Lion Links: 10/31/17

Happy Halloween, readers. I hope you’re all stocked up on candy and ready for some trick-or-treaters! There’s been some interesting news in the soccer world so lets get straight into it.

Lions Reportedly Pursuing Norwegian Striker

I hope you’ve got some oven mitts on because we’ve got some hot transfer rumors as OCSC has been linked to Norwegian striker Jo Inge Berget. The Norway international is said to be leaving Swedish side Malmo FF after his contract expires at the end of 2017, and Orlando City is reportedly in contract negotiations to sign him. Thus far, the striker has registered 36 goals and 20 assists in 102 appearances for Malmo, where he also happened to play alongside Yoshi Yotún for two years before Yoshi’s transfer to the Lions.

David Beckham Accidentally Pranks Miami

As most of you are probably aware, David Beckham has been trying to bring an MLS franchise to Miami for some time now. And on Sunday, when he made an Instagram post with the caption “Big things are coming Monday,” people near South Beach were understandably excited. Unfortunately for them, the big announcement was simply about a relaunch of an Adidas cleat that Beckham used to wear back in the day. It was further confirmed that no announcement about a Miami MLS franchise would be forthcoming on Monday. So that’s awkward.

Investigation Into Columbus Crew SC to Austin Talks

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff has requested that MLS give details about the status of the city of San Antonio’s bid for an MLS expansion side; and has also asked Bexar County District Attorney Nico Lahood to investigate discussions that took place with MLS over the matter of moving the Crew to Austin. One of the talking points of the MLS playoffs has been the drama surrounding the Columbus Crew amid the potential move to Austin, TX.

According to the letter below, people involved in the San Antonio bid were told that they should pursue the purchase of a stadium in order to further their bid, as well as being assured that MLS would not establish teams in both San Antonio and Austin. Surely, this will continue to be a talking point when Columbus takes the field against NYCFC tonight in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Sean St. Ledger Signs with Solihull

Ex-OCSC defender Sean St. Ledger has signed a short-term contract with Solihull Moors FC, a fifth-tier side in England. The team will be St. Ledger’s first since leaving the Colorado Rapids, who he joined after playing 15 games for Orlando during 2015. St. Ledger will wear the number 24 shirt, and is immediately available for selection in the club’s upcoming game against Wycombe Wanderers in the FA Cup. Here’s wishing him the best of luck.

Free Kicks

• Sam Allardyce has indicated interest in the USMNT job.

• Dom Dwyer’s Tyler Junior College single season goals record was tied by Mohammed Kamara as the Apaches won the region XIV Championship over the weekend.
• Today’s birthdays include Marcus Rashford (20), Christopher Columbus, Nick Saban (66), and Peter Jackson (56).

That’s all I’ve got for today. Let me know in the comments if you see any good costumes today and feel free to make suggestions on what I should go as next year. Au revoir!