Lion Links
Lion Links: 12/17/17
Good morning, Mane Landers, I hope you’re having a good weekend as we head into the holidays. It’s almost the deadline for online gift shopping unless you want to spend extra on expedited shipping, so make sure you’ve got everything ordered by tonight to save yourself a hectic trip to the mall. Anyway, let’s get straight to some Lion Links!
Phil Rawlins Sits Down for USL Q&A
Orlando City’s founder, Phil Rawlins, was interviewed by uslsoccer.com in a Q&A where he gave details on Orlando City’s time in the USL, its transition to MLS, and the book, Defying Expectations, By Simon and Susan Veness (which would make a good Christmas present). It’s definitely worth checking out, as Rawlins reveals his favorite moments with the club and his plans for the future.
Orlando City Named a Top Trending MLS Team
As a part of Google’s annual “Year in Search,” the top 10 trending MLS teams were revealed. Not only did Orlando City make the list, but it ranked second as far as being one of the most searched teams in MLS. With the new stadium, and record-breaking moves involving Kevin Molino and Dom Dwyer in 2017, it should come as no surprise that the Lions made quite a bit of national headlines.
Kyle Martino Details U.S. Soccer Solution
While most attention has been on the USMNT’s recent failure to get into the 2018 World Cup, former American player and current NBC Sports announcer Kyle Martino believes that a bottom-to-top approach is the best way to solve U.S. Soccer’s woes. Martino has recently held a summit with former players, U.S. officials, and fans and the consensus was that the core problem is that the USSF has a distant relationship with the youth level of the sport.
Ronaldo Kicks Real Madrid to Club World Cup Win
The recent Ballon d’Or winner netted a beautiful free kick in the 53rd minute for the lone goal in Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Gremio in the Club World Cup Final. The win was Real Madrid’s third since 2014 and makes the Spanish giants back-to-back winners. It was a fitting finish to an impressive 2017 not only for Real Madrid but Cristiano Ronaldo.
Free Kicks
- Former Lion and San Diego native Aodhan Quinn returns home to the west coast after stints in Cincinnati and Louisville.
- Landon Donovan doesn’t appreciate some “reports” that he’s been advocating for Kathy Carter for USSF President.
I have not reached out to any delegate on behalf of any candidate. I would suggest you be extremely careful about slanderous statements and check your sources before you do your “reporting.” I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt this time but it better not happen again. https://t.co/JBvxzZIExP
— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) December 16, 2017
- A Brazilian Soccer Chief is now being suspended after being charged with racketeering and money laundering back in 2015.
- As the MLS expansion race continues, FC Cincinnati may need to concern itself with what to do if they do in fact make it.
That’s all from me, have a blessed Sunday everyone!