Lion Links: 7/12/17

Welcome to winning Wednesday, or at least we hope so as the USMNT looks to get its first win in the 2017 Gold Cup this evening. In the meantime, let’s make sure you start today with everything you need to know in the soccersphere.

Orlando City Out of Quintero Hunt?

The rumors have been circulating for a while now that Juan Quintero has been negotiating with MLS, with initial indications that his destination was The City Beautiful. However, now it appears that Orlando could be out of the race for Quintero’s signature with The Windy City now his most likely destination. However, the plot thickened a bit last night with Hot Time in Old Town reporting Quintero-to-Chicago reports could be premature.

It’s no surprise that Chicago has become his potential first choice as they currently lead in the race for the Supporters’ Shield, and it could mean it’s back to the drawing board for Orlando in this summer transfer window if he does indeed head to Chicago.

Pride Party

After trading goals with the Washington Spirit on Saturday in a 2-2 draw, one reason why the Orlando Pride managed to come away with any points was goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe’s stone-cold 1-on-1 stop on Washington midfielder Tori Huster, and yesterday her stop was declared the NWSL Save of the Week.

The game was shown on Lifetime and also managed to draw 123k viewers, which tied a season high (also owned by the Pride) for women’s soccer on TV. Here is to more record-breaking viewership records for this flagship fifth NWSL season.

MLS Heads to North Carolina

MLS executives are heading to North Carolina next week to visit with the cities competing for the award of an MLS expansion franchise. Both Charlotte and Raleigh are interested in getting a franchise and both cities currently play host to USL and NASL teams, respectively. MLS executives are expected to sit down with both cities and team owners to gauge interest and potential success in a new market. Charlotte and Raleigh are two of 12 cities competing for the remaining expansion franchises. Another town in North Carolina is also setting up shop, with the Asheville City Soccer Club entering the NPSL.

Rodriguez Leaves Real Madrid

James Rodriguez’s nightmare time at Real Madrid is over. The Colombian midfielder, who signed for Los Blancos in July 2014, has signed a two-year loan deal with an option to purchase with German powerhouse Bayern Munich. His move to Bayern Munich sees him partnered back up once again with Carlo Ancelotti and will hopefully help the No. 10 get his career back on track in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after Rodriguez only featured 32 times across all competitions for the La Liga champions last year.

Klinsmann is a Keeper

Former USMNT Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s son, Jonathan Klinsmann, has signed a contract with Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin. Klinsmann, 20, had been on trial with the German side since last week and has already done enough to secure a professional contract. The young Klinsmann has already played for the U.S., most recently at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, however with dual American and German citizenship, his international future is far from clear. But if his time at Hertha Berlin goes well, expect both nations to try to make a play for his allegiance.

Free Kicks

• OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis highlights the importance of a victory against I-4 rivals, the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
• Former Lion Dom Dwyer brings a new vibe to the USMNT.
• Brazilian side Vasco da Gama have been ordered to play their remaining home games behind closed doors after the death of a fan after a game last week.
• English side Lewes FC became first team to provide equal pay to both their men and women’s teams.
• Paul Pogba has a little fun with ESPN reporter alongside new Manchester United signing Romelu Lukaku.
• Former NYCFC Kwadwo Poku is enjoying life with Miami FC on the Cinderella cup run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

That’s all for today, folks. Keep it dialed into The Mane Land for all your Orlando City news as well as a preview and recap of tonight’s USMNT Gold Cup game against Martinique.