Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/10/17
Good Morning, Lions fans. Last night college football came to an end, which means the televisions and the good recliner seat in my house are finally open to watch some actual “football.” So, find your comfiest seat and check out these Lion Links.
Before we begin, The Mane Land staff and I would like to offer up a Happy Birthday to Khano Smith, Orlando Pride assistant coach. The retired midfielder is celebrating his 35th birthday. Happy Birthday, Khano, we hope your day is filled with celebration and cake!
Will Johnson Takes a Tour of Orlando City’s Stadium
New Orlando City player Will Johnson has officially landed in Orlando and is wasting zero time becoming acclimated with his new club. Yesterday he spent time visiting the downtown offices and the new stadium, stopping to take pictures and participate in a Facebook Live chat, where he answered questions about himself.
Welcome to The City Beautiful, Will. #NeverHuntAlone pic.twitter.com/S6WrzT9SAm
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) January 9, 2017
MLS and NWSL Draft Orders Released
The MLS SuperDraft and the NWSL Draft are both rapidly approaching, and now with the official announcement of the draft orders, both Orlando City and the Pride can begin preparing for future draftees. While the draft can be an opportunity to sign impact players, both Orlando City and the Pride may have a less-than-exciting day as they do not have picks until the third round. Orlando City has two of the 88 picks, which will fall at Nos. 64 and 74. Unless the team trades up, City will have to wait a couple of rounds before selecting a player. Likewise, the Pride does not have a draft pick until the third round. The Pride will select pick Nos. 22 and 32, and they also may have the chance to trade up.
Ashlyn Harris Awarded CONCACAF Goalkeeper of the Year
Orlando Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris was named the CONCACAF Female Goalkeeper of the Year. Harris became one of the starting goalkeepers for the U.S. Women’s National Team after Hope Solo was suspended. She was an alternate for the Rio Olympics and made three appearances in 2016, winning all three and allowing only two goals. The award was voted upon by fans, which may be why Harris won by such a large margin. Guatemalan Yoselin Franco received the second-most votes, and Costa Rican player Dinnia Diaz received the third-most votes. Alex Morgan was also in contention for a CONCACAF award for Best Forward, but she came in second to Christen Press.
CONFIRMED: @Ashlyn_Harris is the best on the continent.
Congrats on winning @CONCACAF Female Keeper of the Year. #FilledWithPride pic.twitter.com/zIPcYihNND
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) January 9, 2017
USL Releases Updated Conference Alignment
The United Soccer League has announced the new alignment for the 30-team league. Teams will each play in 32 games during the regular season. The alignment still includes an Eastern Conference and a Western Conference, with the addition of three new teams. Among them, the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury FC, will both be added to the Eastern Conference. Orlando City B will remain in the East.
The 2017 #USL Eastern Conference
Who will take the spot this season? pic.twitter.com/9u5p5OCbyI
— USL (@USL) January 9, 2017
The Best Recognized at FIFA Awards
The annual celebration of soccer’s best took place yesterday in Zurich, with the first installment of the Best FIFA Football Awards. The four major awards for best male and female player and best male and female coach were given to Cristiano Ronaldo, Carli Lloyd, Claudio Ranieri, and Silvia Neid, respectively. Several other awards were given out at the prestigious event, including the Fair Play award, presented to Atlético Nacional for their compassion following the events of the Chapecoense crash.
NC Courage Joins NWSL
The 2015 NWSL Champion Western New York Flash announced earlier this week that the club would be sold and relocated to North Carolina. The team will become the North Carolina Courage, with all the former Western New York Flash players’ contracts being transferred with the selling of the club. Flash Head Coach Paul Riley is in talks to become the first head coach of the Courage. The Courage will participate in the NWSL draft, holding the second, seventh, and 18th picks.
“Welcoming Steve Malik and the entire North Carolina Football Club organization represents a significant milestone in the history of our league,” NWSL Commissioner Jeff Plush said.
We are playing here, in April, as the North Carolina Courage #919inNWSL #NCFCFamily #NCCourage pic.twitter.com/DjbyzxYRyg
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) January 9, 2017
Unfortunately, that is all the links I have for you all today. Have a great Tuesday and once again, Happy Birthday Khano Smith.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/9/25
Orlando City B signs Tristan Himes, young trialist linked with Orlando City, 2025 Futures Camp roster announced, and more.
How’s it going, Mane Landers? Hopefully this cold weather hasn’t made it too difficult to enjoy the new year. I’ve at least been able to get some use out of a new jacket I was gifted over the holidays. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City defender Kyle Smith!
Goalkeeper Tristan Himes Joins Orlando City B
Orlando City signed goalkeeper Tristan Himes to an MLS NEXT Pro contract for him to play with Orlando City B. Himes came up through Orlando’s academy before playing collegiate soccer for the University of South Carolina and Coastal Carolina University. He was eligible for selection in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft but wasn’t selected. He’ll help fill the void left by Carlos Mercado, whose contract option was declined by the club following the 2024 season. How much time he spends in the net may depend on how much Javier Otero is needed with the first team while Mason Stajduhar recovers from injury.
Trialist Aboubou Haimakoye Linked With Orlando City
You’ll need a translation tool for the details, but 17-year-old attacking midfielder Aboubou Haimakoye will reportedly join Orlando City as a trialist over the next few weeks. Haimakoye is a fast attacker with good ball control according to Africa Foot, so it makes sense why the Lions would be interested in seeing what he can do in the City Beautiful. Should he become a Lion in an official capacity, he would join a growing list of young players from Mali to play for an MLS club.
Emma Hayes Names Roster for 2025 Futures Camp
As part of her efforts to develop the next generation of players for the United States Women’s National Team, Head Coach Emma Hayes named the 24 players who will take part in the 2025 Futures Camp. The training camp will take place alongside the USWNT’s camp in California and includes 14 professional players. A few of the interesting players called up are 17-year-old midfielder Ainsley McCammon, 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy winner Kate Faasse, and Brooklyn FC goalkeeper Neeku Purcell. I’m a bit surprised not to see Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos called up for this camp, as she’s just 20 years old, earned a solid amount of playing time in her rookie season, and represented the United States at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
MLS Transfer News Roundup
While we wait for Orlando City to make some moves this off-season, the rest of the league is wasting no time getting ready for the 2025 season. The Seattle Sounders officially acquired American forward Jesus Ferreira in a trade with FC Dallas, sending $2.3 million in general allocation money, an international roster spot, and winger Leo Chu in exchange. That’s reportedly not the only deal brewing between the two clubs, as Paul Arriola is set to join Seattle as well in a deal that is reportedly done but not yet official.
Atlanta United added some firepower to its attack by signing Japanese forward Cayman Togashi to a contract through 2025. Lassi Lappalainen is now with the Columbus Crew after six years with CF Montreal, reuniting with Wilfried Nancy after signing a contract through 2025. The New England Revolution signed 17-year-old midfielder Allan Oyirwoth. Nashville SC signed midfielder Bryan Acosta and is also reportedly finalizing a deal to sign Andy Najar from Honduran club CD Olimpia.
As for outgoing players, Alan Pulido is no longer with Sporting Kansas City after being transferred to Chivas Guadalajara in Mexico. The move notably opens up a Designated Player spot for Kansas City. A club in Liga MX is also reportedly negotiating with the Houston Dynamo for midfielder Coco Carrasquilla.
Free Kicks
- It looks like we’ll be getting an update today on whether or not Marta will be with the Orlando Pride for the 2025 NWSL season.
- The Dynamo announced Pat Onstad as its president of soccer and Asher Mendelsohn as its technical director, extending the contracts of both for turning the club around after joining in 2022.
- The Portland Thorns have signed forward Pietra Tordin, who had four goals for the U.S. in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup last year. She was also named 2024 Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year after a great season playing for Princeton.
- Midfielder Hannah Bebar has joined the USWNT’s training camp to replace Lynn Williams. The 23-year-old may be uncapped with the senior team, but she has plenty of experience playing at the youth levels for the U.S.
- Didier Deschamps announced that he will step down as France’s head coach following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- West Ham United fired Julen Lopetegui as its manager, with Graham Potter reportedly set to replace him. The club is 14th in the English Premier League standings, with just 23 points from 20 matches.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/8/25
Orlando City primed for moves, Emily Sams’ USWNT call-up, MLS transfer news, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Was it cold enough for you this morning? I know in Tallahassee it was quite chilly, but I’m not complaining. Remember to bring in your plants unless you want to replace a bunch after they freeze. Despite the chill, there are still things going on in the Orlando soccer-sphere. Let’s get to the links.
Lions on the Hunt
I know everyone is wondering why news around potential Orlando City signings is so lacking, but that’s par for the course with this club. That being said, the nice sum of cash from the Facundo Torres deal means that the Lions have the resources to find the right high quality player (or players) to improve the squad. I know it’s frustrating that nothing has happened yet, but there’s still plenty of time for Luiz Muzzi and company to get some business done.
Pride Defender Emily Sams Called Up to USWNT Camp
The 2024 NWSL Defender of the Year has received another call-up by Emma Hayes to the USWNT’s January training camp in Los Angeles. Sams will be one of 26 players on the camp roster. Of note, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Rose Lavelle will not be in attendance as each is recovering from injuries or surgery. The list of defenders besides Sams includes Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, Emily Sonnet, and Jenna Nighswonger among others. We wish Sams good luck and a safe, healthy return.
Berman Wins Innovator of the Year
If you’re not familiar with Jessica Berman, you should take the time to do some research. Since taking over as NWSL Commissioner in the spring of 2022, the league has improved its visibility and made some sweeping changes — like eliminating the draft. As a result, Berman was named SI’s 2024 Innovator of the Year. Berman’s impact as commissioner mirrors Haley Carter’s impact with the Orlando Pride. The league was dealing with scandals, brought in Berman, and now things have improved. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?
MLS Signings and Transfers
Orlando City might not be making much news, but other MLS clubs are making moves. CF Montreal has acquired Giacomo Vrioni from the New England Revolution.
