Lion Links: 8/13/15

Hey, I see you over there. You’re probably getting to hit the panic button on Orlando City’s season. Yeah, calm down; there’s no reason to do that just yet, you guys.

The Lions head to Seattle, desperately needing three points, for one of their toughest games against a team that needs points just as badly. This game will either be really exciting or a terrible exhibition of the Beautiful Game.

Anyway, I’m back with another set of Lion Links to bring to you. Just don’t panic if the links aren’t that great.

Aurélien Collin’s Multi-Cultural Lifestyle

Aurélien Collin has been here, there, and everywhere throughout his soccer career. The 29-year-old defender has featured for teams in France, Spain, Scotland, Greece, Wales, Portugal and the United States. Along the way he’s picked up a handful of different languages. MLSSoccer.com comes in with the nice story on Orlando City’s French center back.

Perfect Timing For David Mateos

Orlando City didn’t make as many moves this season as we thought they might. Instead, they kept things small and added a handful of pieces that would help bolster the lineup down the final stretch of the season. One of those signings was Spanish defender David Mateos, who is joining the team at the right time with Conor Donovan’s season-ending injury, Seb Hines‘ new knee problem, and the departure of Sean St. Ledger.

“Former Lion” Doing Cool Soccer Things

Martin Henson was never truly a Lion, but he played in one game on trial with Orlando City last season, so it’s worth showing you this awesome game-winning goal he scored in extra-time for ADO Den Haag of the Dutch Eredivisie. The former Liverpool youth goalkeeper not only scored the game-winning goal, but it was a no-look backheel. That’s impressive.

Maybe a bicycle kick next time?

It’s All About Pro/Rel

NASL has made no secret of the fact that it wants to implement promotion/relegation in the United States and open up the soccer pyramid to include NASL with MLS to establish the concept. Well, it seems as if another lower league in the U.S. is looking to get in on the party. National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) Chairman Joe Barone recently stated that he wants to merge with the NASL to kick-start the pro/rel movement. Needless to say, there would be a lot of obstacles to hurdle in order to get this going, and I firmly believe MLS won’t join in on this any time in the next few decades.

LAFC Is “Obsessed” With Cristiano Ronaldo

Los Angeles Football Club doesn’t kick off in MLS until 2018, but they’re already keen on making a big entrance into the league with their shiny new stadium and big stars. The club is reportedly “obsessed” with the idea of having Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney on the team in 2018 for their debut season. According to The Mirror, the team is looking to make a push for both. SI.com reported earlier this year that Ronaldo could come to MLS in 2018, with LA being his preferred destination.

That’s all we’ve got for you today, kids. Enjoy your Thursday.