. Soon-Shiong has delved into American sports before, as he bought a share of the LA Lakers back in 2011 from NBA Hall-of-Famer Magic Johnson.

Free Kicks

• Real Madrid advanced to its eighth UEFA Champions League semifinal — and 13th overall — but it happened in the most bizarre fashion, just seconds before the second leg was set to head into extra time after Juventus had erased a 3-0 deficit on aggregate.
• Mario Balotelli is linked to MLS side D.C. United.
• Lila the dog has gained popularity throughout the Orlando City fan base

To me, personally, it is a great time to be a sports fan. Orlando City and the Orlando Pride’s seasons are in full swing, the NHL playoffs have begun and the NBA’s are about to, MLB has already been fun and the NFL Draft is weeks away. I love this time of year as a sports fan, it’s just great. Enjoy the rest of your Thursday, Mane Landers.