Lion Links: 12/13/16

Happy Tuesday morning, Lions fans. If you're anything like me, you are stressing about college exams this week, and if not, may I say enjoy this period of relaxation. As I take time to write these links I am avoiding studying, so whether you are like me and need a break from the stress, or are simply looking to fill those 10 minutes in between phone calls in the office, I hope you enjoy these links.

Harsh Words from Harrison Heath

Former Orlando City player Harrison Heath had some harsh words to share regarding his trade to Atlanta United. Heath was most notably known for being the son of former Head Coach Adrian Heath, and after the elder Heath’s departure from Orlando, Harrison failed to get minutes under the new coach, leaving him a bit bitter.

“There is some sort of loyalty that exists after eight years of building the whole franchise, and I think the way that it was done, the way that he found out, was very, very poor. …“This isn’t me being bitter about anything. Ultimately I think my dad’s in a better place and I think I am, as well. But it’s sad to see. I’ve been around the club since I was 12 years old and watched my dad put every ounce of effort to make the club what it is. And it’s sad to see people come into the club that don’t have that connection to the club and don’t have that belief in the club in what it was made of. It’s sad to see where the club is headed.”

Jozy Altidore Named U.S. Male Player of the Year

The United States Men’s National Team announced that forward Jozy Altidore is the 2016 Male Player of the Year. Altidore beat out Michael Bradley, Bobby Wood, Clint Dempsey, and Geoff Cameron to win the award for a second time. In 2016, Altidore scored six goals with two assists in 10 matches for the U.S., and he also scored 21 goals in 38 matches for his club team, Toronto FC. The winner of Young Male Player of the Year was also announced during the MLS Cup, with the title going to Christian Pulisic. As the youngest to ever play in a World Cup qualifier for the USMNT, Pulisic burst onto the scene, scoring three goals in 11 games as a midfielder. The winner for the women’s award will be announced later today.

Watch U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year @JozyAltidore's body of work for the #USMNT in 2016. https://t.co/NdgzVVOo7B pic.twitter.com/kBQzhnSfKL

— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) December 12, 2016

Cristiano Ronaldo Nabs Fourth Ballon d’Or

Earlier this week, Cristiano Ronaldo received word that he had been declared the winner of the coveted Ballon d’Or trophy. This is the first year that the award has been presented to the winner separate from FIFA, which instead chose to present a new award in Zurich on Jan. 9. The Ballon d’Or, considered the highest honor for any soccer player, is voted on by 173 journalists from around the world. This is Ronaldo’s fourth time winning the award, second most to Lionel Messi. He scored 38 goals in his 42 matches with Real Madrid and 19 goals in 20 games for Portugal. Since winning his first trophy back in 2008, Ronaldo and Messi have been the only players awarded the Ballon d’Or. The guy who won it in 2007? Some dude named Kaká.

U.S. Soccer to Host First Goalkeeper and Forward Camp

U.S. Soccer has announced that it will be hosting a one-of-a-kind camp to close out 2016, inviting goalkeepers and strikers to train together in Carson, CA. The roster is made up of female players born in 2000, 2001, and 2002, with 23 strikers and seven goalkeepers. The coaching staff is made up of USWNT technical director April Heinrichs, U-15 girls Head Coach Mark Carr, and former national team players Heather O’Reilly, Lori Chalupny, Jill Loyden, Nicole Barnhart, and many more. The camp will be held from Dec. 14-17.

That is all I have for today, now it’s back to cram studying for my exams, wish me luck and have a great day!