Lion Links: 12/25/17

Merry Christmas morning, Mane Landers! I hope you are having a joyful time with friends and family. Regardless, we here at The Mane Land want to add to your joy with a holiday edition of your Lion Links, because we don’t take a break, no matter what day of the year it is.

Christmas and Soccer in the First World War

This is a well-known story, but it is still worth telling again. On Christmas Day in 1914, soldiers from Great Britian and Germany were facing each other across No Man’s Land in the Somme. It seems that being in the cold trenches wasn’t very enjoyable, but nevertheless, some still felt the Christmas spirit. Despite shooting at each other only days earlier, the two armies ended up in an unexpected truce. Why are we bringing it up here? There were a bunch of impromptu soccer matches played during those few days of peace. Soccer really is the greatest sport in the world.

Transfer Rumor: Josué Colmán

Several days ago, there were rumblings that Paraguayan soccer player Josué Colmán would be coming to Orlando City. Now the Twitterverse is saying that the move is imminent.

Translation: “Full agreement between clubs by Josué Colmán. The youth of Cerro will be transferred to Orlando City of MLS.” We’ll keep an eye on this potential transfer and let you know more about Josué, if the rumor comes to pass.

Orlando Sentinel Launching New MLS-Focused website

MLS soccer news in Central Florida is getting a boost in the new year according to Alicia DelGallo. Alicia has been promoted to editor of the new website www.ProSoccerUSA.com. While she won’t be covering Orlando City anymore, there will be more soccer coverage in our area, and that is always a good thing. Besides, you can always check in here for all things Orlando City.

Sargent Named U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year

U-20 World Cup Silver Boot winner, Josh Sargent, has now added U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year to his resume. Sargent received 55 percent of the vote in a runaway win. Josh spent time with both the U-17 and U-20 squads, tallying 19 goals and four assists in 22 appearances. That ties the record for most U.S. goals at youth World Cups. Sargent will join Bundesliga side, Werder Bremen when he turns 18 in February. Congratulations Josh!

2018: The Year of MLS

There will be no World Cup for the USMNT, but that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of opportunity for U.S. Soccer. The days of MLS being a “retirement” league are ending. Atlanta proved that in 2017, and Orlando City may prove it again in 2018. The average age of MLS Designated Players is getting younger, and because of that the league is improving. It’s the next step for MLS, and it could result in a big year for the league, and Orlando City.

Free Kicks

• Jonathan Spector and Joe Bendik made the cut in the MLS “Goalkeepers to the Rescue” tweet.

• ESPN has released its Top 100 players and managers for 2017. Take a look and see if your favorite Lion made it (here’s a hint: they didn’t). It is interesting to see who made it and who didn’t regardless.
• Evidently, mlssoccer.com doesn’t think Orlando City made them laugh or cry. Obviously they aren’t OCSC supporters, because I know I did both this past season.
• Andrea Pirlo has been given an “End of an Era” card in FIFA 18. It is certainly well deserved, and congratulations are in order. It does make one wonder when the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner will get the similar treatment. How about it EA Sports?
• Is there anyone that can give Christian Pulisic a helping hand this holiday?

I know better than to try and follow a cute puppy dog picture with anything else. Merry Christmas from all of us here at The Mane Land. Oh, and Orlando City feels the same way.