Lion Links
Lion Links: 01/12/15
‘Sup, everyone?
Yes, it's Monday, so let's just try to get through this in better shape than the U-20 U.S. Men's National Team, which is now 0-1-1 in the CONCACAF Championships after yesterday's 1-0 loss to Panama. More on that below.
Yesterday was our beloved coach Adrian "Inchy" Heath's 54th birthday. We assume the cake was good and that our invitations to the party down at the MLS Combine were lost in the mail.
This should be another busy week. The SuperDraft is Thursday – the same day the Florida Cup begins out at Disney's Wide World of Sports. We may get a slew of new announcements out of the Orlando City offices. I mean, who really knows what this week will bring? It's Monday. Ugh.
Here are your links for today:
SuperDraft Thursday: Orlando Has the No. 1 Pick
Many of you probably don't know all that much about the Generation Adidas players eligible for the MLS SuperDraft on Thursday. MLSSoccer.com has you covered with some raw data on player speed and power. Some prospects are at the CONCACAF Championships in Jamaica, but the data here can give you some idea of the athleticism of some of the players the Lions will be selecting from later this week.
USA U-20s Off to Rough Start
Orlando City SC Tyler Turner hasn’t played yet in the 2015 CONCACAF Championships as the U.S. tries to qualify for the 2015 World Cup. We’re not saying that’s why the Americans haven’t won yet, but we’re not *not* saying it. The U.S. fell to 0-1-1 after falling 1-0 to Panama yesterday and drawing 1-1 with Guatemala on Friday. We’re hoping for better results Wednesday in a must-win match against Aruba. Let’s start scoring some goals, boys! (And maybe give Turner a run out?)
Lampard Fallout: Manchester City Under Investigation
Yes, we too are sick of hearing about the Frank Lampard debacle between New York City FC and “parent company” Manchester City. But it isn’t going away. If you think perhaps there was some wrongdoing on someone’s part during this mess, well, you’re not alone. UEFA is investigating MCFC over how City Football Group and its subsidiaries may be sharing the club’s losses.
Jozy Altidore to…Toronto FC?
Rumors have been flying around about USMNT star Jozy Altidore returning to North America to play in MLS for a while now. Well, we might now know where he's going and his home games might not be in the United States. Word is he's headed to Toronto FC. We'll keep watching to see where Jozy lands.
That's all I've got for your Monday. If you'd like to share something you read over the weekend that you enjoyed or piqued your interest, let us know.