Lion Links: 1/9/16

To start things off, we at The Mane Land would like to extend a happy 21st birthday to Orlando City right back Rafael Ramos. May this year be as great as the last.

Now that schedules have been released and drafts are getting ready to occur, you can finally feel soccer beginning to come back. As you anxiously await the next big Orlando soccer news, occupy your time with these Lion Links.

Pressley Honored During West Shore Game

Toni Pressley, defender for the Pride, was honored during the Senior Night game at her former school, West Shore Junior/Senior High School. Pressley, a 2007 graduate, spent the night hanging out with the junior varsity and varsity teams, answering questions, signing autographs, and reminiscing on her high school days. She spoke of how her time at West Shore shaped her development moving forward and about how excited she is to be a part of the Pride.

Kaylyn Kyle Does Not Make Canadian National Team Roster

John Herman, coach of the Canadian National Team, announced his roster for January's training camp, to be held in Vancouver, noticeably missing Kaylyn Kyle. The veteran midfielder has seen 101 games in a Canadian jersey, netting six goals and winning a Bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Herman attributes the cuts to the smaller roster for CONCACAF Olympic qualifying. The good news is that Kyle will get to spend a little more time in a Pride jersey.

Klinsmann Adds Four More Players to National Team Roster

Jurgen Klinnsmann, U.S. Men’s National Team head coach, has added four more players for the January training camp in Carson, CA. The players include goalkeeper David Bingham, defenders Steve Birnbaum and Brandon Vincent, and midfielder Perry Kitchen. This news comes after the withdrawal of San Jose Earthquake players Fatai Alashe and Marc Pelosi, due to injury. The camp with culminate with a friendly against Ireland.

Luis Suarez Yet Again Involved in Controversy

Luis Suarez has received yet another suspension following a supposed insult to Espanyol players that provoked confrontation in the tunnel before the 4-1 win for Barcelona. Suarez has been suspended two games, which Barcelona plans to appeal. Suarez’s most famous suspensions include a 10-game ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic and another four-month suspension for again biting a player during the 2014 World Cup. This will be his sixth serious suspension from soccer.

Well folks, thanks for taking time out of your day to enjoy some soccer news. Have a happy Saturday and remember: only eight more weeks until opening day!