Lion Links: 11/2/16

Good morning Lion’s fans, while the season may be over, off season trading is in full swing. With rumors swirling and announcements being made, here are some updates on what is going on in Orlando Soccer.

Orlando City Announces Partnership with Brazilian Club

Orlando City announced Tuesday that it now has a partnership with Brazilian side Clube Atlético Paranaense that will include friendly matches in Orlando in 2017 and in Brazil in 2018.

“We are proud of partnering with Atlético Paranaense, a club with more than 90 years of history,” Orlando City Founder and President Phil Rawlins said in a club press release. “In addition to their success on the pitch, they possess a vast knowledge on the process of developing a successful academy and running a top-notch training facility.”

The partnership is in addition to similar deals with English club Stoke City and Portuguese club Benfica.

Molino a Finalist for Comeback Player Award

Kevin Molino bounced back from a torn ACL that ended his 2015 campaign woefully short to register 11 goals and eight assists in 2015. He was an integral part of one of MLS’s most potent attacks, and as a result he’s been named one of three finalists for the 2016 MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award. His competition includes Frank Lampard of NYCFC and Chris Pontius of D.C. United.

Krieger Coming to Orlando?

Washington Spirit captain Ali Krieger may be coming to the Orlando Pride, per reports from Dan Lauletta of Equalizer Soccer.

Krieger has spent the last four seasons anchoring the Spirit’s roster, playing several positions and leading the team to two National Women’s Soccer League playoff appearances. Krieger has been to Orlando several times in the past on visits, including this past weekend, even attending the Orlando City Gala on Sunday. Her trade has not yet been announced, but this move could be historic for the club. At least one big name player will likely be traded in order to bring her to the Pride.

Generation Adidas Releases Players

Adidas has released its new list of players that will be a part of the Generation Adidas program for the 2017 season. Among them are Orlando City players Conor Donovan and Richie Laryea. Several players graduated out of the program, including Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake. The players who remain part of the program will not be eligible for selection in the 2016 MLS Expansion draft and do not count towards the teams’ salary caps. Donovan was selected 22nd overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft and made one appearance for Orlando City. He is currently loaned out to Orlando City B, where he has made 14 appearances and recorded one goal. Laryea was drafted seventh overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft and was also loaned to Orlando City B. While playing with OCB, Laryea made 23 appearances and played a vital role in their debut season.

That’s it for these links, stay tuned for more updates on the Krieger trade and future Orlando City moves.