Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/25/18
The countdown to the first match of the 2018 MLS season is now just six days away. Six days, everyone. If you are like me, the emails and texts are flying to friends, hectic ideas are being bounced around, and plans are being solidified for next Saturday. Need a hint for my plans? Come by Stonewall about an hour before the match and join me for my traditional beer of choice, a Reef Donkey, and watch The Ruckus and Iron Lion Firm make the turn into the stadium. And now for something completely different.
Final Preseason Match at OCSC Stadium
Orlando City played its final full squad preseason match against the Chicago Fire at Orlando City Stadium (Nashville will face a reserve City squad today). As a note, the Lions haven’t beaten Chicago since 2015. A few key pieces of information leaked out.
FINAL: Chicago Fire 3 – Orlando City 2. Unofficial score, but that concludes Lions’ preseason matches.
— Mike Gramajo (@byMikeGramajo) February 24, 2018
Chris Mueller goes down hard and is seriously struggling to get back up.
— Jordan Culver (@JordanCulver) February 24, 2018
He was able to walk off the pitch on his own power. https://t.co/X7MCFZZvET
— Jordan Culver (@JordanCulver) February 24, 2018
The two goals scored by Orlando City were a PK by Yoshimar Yotun and a goal by Chris Mueller. If you haven’t been keeping track, Mueller has been on absolute fire this preseason. This is good because…
Kreis on Dwyer Injury
Head Coach Jason Kreis has weighed in striker Dom Dwyer’s injury.
Orlando Head Coach Jason Kreis says that Dom Dwyer's injury is a "long term injury, from my point of view" and that the forward will miss "several more weeks."
— Austin David (@AustinDavid22) February 24, 2018
Remember, he first picked up a hamstring injury prior to USMNT camp and then, upon his return to preseason action, he injured his quadriceps in the scrimmage against Philadelphia. But, with Mueller’s success in preseason, and having Stéfano Pinho ready, maybe Orlando will be OK at the striker position until Dom can get back to 100%.
Aja Traded to Vancouver Whitecaps
As reported here yesterday, Jose Aja has been traded to Vancouver Whitecaps for $125,000 in TAM. There are a number of other possible perks to the deal, which are explained in the linked article. This came as a bit of a shock to some, considering he was getting some pretty high praise from the coaching staff coming out of training, and a relief to others who have long criticized his play. I wish Jose well and good luck moving forward.
Omar Wants Return Stateside
USMNT center back Omar Gonzalez wants out of Liga MX side Pachuca, and may be willing to take a pay cut to return to MLS. Seems like finding a place to help with the comeback from injury, and get quality minutes is paramount to his current goals. Hey, we know a team that just had a central defense spot open up.
Free Kicks
- Congrats to the Orlando City U-17s.
Final: @OrlandoCitySC U17s 4-1w pic.twitter.com/3Ihfc35LfK
— Montverde Soccer (@SIMA_MVAsoccer) February 24, 2018
- I know we will never have this issue with Joe Bendik, but if we did, I expect The Wall to give him Hell. Always know when to hydrate, folks.
- Injuries have been popping up around the league, unfortunately. USMNT and Seattle Sounders striker Jordan Morris has picked up a nasty ACL tear that will keep him out six to nine months.
- And in typical TheBeardedGuy fashion, no other music video fits the mood right now better than this one, right here:
