Lion Links: 11/4/18

The MLS Cup Playoffs continue today with the first leg of the conference semifinals. Even though Orlando City is not participating, it should be fun to watch. Before you settle in to watch both types of football on this Sunday, take a look at what’s been happening around the soccer world.

Could Cyle Larin Be Returning to Orlando?

Turkish outlet Günes reports that former Orlando City and current Beşiktaş striker Cyle Larin is out of favor with his current club and will be sold during the January transfer window. Further, the story says that Larin has been in contact with the Lions, potentially making a return a possibility. Given the acrimonious split between Larin and the club, a return is highly unlikely, but if there has been contact as the story says, it would make things interesting.

Christian Pulisic Headed to Bayern?

Anyone that follows the German Bundesliga knows that the league consists of Bayern Munich and everyone else. That includes the home of American midfielder Christian Pulisic, Borussia Dortmund. Calciomercato has published a report originally by the German outlet Bild saying that Pulisic is at the top of the Bayern’s wish list. The 20-year-old star has previously been linked with big clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.

Leicester City Goal Scorer Booked for Honoring Late Owner

In the club’s first game after the tragic death of their owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, Leicester City defeated Cardiff City, 1-0. After scoring the game’s lone goal in the 55th minute, Demarai Gray took off his shirt to show one underneath that read, “For Khun Vichai.” For taking his shirt off during the celebration, Gray was issued a yellow card. Of course, removing your jersey is pretty much an automatic yellow, so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise.

Wayne Rooney to Captain England Against U.S.

Many people in Europe still consider MLS a retirement league for European stars. So it was widely assumed that when Wayne Rooney signed with D.C. United this year, he had played his last game for England. However, according to the Mirror, Rooney will receive his 120th cap and captain the Three Lions when the U.S. Men’s National Team travels to Wembley on Nov. 15.

Free Kicks

• The Orlando SeaWolves, the new MASL team that features four former Orlando City players, had their training camp kick-off dinner Saturday night and seemed to enjoy it.
• The U.S. U-20 team took on the Virgin Islands in the 2018 Concacaf U-20 Championship, defeating the island nation, 13-0. The U.S. now has six points from its first two games and a +19 goal difference.

That’s it for me today. Go enjoy those conference semifinals today and have a great rest of your weekend.