Lion Links: 3/28/19

Happy Thursday once again, Mane Landers! Just three more days until another purple game day, still buzzing over our first win, and my national team, Mexico, has been playing some of the best football I’ve ever seen them play. I guess you could say I’ve been having a good week and hopefully you all are as well. Let’s get on with your Lion Links for today.

Orlando City Defender Alex De John Out With Injury

According to Orlando City Head Coach James O’Connor, center back Alex De John will be out “a couple weeks, minimum” after suffering a hamstring injury in the 1-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls. De John, who has started in three out of four games for the Lions, played 63 minutes before being substituted off for Lamine Sané. We hope for a quick recovery and look forward to seeing him back in action. O’Connor also mentioned that Tesho Akindele and Will Johnson are making good progress toward their returns.

Nani Takes Early Leadership Role

Nani has only captained the Lions in three of their four games, after making his debut earlier this month, and is already showing promising signs of a true leader. Before Orlando stepped onto the pitch last Saturday, Nani called for a “players only” meeting in which he then gave a pre-game speech that ended with the Lions taking home the three points. I don’t know what Nani may have said, but I sure hope he says it every game so we can keep racking up those points!

Christian Pulisic Writes His Name In U.S. History

With his goal in the U.S. Men’s National Team 1-1 draw with Chile on Tuesday night, Christian Pulisic became the youngest men’s national team player (of all time) to reach 10 goals. He also became the second fastest USMNT player to reach 10 goals by caps, just behind Clint Mathis, who scored his 10th in 23 caps, compared to Pulisic’s 25.

U.S. Men’s National Team Gold Cup Preparation

After their two friendlies during these past couple of days, the U.S. Men’s National Team will be playing two more matches in preparation for the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup. The USMNT will host Jamaica on June 5 in what will be the Yanks’ first match back in D.C. since Audi Field opened. With the opponent still not revealed, it is reported that the MNT will also play on June 9 before starting its Gold Cup on June 18.

Free Kicks

• With Orlando City hosting D.C. United this Sunday, long time friends and Manchester United teammates Nani and Wayne Rooney will be reuniting. Nani let his excitement for the reunion show on Twitter.
• Here’s a nice profile of OCB’s Ates Diouf. The Young Lions begin their first USL League One campaign on Saturday night.
• After cutting his time in China short and speculation over where he would end up, São Paulo FC took to Twitter to announce that Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato has rejoined the Brazilian club after four years.
• The International Champions Cup is coming back to the U.S. once again and the schedule for this summer has been released. While none are taking place here in Florida, you won’t want to miss this tournament, with teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United in the lineup!

That’s it for me today! I hope the remainder of the week is a good one for you all and remember, this weekend’s match is on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Have a good one, Mane Landers!