Lion Links: 12/26/17

Happy Boxing Day, Mane Landers. Personally, I have no idea what on Earth Boxing Day is supposed to be, but a British friend of mine assures me it has nothing to do with putting on gloves and going nine rounds with your friends and family, which is what I had assumed it was. Pity, it would have made it much more interesting. We’ve got some good links for you today, so let’s jump right in.

Colmán Reportedly Signed by OCSC

There is more news on the rumblings that Orlando City was pursuing Paraguayan midfielder Josue Colmán. Paraguayan newspaper ABC Color has reported that the Lions have officially acquired the youngster after dishing out $2.8 million to sign him to a four-year deal. While no official announcement has come yet from the club, TML will let you know as soon as more news becomes available.

TDS Releases First MLS Mock Draft

Top Drawer Soccer has released the first-round results of their first MLS Mock Draft. In it, they project Orlando City taking Jon Gallagher from Notre Dame, who can play at either midfield or forward. Obviously it’s only a mock draft but given the drought of Orlando City we’re currently in until the new season kicks off on the third of March, it’s something to think about. In the meantime, the MLS SuperDraft will take place on Jan. 19. Orlando City will pick sixth.

Weah Looks Back on Time With Wenger

You might not have heard, but former AC Milan, Chelsea, and Monaco star George Weah is running for the presidency of his native Liberia. And this isn’t even the first time he’s run, with his first campaign in 2005 ending in defeat. But Weah is back and running again. In fact, a second round of voting will take place today since neither Weah or his opponent reached the 50% necessary to win during the first round of voting. Weah has spoken about playing for Arsène Wenger at Monaco, and the lessons that playing for him, and playing football in general, taught him. Weah believes that the passion and determination from his playing days, as well as his education and dedication to the people, make him well suited for the presidency.

Mutko Temporarily Steps Aside

Vasily Mutko, president of the Russian Football Union, has stepped away from his duties for a period of up to six months. The news comes in the wake of Mutko’s lifetime ban by the International Olympic Committee regarding involvement in any future Olympic Games. The ban was handed down following a report detailing circumvention and manipulation of doping protocols during Mutko’s tenure as Russia’s sports minister, specifically at the 2014 Winter Olympics, which took place in Sochi. Mutko is also the chairman of the 2018 World Cup local organizing committee, and has denied allegations of a state sponsored doping program.

Free Kicks

• Somebody reunited Christian Pulisic with his dog for Christmas after all.
• Somehow Serie A top scorer Mauro Icardi didn’t make Goal.com’s Team of the Season So Far. At least somebody noticed.

• Today’s birthdays include Jared Leto, Kit Harington, Aaron Ramsey, and Hugo Lloris.

That’s all for me today, I’m off to eat some Christmas leftovers and pray it doesn’t snow till I get to where I need to be for new years. Cheers.