Lion Links: 12/28/15

Okay Mane Landers, this one isn't going to be pretty. Just like the leftovers sitting in your fridge, there's bits and pieces you can pick off and nibble on, but there just isn't enough left to even stick between two slices of bread. Well, we here at The Mane Land feel your pain. There are so many links that we don't want you to miss but none of it goes nicely onto the plate. Oh well, it's the week between Christmas and New Year's. Since we'll all be phoning it in at work this week anyway, why not have some good reading material to pass the hours. Let's go!

Orlando Pride Player Recognized

Jasmyne Spencer was recognized as the NAB Player of the Match on Sunday for scoring the winning goal over the Melbourne Victory. The striker was a Pride pick-up during the NWSL Expansion Draft in November from the Western NY Flash and is currently on loan with Sydney FC, in the Australian Women's League.

Former Orlando City Trialist, Molino Teammate Shot

Former Orlando City trialist Keron Cummings, a Trinidad & Tobago international and Soca Warrior teammate to Orlando City’s Kevin Molino, has been reportedly shot outside of his home in Port of Spain. The midfielder sustained a gunshot wound to his thigh and is undergoing surgery for the broken bone. Unfortunately, Cummings had just entered camp for the senior national team’s upcoming Copa America playoff against Haiti on Jan 8. Cummings’ club coach Roland Clarke is quoted as saying that Cummings was due to sign with Orlando City in January, 2016.

Former New York Red Bulls Defender Shot and Killed

Former El Salvador national soccer team captain and former Red Bulls defender Alfredo Pacheco was shot and killed at a gas station in Santa Ana, El Salvador on Sunday, in what appears to be a robbery attempt. Pacheco made 86 appearance with El Salvador over 11 seasons, earning his first cap in 2002. He was given a lifetime ban from soccer for match fixing in 2013.

NYCFC Transfer Rumor with Alajuelense Player

Transfer rumor coming from Empire of Soccer that NYCFC might be looking to add to its back line to replace Man City loanee Angelino, who was recalled to the mothership. The rumored player comes in the form of 21-year-old Ronald Matarrita, who has made appearances for Costa Rica's U-17, -20, -22, and -23 teams before being called up to senior team in May. The young defender has made 67 appearances for Tico powerhouse club Alajuelense and scored four goals.

Because it's Monday, a Chicharito Transfer Rumor

Orlando’s favorite (never) coulda-woulda-shoulda trade, Javier Hernandez, a.k.a. Chicharito, is (SHOCKER!) now being given a second look by Arsenal. It would seem that perhaps Chicharito himself is looking for some redemption in the Premier League after undergoing an incredible transformation when Manchester United sold the under-performing striker to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. For those who still think Chicharito belongs in Orlando, you may have your chance to see him when his club comes to town for the Florida Cup in January. Speaking of Florida Cup, we’ll have an interview with the tournament’s CEO dropping this afternoon, so watch for that.

Soccer Year in Review, Eh?

The Canadian Soccer Association is patting itself on the back for a pretty successful 2015. Obviously, it can take credit for the 2015 Women’s World Cup that was hosted at venues across the country. It can also take credit for the Ottawa Fury FC winning the NASL championship. It can even take credit for Orlando City’s Cyle Larin, the MLS Rookie of the Year and Canadian international.

But taking credit for MLS Player of the Year, Italian international Sebastian Giovinco, striker for Toronto FC is just a bit of a stretch…but they did it anyway. Oh, Canada.

And Finally…

Because Monday morning wouldn't be complete without it: A police horse playing soccer.

View post on imgur.com

Have a productive week, Mane Landers!