Lion Links: 12/15/15

Happy Tuesday, Mane Landers! It certainly was exciting to hear that Orlando Health is going to sponsor the kits for all three Orlando City teams. The NWSL college draft is only a month away and the Lions are a couple of months away from the preseason. So now that I have you guys hyped up, let’s go to the links!

Orlando Pride already exceeding expectations

Equalizer Soccer interviewed Tim Holt, Vice President of Development for Orlando City, to discuss the upcoming Orlando Pride season in the NWSL. Holt explained how the club decided to move into the league in 2016 instead of 2017 when the Olympics would not affect the season. Mr. Holt also discusses the level of support within the Orlando community for a women's team. There is a lot of good information on the team and the front office approach. I am all aboard the Orlando Pride train and looking forward to the ladies taking the pitch at the Citrus Bowl.

Abby Wambach's Last USWNT match

Wednesday the U.S. Women’s National Team will take on China in New Orleans. The match is bittersweet because U.S. Soccer legend Abby Wambach will retire after the match. Our Daniel Byrd will provide coverage on the match. Two of Abby’s teammates, Christie Rampone and Megan Rapinoe, wrote a tribute piece on the Players’ Tribune, the same site on which Kobe Bryant announced his retirement. In the article, both her teammates call her the G.O.A.T., with her goal against Brazil in the 2011 Women’s World Cup being the most vital score in American women’s soccer history. Here’s the goal from that World Cup.

U.S. Soccer Announces Male Player of the Year Nominees

Staying on the topic of the USSF, yesterday U.S. Soccer released the names of the finalists for Male Player of the Year. The finalists are: Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Fabian Johnson, Brad Guzan and DeAndre Yedlin. Personally, I think most of the players named do not deserve the honor. There should be a rule that you cannot win this award if you were suspended by U.S. Soccer or sent back to your team if the national team coach calls you out for lack of effort. Also, Brad Guzan isn’t keeping Aston Villa from being relegated this season.

First MLS Free Agent Signs

Sporting KC signed the first free agent player in the history of MLS. Justin Mapp agreed to terms with SKC. Our friends over at The Blue Testament broke down the signing and how Mapp will impact the team. Once Orlando City signs any free agents, keep your eyes on the news and analysis here at The Mane Land.

Galaxy Attempt to Firm Up Goalkeeper Position

In other MLS news, The L.A. Times reported that the Galaxy traded with FC Dallas to acquire the services of Dan Kennedy. The deal was not officially announced, but our friends over at LAG Confidential wrote on the report. I was hoping the Galaxy would continue the tradition of picking up former Lions goalkeepers, but I guess I’ll have to find another way to poke fun at the Galaxy.

Well, I hope you enjoyed today's links, Mane Landers! Leave me a comment and let me know, until next time. Keep roaring!