Lion Links: 11/7/17

Happy Tuesday, everybody. I hope your weeks have all gotten off to as good of a start as mine has. The weather’s been nice, there have been soccer games aplenty, and you can’t ask for much more than that. Without any more waffling about, let’s get into today’s Links.

Robinho to Orlando City?

With Kaká moving on, could the Lions have their eyes on another Brazilian? Atlético Mineiro forward Robinho has been linked to both Santos in Brazil and Orlando City in MLS according to this Yahoo Esportes story. Yahoo says the Brazilian international’s deal expires at the end of the calendar year and that OCSC is looking to pay around $5 million per year, which is a good deal less than what the 33-year-old player is seeking. The most interesting thing about the article might be that it quotes an unnamed club official, saying:

"Kaka money does not exist anymore. We are working within another reality, because Kaká's money was for Kaka, "explains a person from the American team, justifying the drastic reduction in the proposal made to Robinho.

We’ll keep our eyes open for more on this rumor.

Loan Move for Monica

Orlando Pride defender Monica has joined Atlético Madrid on a loan that will run for the duration of the current NWSL off-season. The move makes her the fifth Pride player to be involved in such a transfer during this off-season, which is a move to maintain match sharpness and fitness while also adding new tools to the proverbial toolbox. The defender, who made 19 appearances for a Pride team that made the NWSL playoffs for the first time, joins an Atlético team sitting top of the Spanish Primera Division Feminina and is defending last season’s league title. Best of luck to Monica, and we’ll be seeing you again soon!

Martino Throws His Hat in the Ring

Former USMNT midfielder Kyle Martino has made the field vying for the upcoming U.S. Soccer Federation presidency that much more crowded, as he announced on Monday that he, too, would enter the race. Only three weeks ago, he stated that while he had thought about running, he ultimately decided not to mainly due to the presidency being an unpaid position. Now, though, he feels differently, saying that he feels he needs to serve. He has the public backing of Thierry Henry and David Beckham, both familiar names to MLS fans, and has said he also has the backing of high-profile U.S. players, but would not reveal their names so as to protect them from “potential political retribution.”

Orlando City Stadium Announced as Florida Cup Venue

The Florida Cup returns to Orlando this January, as it was announced yesterday that Orlando City Stadium will play host to two games two months from now. The 2018 Adidas World Cup ball will also make its debut during the competition, which is entering its fourth year. Fans will be able to see Brazilian side SC Corinthians play PSV Eindhoven, and another Brazilian team, (Robinho’s current club) Clube Atlético Mineiro, square off against Scottish side Rangers FC. Tickets for those two games will go on sale this Thursday, with tickets to the other games already available. Other venues include UCF’s Spectrum Stadium, Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, and Central Broward Stadium in Lauderhill.

Paterson Impressed by Northern Ireland’s Form

Ex-Orlando City player Martin Paterson has said that he is impressed with Northern Ireland’s recent form, which has seen them advance to the knockout stage of Euro 2016, and is preparing for a two-legged playoff that will see the winner qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Paterson, who made four appearances for the Lions during an injury-plagued loan stint in 2015, scored a goal for his national side in 2013 that arguably saved manager Michael O’Neill’s job, and has enabled him to guide the team to their successes. Currently playing with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Paterson has not yet ruled out a return to the international stage with Northern Ireland, but at the moment is giving the team his full support.

Free Kicks

• The UCF women’s soccer team is in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed, and is set to face off against Washington State on Nov. 11. You can find the full tournament bracket here.
• Today’s birthdays include Manchester United shot stopper David de Gea, former United defender Rio Ferdinand, and UK Grime artist Tinie Tempah.

That’s all I’ve got for today, so I have to try and figure out how to occupy my time now that Orlando City has played its last match for a few months. Some might say I could focus on my classes, but that’s far too obvious an answer. Let me know of some more entertaining ideas in the comments, ciao!