Lion Links: 4/26/18

Hey, Mane Landers! It’s NFL Draft Day and I personally can’t wait to see who the teams go with. Anyway, lots of news to cover today so let’s get right into it:

Justin Meram Not Worried Despite Scoring Drought

Justin Meram almost had his first goal in an Orlando City uniform, but San Jose Earthquakes keeper Andrew Tarbell saved his penalty kick in the 86th minute of the 3-2 victory. Meram has yet to open his 2018 MLS scoring account following his career-high 13 goals last season with the Columbus Crew. Meram has stated that he is not worried, and his teammates and Jason Kreis have stood behind him. Meram has come off the bench the past two games for Orlando City, but Dom Dwyer has confidence that Meram can get it going.

“Once he can get this monkey off his back, get that first one, I think the floodgates will open for him. I think he’s a very, very talented player and there’s a lot more to come from him.” -Dom Dwyer

Despite not netting a goal yet this season, Meram has three assists and multiple chances on net nearly every game. Meram has still made an impact for Orlando City in a positive way, he has just yet to find the score sheet, but that will likely change sooner rather than later with Orlando City playing the way it is.

Orlando City Linked to Werder Bremen Midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic

Zlatko Junuzovic announced that he will not return to Werder Bremen after being with the team for six and a half years. It is reported that the 30-year-old midfielder could be making a move to MLS to continue his football career. It is rumored that the Philadelphia Union, Orlando City and Chicago Fire all have interest in Junuzovic, but Orlando City has been linked with Junuzovic for weeks. Junuzovic played in 21 matches for Werder Bremen this season, tallying two goals and five assists. He also registered 55 caps and seven goals with his native club Austria.

Orlando SeaWolves Welcomed to MASL

Central Florida’s new Major Arena Soccer League got its name, the SeaWolves,

The name, submitted by Luke Kamp, was selected as the winner from over 2,800 entries. The Orlando SeaWolves unveiled their colors, logo, and name at a press conference Wednesday at the Heritage Club at Osceola Heritage Park. The colors are gold, aqua and London blue, an ode to Jack London’s book “The Sea Wolf.” The SeaWolves announced their first open tryouts will be held May 19-20 at XL Soccer World in Orlando. Tryouts are open to players 18 and older and attendees should be available for both sessions. Welcome to the MASL, Orlando!

Christian Pulisic Included in USMNT Roster Against Bolivia

USMNT fans have not seen Pulisic in a U.S. uniform since last October, but the wait is almost over as Pulisic is indeed in the squad for next month’s international friendly against Bolivia. The match is set to take place at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA, which is not too far from Pulisic’s hometown of Hershey. Pulisic will already be back in the United States for this match because of Borussia Dortmund’s United States tour this upcoming summer. Pulisic will play against Bolivia and, according to Steven Goff, he is likely to travel with the team to Ireland and France following the Bolivia match.

USMNT Finalizing Games Against Brazil and Mexico

Keeping with the USMNT news, the national team is in the process of setting up matches against Brazil and Mexico this upcoming September. The matches would be set to be played on Sept. 3 and 11, both being in the international window. These friendlies would likely mark the debut of the USMNT’s new manager with games against England and Italy already set in November. The new manager would play three clubs that competed in the World Cup in his first four matches. The USMNT has been slating top national clubs lately, and these two friendlies would continue that trend.

Free Kicks

• Tohopekaliga Athletics added former Pride player Sarah Hagen as their its first women’s soccer coach.

• It seems several Orlando City academy graduates — including the likes of Joe Gallardo and David Loera — are lined up to play PDL soccer with the SIMA Aguilas, starting May 12.
• With Tim Howard suspended for last weekend’s red card, Zac MacMath says he’ll be ready to face Orlando City this weekend.
• Alicia Rodriguez placed Orlando City at No. 8 in the MLSSoccer.com power rankings this week. That’s up two spots from last week.
• As stated before, the NFL Draft is tonight! I’m from Pittsburgh, so hopefully the Steelers take someone unique that can help

Hope you all enjoy your Thursday!