Lion Links: 12/15/17

Welcome to another Friday, everyone. A couple key things happened this week in the MLS schedule as we gear up towards the January transfer window. If you are even remotely involved in social media, I am sure you are seeing the same thing I am.

Orlando City fans are restless for some nugget of information about player movement within the club. We are watching for any hint or rumor — at least rumors from reputable sources — and we’ll let you know as soon as we do. Until then, how about we dive right into the internet information pool while we still can and enjoy some links from around the web.

Before we get to the consumables below, I need to send a hearty happy anniversary to a few of our illustrious The Mane Land writers. Scott Carnevale and Guilherme Torres joined a year ago during this month, and Sean Rollins joined three years ago. Congratulations, gentlemen. Now let’s get going on those links.

Top Tifos of 2017

Tifos are there to make a statement to the fans, the club, the players and to the rest of the world. Sometimes they are used to make you laugh, sometimes used to make others cry, and other times used to remind everyone of who we are, what we believe in, and what makes us believe. MLS has picked the top tifos of 2017, and I won’t spoil it for you, but Orlando City’s own Ruckus and Iron Lion Firm may have a few examples in the clip (as does that really weird Waffle House tifo).

USMNT Men’s Player of the Year is…

Honestly, there was truly only one option for this in my opinion, and the opinion of most of the people I have talked to about this. Congratulations to Christian Pulisic, who at 19 years old is the youngest player to win the award. He was the USMNT’s largest contributor on the offensive side of the pitch and was involved, either directly or indirectly, in 13 of the 17 goals scored during his time on the pitch for the national team. The future looks very bright with this young man around.

Sargent Heads for Werder Bremen in Germany

Josh Sargent, an ever growing star in the U.S. Soccer system, is heading to Germany to sign his first ever professional contract with Bundesliga side Werder Bremen. Was there a chance he could have stayed in the states and played in MLS? Sargent says yes, but then elaborates on why Germany, while hinting at why not MLS, became where he wants to play.

USSF Creating a New General Manager Position

Could it be that U.S. Soccer is listening to the throngs of pundits, fans, and critics calling for drastic change in the current hierarchy and system? At least one step seems closer to reality as it appears that the board of directors has discussed the creation of a new position of general manager, with many of the assumed responsibilities of the current president position moving to this new individual. Foremost is the moving of the USMNT head coach under this new general manager and out from directly under the president. Other discussions hinted at making the presidential role more aligned with being a “chairman of the board” and away from the all-powerful, and somewhat dictatorial, executive position it currently is.

Some of the World’s Best U-12 Players Heading to Florida

Want to see just how bright the future of soccer is? From Dec. 18-22, you can watch some of the best U-12 teams from the U.S. and around the world compete in the inaugural Prospects Cup. Held at the Champions Gate Sports Field Complex at the Omni Orlando Resort in Kissimmee, 16 teams will compete on the pitch. Can’t make it the match in person? Fear not, as Univision Deportes Network will be airing matches.

Beckham bringing MLS to Miami Just Got a Local Boost

The on-again, off-again, it’s going to happen, it’s not going to happen soap opera that is David Beckham’s attempt to bring an MLS side to Miami just received a major boost. MLS just approved the additions of Jorge and Jose Mas, leaders of the telecommunication company Mastec, and Masayoshi Son, founder and CEO of SoftBank, as additional owners of Miami’s possible expansion club. This certainly brings in a major local connection with the Mas brothers as they bring generational ties within South Florida to the ownership group.

Free Kicks:

• Just in case anyone was wondering, Alex Morgan and Servando Carrasco got their luggage back.

• U.S. Soccer announced that eight of the nine candidates had submitted the necessary number of nominations. Unfortunately, we will have to wait to get the names of the eight until all background checks have been completed.
• Los Angeles Football Club is making big moves with what could be its second and third DP signings.
• I agree, it could be the best gift.

• The San Jose Earthquakes signed three players today

• Sporting Kansas City just replaced the winger it lost in the expansion draft by trading with NYCFC for Khiry Shelton.
• Things are afoot in Toronto

• Just a friendly reminder to everyone, that we all just need a little Patience.

That is all I’ve got for you today, folks. Nine days until Christmas, Hanukkah is in full swing, the Geminid Meteor Shower is coming to a close, and in case any of you needed a reminder of what to get me for my birthday, I love rye whiskey, IPAs, and corn dogs with tater tots. Have a great Friday, everyone.