Lion Links: 1/23/17

Happy Monday, Mane Landers! I’m not sure how your weekend went but hey, we made it through regardless. It might have seemed to be a slow Sunday, but thankfully there’s always FIFA to save the day! Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Heads to Orlando Health

For Jose Aja, the hard work he’s put in has resulted in an extended contract with Orlando City. Saturday was the official start of the preseason for Aja and the rest of the Lions. They headed over to Orlando Health for their preseason physicals. Aja, Rafael Ramos and Joe Bendik were the first players to address the media this year. Aja was happy his hard work paid off and that he was there at all. Ramos was also happy to be there and is looking forward to getting back on the field with his teammates. As for Bendik, he never left, since the weather here is great, and there’s plenty of golf. Sounds about right.

Orlando City Player Takes Field for Canadian National Team

Usually, we would be referring to Orlando City striker, Cyle Larin. However, recently signed midfielder Will Johnson was on hand for the Canadian National Team as they traveled to take on Bermuda. Johnson may even be taking on a greater role with his national team. It usually wouldn’t have been a match of great import, but Sunday was a weird day, and it was a weird match. If you didn’t watch the match, and have a chance to go watch a replay, do so. Canada was able to win the game, 4-2.

EPL Supports the Offside Rule

Recently, FIFA floated a bunch of potential rule changes for the beautiful game. One of those was getting rid of the offside rule. Some of the managers in the English Premier League decided to speak up. They brought up some good points about “cherry pickers” around the goal, and how the offside rule allows the defensive line to strategically impact a game. But, hey it’s FIFA, so who knows what will happen.

Around the World

There are plenty of U.S. soccer players plying their trade abroad, so how did they do this weekend? Most of the action was in the Bundesliga with Christian Pulisic, John Brooks, and Bobby Wood.

Who Needs FIFA?

Finally, let’s consider the previously inconsiderable. A world without FIFA. That’s what Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, has put out there for your consideration. At some point the big boy leagues throughout the world will decide that FIFA with their weird decisions (see above), are not worth the grief.

Well that’s it for today. Keep coming back to keep up with everything Orlando City related.