Lion Links: 12/22/17

Well, I survived my birthday, barely. In case you are wondering, I am the answer to life, the universe, and everything (nerd reference). Been a busy week, and next week is bound to be even more insane. Maybe not in the way that you think. If you are hoping to pick up that last minute gift for someone over the weekend, good luck. If traffic over the past two days is any indication, you are all in for a world of long lines, no parking spots, grumpy store employees, and fistfights over the last finger puppet or spinning fidget super-hot-must-have-whatever. In that case, let me help you with some of the finest links from around the net to help you out.

Carrasco to LA in Re-Entry Draft

Servando Carrasco is headed to Los Angeles, folks. The LA Galaxy selected him with their first pick in Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft. Carrasco joined the Lions during the 2015 season, logging a total of one goal, four assists, and starting in 40 games across those two-plus seasons. This also, of course, sent social media spinning as he is married to Orlando Pride striker Alex Morgan.

D.C. United picked up Gonzalo Veron with its pick. Orlando City passed on picking up any players that were available.

Sutter Recognized for His Work at Right Back

Scott Sutter’s winter break just keeps getting better and better. First he gets engaged, and now he finds himself on Soccer America Daily’s top 10 list of right backs/wing backs. Of key noted stats, his 3.6 clearances per match and 2.5 tackles were among the top in the league. Congratulations again to Mr. Consistent.

RJ Making the Rounds Before Landing in O-Town

New Orlando City defender RJ Allen has been making the media rounds lately. He sat down with Vavel.com to discuss his time at NYCFC and his move to Orlando City. RJ and Head Coach Jason Kreis are familiar with each other considering they were part of NYCFC together in 2015. RJ also has some great goals and definitely seems pretty modest, as answers are all about putting the team first. Looks like we now have two solid options at right back.

SheBelieves Cup to Finish in Orlando

Next March, a collection of some of the top women’s international teams will converge on the U.S. for the SheBelieves Cup, March 1-7. It was recently announced that the final matches will be held in Orlando, which once again puts the eyes of the international football community on us. It will be an absolutely fantastic event.

Adidas MLS Player Combine Invitees Named

Well, 60 D1 college players just learned that they are heading to Orlando to put their skills on display in front of scouts, coaches, and representatives from all 23 MLS clubs this January for the 2018 Adidas MLS Player Combine. As an added bonus, all invited players are also eligible for selection in the MLS SuperDraft on Friday, Jan. 19 in Philadelphia. A couple of players from Florida schools made the list as well.

NWSL College Draft List Revealed

The NWSL also released its early list of registered players for the 2018 NWSL College Draft. Like the MLS SuperDraft, the NWSL College Draft will take place in Philadelphia, but on Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. A number of ladies from the University of Central Florida made the list, and we want to wish them all good luck as the draft approaches.

Big Florida Cup News

The Florida Cup, that tournament that brings clubs from around the world for a showcase of international football, has reached an agreement with ESPN to air all eight matches across the ESPN family of networks. The broadcast will even get to Oceania!

Free Kicks:

• Orlando City’s U-12 squad had a great week at the Prospects Cup. Congrats to the boys, and to Hatham Abdalla and Spencer Moler for making the All-Tournament Team!

• Zachary Ellis-Hayden, formerly of Orlando City B, has found a new home at the Fresno Football Club.
• Benoit Cheyrou, after 19 seasons, is retiring from professional football.
• Utah Royals FC may have just picked up Becky Sauerbrunn as their first committed player.
• Sunil Gulati revealed some plans for the 2026 World Cup bid.
• Niki Budalic says that everyone except Ryley Kraft has been dropped from OCB.

Thats it for today, folks. I wanted to find some music to share, but my yearly cold has taken its toll, and I feel bound for the pits of “man flu” hell. Stay safe finishing that shopping this weekend.