Lion Links: 1/18/16

Good Monday to you Mane Landers! I hope everyone took this weekend to catch up on things around the house. Is that Christmas tree finally taken down? As a returning student, did anyone else spend time turning in homework? Did you make sure you added your newly drafted Orlando players on your social media site of choice? Awesome. Oh, and if you missed it over the weekend, here's our exclusive interview with former MLS and USMNT player, Eddie Johnson. Now it's time to drink some coffee, so let's go to today's links.

Orlando City Academy Player Gets U-17 Invite

The Mane Land would like to congratulate Alejandro Pereira. The Oviedo native and Orlando City academy product was named to the U.S. U-17 Aegean Cup camp. The Aegean Cup will be held in Izmir and Kusadasi, which Google tells me is in the country of Turkey. Thanks Google. I’m sure this is a great opportunity for Alejandro. I also want to point out that MLSsoccer.com should really know that its Orlando City SC, not FC. Come on, guys! This isn’t our first year anymore. Check out one of the videos Alejandro put up on YouTube showing off those skills developed in our academy.

Bedoya Tries Out for Orlando

As The Mane Land covered on Sunday, Orlando City B held open tryouts on Saturday, but additionally, the Orlando Pride also held tryouts yesterday. Participants both local and from out of state braved the windy and cold morning at the Seminole Soccer Complex to showcase their talent in front of the Pride's staff. It seems the tryout attracted a high pedigree among the 96 participants, as demonstrated below.

There was a tremendous amount of talent demonstrated during the tryouts and we wish everyone good luck during the process. The coaching staffs for both teams have their work cut out for them. Come back later today to read more about the Pride tryout.

Premier League Sunday Action

As a site that covers soccer, some of the staff at The Mane Land might support Manchester United, but we wouldn’t be alone as Orlando Pride player Lianne Sanderson also follows the Red Devils. Man U defeated Liverpool, as Wayne Rooney broke the record for most goals with by a player with a single club (176!). Also on Sunday, for those Stoke City fans (Hi Phil!), the Potters and the Gunners had a scoreless draw in their match. After the match, Arsene Wenger criticized Stoke supporters for trying to hurt Aaron Ramsey’s feelings. I would think if I managed Arsenal, I would be more focused on staying at the top of the table, but I guess I’m doing it wrong.

More Jordan Morris News

It seems the talk of most USMNT and MLS fans is on Jordan Morris, who’s the next best thing to sliced bread. He’s been playing with the hearts of fans in Seattle recently, as he continues to train with German side Werder Bremen. A report from Germany has the team general manager saying he is confident Morris signing with the team is just a matter of time. Now if you’re like me and don’t read or understand German then you can head over to our friends over at Sounder At Heart. They have the story covered in English.

Well that's all I have you for today for Lion Links, Mane Landers. Well, there is this one small reminder. 2016 MLS preseason training camps will officially open this Friday, Jan. 22. Let that sink in. How exciting is that? Keep roaring!