The Colorado Rapids have signed homegrown midfielder Sam Bassett through 2025 with options for 2026-2028. San Diego SC signed 29-year-old Argentinian defender Franco Negri after adding him during Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. The San Jose Earthquakes sent goalkeeper Emmanuel Ochoa to Liga MX side Cruz Azul. The New York Red Bulls will be adding Poland youth international Wiktor Bogacz from Polish second division 1 Liga club Miedz Legnica
Finally, Boca Juniors made a bid to sign Alan Velasco from FC Dallas.
Free Kicks
- Emma Hayes isn’t just focusing on the senior USWNT side. She is determined to develop the next generation of Under-23 players.
- The Washington Spirit have exercised the mutual 2028 option on Tara McKeown’s contract.
- Welsh club The New Saints are still waiting on the transfer fee for Brad Young after selling the player to Saudi Pro League team Al-Orobah. FIFA is looking into the matter.
- Speaking of FIFA, Bonita Mersiades is a FIFA whistleblower with the inside scoop on soccer’s governing body’s culture of bribery and corruption. I’m sure you’re totally surprised.
- San Diego Wave FC appointed Jonas Eidevall as the new head coach for the club. Eidevall was previously manager of Arsenal Women and joins on a three-year deal.
- Costa Rica has hired former Mexico coach Miguel Herrera as its new manager. You’ll be able to see him and the rest of the Costa Rican team later this month when they play the USMNT at Inter&Co Stadium.
- Several NWSL team stadiums are going green with sustainable initiatives and features. However, I’m a little skeptical of Shell Energy Stadium if I’m being honest.
- I am not a violent person by my nature, but I don’t know what I’ll do if this happens. Ugh. Musk is the opposite of the values of the city and people of Liverpool. We couldn’t publish my actual reaction.
That will do it for today. Stay warm out there.
Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/7/25
MLS transfer happenings, USMNT January camp roster announced, Christian Pulisic stars for AC Milan, and more.
Happy Tuesday, everyone! I returned to work after a nice little break for the holidays and frankly, I’m struggling. I don’t mind being back, it’s just difficult getting back into a routine after being away for so long. Alas, I’ll survive somehow. We have plenty to discuss in today’s American-heavy edition of Lion Links, so let’s get into the news.
MLS Transfer Happenings
There are a lot of MLS moves we need to get caught up on, starting with Austin FC’s signing of Brandon Vazquez as a Designated Player from CF Monterrey. Vazquez joins on a four-year deal after Austin sent $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) to the San Diego Earthquakes to jump to the top of the league’s waiver order. We then move to the New England Revolution, which sent midfielder Emmanuel Boateng to San Diego FC in exchange for $200,000 in 2025 GAM. The Revs have also recalled midfielder Noel Buck from his loan with Southampton. The Chicago Fire have signed Danish winger Phillip Zinckernagel from Club Brugge, with his contract running through the end of the 2028 season. Finally, CF Montreal has reportedly traded $650,000 in GAM and an international roster spot to the LA Galaxy in exchange for center back Jalen Neal.
January Camp Roster Announced
The United States Men’s National Team has announced the 24-man roster for its annual January camp. The team will convene today in Ft. Lauderdale with a squad primarily made up of MLS players, as is usually the case. Zack Steffen is easily the most experienced of the four goalkeepers, with Patrick Schulte the only other one to be capped. Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and Walker Zimmerman make up the veteran core of defenders, while none of the four midfielders have more than one cap to their name. Jesus Ferreira is the most seasoned of the seven forwards, with Brian White the only other one to have earned a cap.
Christian Pulisic Stars in Supercoppa Final
AC Milan erased a 2-0 second half deficit in the Italian Supercoppa final on Monday, roaring back to win the trophy with Christian Pulisic taking on a starring role. The American winger snuck into the box in the 80th minute and executed a great turn and finish to level the game at 2-2 in the 80th minute.
He then helped create Tammy Abraham’s game-winner, playing an outstanding ball to release Rafael Leao down the right wing, who squared it for Abraham to tap home and win new boss Sergio Conceicao his first trophy with the club after just two games.
Americans in Midweek Action
There are several other American players who will take part in games this week, so get them all marked down on your calendar so you don’t miss anything. We start on Wednesday, when Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Celtic will play host to Dundee United in Scottish Premier League action. Thursday sees Antonee Robinson and Fulham take on Watford in the third round of the FA Cup, and things wrap up on Friday with Cole Campbell, Giovanni Reyna, and Borussia Dortmund facing off against Bayer Leverkusen in Bundesliga action.
Free Kicks
- The NWSL has announced the competition calendar for the upcoming 2025 season.
- Barbra Banda, Marta, Emily Sams, and Anna Moorhouse have been nominated for the EA Sports FC 25 Team of the Year.
- The oldest living person in the world is now believed to be a soccer-loving nun from Brazil.
- Numerous fan groups have called for Joan Laporta to resign as president of Barcelona, following the team’s failures to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor for the second half of the season.
That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday and rest of your week!
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