Lion Links: 1/12/18

Happy Friday, everyone! I sincerely hope you are all doing well and sticking to those New Year resolutions (not me, I gave up about two hours after I made them). I am back after my break from the writing desk, ready to get back into all the insanity that is the winter transfer window and the #JosueColmanWait2018.

Before we get to those delicious links, let’s wish a happy birthday to both midfielder Cristian Higuita and newly acquired forward Stefano Pinho. Now, let’s not delay any further and get to the links!

OCSC to Play RSL in Preseason Match

The first of what is bound to be many preseason schedule releases has happened. Real Salt Lake has released its schedule for the months leading up to the kickoff of the 2018 MLS season. The second of its two trips brings them to Orlando, with a scheduled preseason match with Orlando City on Feb. 17 and against New York City FC on Feb. 22. Does this mean a preseason match against NYCFC is also on the horizon for OCSC?

Award Season Isn’t Over Yet

MLS is still handing out awards for the 2017 season. This time, it is the Soshies, MLS’s fun look back at 2017 to see which player or coach had the best, and most active, social media presence. Shkelzen Gashi won in 2016, and our very own prodigal son Dom Dwyer took home the honors in 2015 (although we will forgive his kit color choice that season). Dwyer and former Lion Kaká are both nominated for the award for the 2017 season. Get out and vote!

More 2018 MLS SuperDraft Mock Drafts

The MLS SuperDraft is quickly approaching, folks. The MLS Combine started yesterday, and everyone is starting to predict who will fall where while watching the combine and receiving updates on transfers and player acquisitions in this winter window. TopDrawerSoccer.com has come out with their second mock draft of the MLS SuperDraft, and are currently thinking that Orlando City will take Mo Adams from Syracuse.

Could Pulisic Move to England?

It is one thing to be touted as one of the faces of the future of U.S. soccer. It is another thing to be 19 years old, playing at one of Germany’s top clubs in front of one of the most intimidating supporter sections on the planet. It is a completely insane thing to be both of those and have two of the most recognizable clubs in England rumored to be vying for you in the summer. Rumors of a transfer to Liverpool have been around for a while, considering the connection to Jurgen Klopp (and the fat check they just got by shipping off Philippe Coutinho). But now it is rumored that Jose Mourinho is interested as well and may be looking to bring Christian Pulisic to Manchester United.

Servando Finds a Home in LA

The LA Galaxy announced that they have signed former Orlando City Lion Servando Carrasco to the team. LA acquired Servando’s rights with the first pick in Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft held this past December. Good luck to you, Carrasco, until July 29 when OCSC visits the left coast to play the Galaxy.

How Long Before the Chicharito Rumors Start?

As one of the names long bounced around in rumors with a move to Orlando City, it appears that Chicharito’s current club is about to shop him around. English Premier League side West Ham United will listen to offers this winter transfer window for striker Javier Hernandez. Chicharito has 17 starts this season for the Hammers, but has only netted four goals. Could this be the opportunity to bring him stateside?

Canadian WNT Players React to Controversial Article

It is 2018, and unless you live under a magic rock that completely shields you from the world around you, or North Korea, you should be aware that the words you use, especially the words you use in journalistic outlets either print or online, can and will come back to haunt you. Players from the Canadian WNT took issue with the way one author described the differences between the women’s game and the men’s game in an article discussing the move of John Herdman as coach of the Canadian WNT to the MNT.

Free Kicks

• Interesting, to say the least, things coming out of New England right now. I definitely wouldn’t scoff at picking him up.

• There is some good news in the wacky world of dual-national soccer players.
• However, there is some not-so-good news on the USWNT front, as Morgan Brian and Becky Sauerbrunn have been ruled out of January camp.
• Hope Solo will be honored for reaching 200 caps. Awkward might be an understatement.
• UEFA 2017 Team of the Year announced.

• As one of my fellow Mane Land contributors wrote, “Guys! Guys! Sacha is ours for the next 17 years!” His Idol is 50 years old, and playing his 33rd season!

• The Orlando Sentinel has launched its MLS-focused website for news, commentary, and analysis at ProSoccerUSA.com

That’s about it for today, everyone. But before I go, did you know there is a Ned Flanders inspired band called Okilly Dokilly? You are welcome.