Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/8/15
Man, this has been a crazy week. It’s the middle of Silly Season and we’ve still got a long way to go. We’re now a week from the SuperDraft and so here’s a little bit of info about a guy Orlando City SC might draft, forward Cyle Larin.
Our Lions have already had a busy week (more on that later) and you never know when more news will break, so let's get right to today's links after this reminder that silly season hasn't ended yet:
.@OrlandoCitySC head coach Adrian Heath said to expect 3-4 more signings over the next few weeks. Also said they were interested in Gerrard.
— Christian Bruey (@CBrueyWFTV) January 7, 2015
Brazilian Starlet Linked to Orlando City Loan
Late last night we told you that season continues to be full of player transfer rumors involving Orlando City. The latest is a rumor that 18-year-old Fluminense product Robert Gonçalves will be joining the Lions on loan for 2015. The youth international is an intriguing prospect. It will be interesting to follow this story.
Lions on the Radio
Can't get to the game? Stuck at work without a television? You can hear Orlando City matches on the radio. Phil Rawlins announced yesterday that the team will have all its MLS matches broadcast on Real Radio 104.1 this season.
Brazil Trip Scrapped
Looks like that visit to Brazil will have to wait. Citing scheduling conflicts, Orlando City canceled its trip to the land of the Samba yesterday and will instead stay home and train in the City Beautiful. Head Coach Adrian Heath told the Sentinel he is OK with the decision:
"Obviously we're fully aware that Brazil would've been a great opportunity to play down there with Kaká and with our connections there. But from a purely selfish point of view, working with the group here does give us more time to get guys in on the system we play, the opportunity to try different systems we might use at different times through the year. It's an opportunity for players to recognize their roles and responsibilities within the team. We play a very distinct style, it takes a while to bring people in, and this gives us more chance to work in our training facility and more of a chance to get that message over very quickly."
The good news is that the team will hold an open practice event on a date to be announced and we're excited about the media day the Lions will host.
I'm good with the team staying home and finding some chemistry so the Lions can properly dominate the Carolina Challenge Cup tournament in February.
They're Happy to See Us
After the 2015 MLS schedule was released yesterday, the Portland Timbers listed the Lions’ April 12 visit to see Timber Joey as one of their five “can’t-miss” games for 2015.
“The Lions make their Portland debut bringing Kaka, Brek Shea, and Aurélien Collin along with them. Former Timbers keeper Donovan Ricketts returns to the Rose City.”
It's almost as if they don't realize they're about to get dumped.
Jozy to MLS?
USMNT striker Jozy Altidore was the subject of many MLS rumors yesterday and this tweet by Taylor Twellman even listed the possible landing spots as New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC or Portland Timbers. Jozy in Portland would be scary. In Toronto or New York he’d make up for the loss of a star player (Jermain Defoe or Thierry Henry).
Multiple sources tell me Jozy Altidore and @MLS are in discussions about his return this winter with 3 teams applying. #TFC #RBNY #POR
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) January 7, 2015
We think this is just the kind of transfer MLS loves. Much like the Jermaine Jones situation, this would give the league a chance to work behind closed doors to put Altidore on a team for no discernible reason.
There's so much going on right now that we're sure we didn't cover it all here. Please contribute your own links that you think people might be interested in.