Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/23/16
Hey there, folks. It's Friday, which means you've made it through another week. Today's a big day in TML history as it officially marks the two-year anniversary of our existence. We started as a WordPress site on this date back in 2014 and we've come a long way, so thanks to everyone who continues to read the site for all your support over the last 24 months.
In other Orlando-related news: Orlando City and the Pride play tomorrow and OCB plays Sunday, so there’s plenty of soccer to come over the next few days. I’ll be on the play-by-play for the Pride finale on YouTube, so be sure to tune in and hear me talk some WoSo.
If you missed some news from yesterday, we've got you covered here.
Now, let's get into today's links.
Adrian Heath Talks Cyle Larin
Former Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath spoke with former Orlando Sentinel beat writer Paul Tenorio — now with FourFourTwo — about his thoughts on his former striker and his growth in MLS.
"When I look back on the first time I saw him play soccer – UConn vs. St. John's, up in New York – to where he is now, it's incredible. I give him an awful lot of credit for the work he's put into that. And the satisfaction you get as a coach watching them improve and move on and get better? That feels good."
While Heath is still looking for a new head coaching job, he's still able to give a great perspective on Larin's time with Orlando and just how much he's improved since he was drafted No. 1 overall in 2015.
Altidore Wins SB Nation MLS Player of the Week Award
Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore has been on a goal-scoring tear of late. Since the beginning of August, Altidore has scored seven goals in seven games he has appeared in. Without reigning MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco, the American striker has stepped up for his team, which is currently in first place in the East.
New England Revolution’s Kelyn Rowe was second and New York Red Bulls‘ Bradley Wright-Phillips was third in the voting.
It's Just Getting Worse for the NASL
Yesterday we mentioned that some of the NASL teams may be in trouble financially and others could be leaving the league in favor of the USL. Now, more news continues to come out about just how bad it really is right now in the second division of U.S. Soccer. This article from midfieldpress.com goes into just how it got so bad and if there's really anything that can be done to save the league.
Has Atlanta United Found Its New Coach?
Reports are coming in from all over saying that the MLS expansion club has found its first ever head coach. Gerardo “Tata” Martino, the former Argentina national team manager, could be named Atlanta United’s head coach as early as next week.
Our friends at Dirty South Soccer reported that Martino turned down a job with Club América in Mexico in favor of MLS, and reports late last night have said that it's a done deal for Martino to Atlanta.
That's just about all I have for this edition of Lion Links. To close it out, enjoy this goal from local Division II soccer team Rollins College featured on Fox Soccer's @TheBuzzer, with me on the call.
