Lion Links: 12/8/17

Happy Friday, everyone. I hope you are ready for the weekend. If not, let me give you some advice: It is gonna be cold this weekend. Weather reports have the possibility of snow falling in Florida, albeit not collecting on the ground much, but still snow in Florida. For the record, I have seen it snow twice in Florida. Enough with the weather, why don’t we go right ahead and get on with what we are all here to do and dig into some choice links from around the world.

But first, a big congratulations for another successful revolution around this medium-sized ball of fusion (happy birthday) to Hadji Barry, whose option wasn’t picked up by Orlando but still deserves a birthday shout out. And now for something completely different.

Rachel Hill Named W-League Player of the Month

Orlando Pride forward Rachel Hill has been making quite a name for herself in Australia during the NWSL off-season. Playing with the Perth Glory, Hill leads the Westfield W-League with seven goals and she was recently announced as November’s Player of the Month.

“It’s a great honor to receive this award, especially with this being my first month playing in the competition,” said Hill. “But obviously I wouldn’t have won it without the incredible hard work of my teammates who have been fantastic.

Hopefully this will be the first award of many for the young forward as she continues her debut year down under.

A Look Inside Tommy Redding’s Home

Ever wonder what the houses of Orlando City players look like? Social media is one way to find out. If you follow the players long enough, and if said player is willing to take that rather personal step of allowing the masses a glimpse into their oasis away from the spotlight, you might learn something or be shocked at the art (or lack there of) you see on the walls. Tommy Redding was kind enough to let the cameras into his home and show them around recently.

Orlando is Among Best Cities to be a Fan

Financial website WalletHub.com has released a list of the best cities in America for sports fandom. Orlando ranked second for soccer fans, 10th for basketball fans, and 144th for football fans. The list ranked more than 400 cities on more than 50 metrics from ticket prices to competitive nature of the cities’ teams. There is a fellow central Florida city that also ranked last.

Larin on Another Top Five List

Cyle Larin has found himself on another end of the year list. Outside of the Boot just released its top five U-22 players for the 2017 season. Cyle came in at fifth behind some pretty strong names. There are some Interesting notes about his time and development prior to becoming a Lion with Sigma FC, the local youth academy he was involved with in his early years.

USMNT to Play France Prior to World Cup

Do not fret everyone, the USMNT looks to be playing plenty of matches in 2018. No, it has not found some weird loophole to get into the tournament, but it is looking to fill up its schedule with plenty of friendlies prior to Russia 2018. The French Football Federation just announced a June 9 friendly in Lyon.

Ronaldo Picks up his Fifth Ballon D’Or

For the fifth time, Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded the Ballon d’Or. He is now tied with Lionel Messi with five awards, and continued their 10 years of dominance. Oh yeah, and he has great statues (this one never gets old).

Free Kicks:

• Sometimes, you just can’t make this stuff up. folks. Buenos Aires, a Jonas Brother, Paul McCartney and FIFA corruption.
• Kasper Schmeichel of the Golden Foxes (Leicester City of the English Premier League for those not in the know) has become the fifth EPL player to join Common Goal.
• Meghan Cameron just punched through the proverbial glass ceiling in Kansas City. She was just named Sporting KC’s assistant director of player personnel.
• The USWNT U-20 squad kicked off the Nike Friendlies Thursday with a match against England, ending in a 3-3 draw.
• In honor of what may happen this weekend in the panhandle: