Lion Links: 11/7/18

Happy Wednesday, everyone. I have to admit that as much as I hate Orlando City not being in the postseason, it does make it less stressful. The playoff matches have been pretty good so far. I especially enjoyed Real Salt Lake’s upset over LAFC, and the Columbus-D.C. knockout round game was also fun to watch. What’s been your favorite so far?

While you think about that question, I’ll hit you with some news of the day.

Former OCB Player Heads to Spain

Youmeni Gildas, previously known as Jules Youmeni and Youmeni Jules (because names are apparently hard), is heading to the Spanish third division. You may recall that the Cameroonian youngster played fullback with Orlando City B in 2017, signing along with fellow Montverde Academy product Albert Dikwa prior to the USL season. Youmeni is headed to Club Deportivo Sariñena to continue his playing career. He saw action in six games in 2017 (five starts), playing a total of 464 minutes with OCB. He didn’t register a goal or an assist, and fired two shots (one on target), but passed at just a 64.6% rate with the Young Lions. We wish him luck on his next stop.

Sarachan Calls Up 28-Man Squad for November Friendlies

The USMNT roster is set for upcoming friendlies in England and Italy. The squad includes, among others, star attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic, youngsters Tim Weah and Josh Sargent, and regulars like Brad Guzan, DeAndre Yedlin, and Bobby Wood. The U.S. will play England at Wembley Stadium on Nov. 15 and then will face Italy in Genk, Belgium, on Nov. Nov. 20.

Speaking of the USMNT players, defender Matt Miazga has been sent down to Nantes’ reserve side after being loaned to the French side by Chelsea. He has apparently not been playing well there.

USWNT Roster Gets Thinner

On the women’s side, the USWNT will be a bit shorthanded for friendlies at Portugal and Scotland. The U.S. Soccer Federation announced that both Christen Press and Tobin Heath will miss the Portugal match (at least) due to a family commitment and a personal commitment, respectively. The U.S. squad stands at 22 players for the upcoming friendlies — the first of which comes tomorrow (1 p.m. ET, ESPN2). Among those 22 players are Orlando Pride stars Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris.

2019 MLS Ball Unveiled

Look, I’ll be honest. I really don’t care too much what a soccer ball looks like as long as it looks like a soccer ball. But I do understand there are ball aficionados in much the same way there are sneaker heads. Major League Soccer and Adidas unveiled the official ball that will be used in 2019 MLS matches yesterday, calling it the Nativo Questra. Looks a lot like a soccer ball to me.

Free Kicks

• I haven’t spoken any Spanish since my second year of college, so I don’t know what Yoshimar Yotún is saying here, but it’s probably about his Peru side or the team’s upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and Costa Rica. You guys will let me know if he’s talking about me behind my back, right?

• Columbus Crew goalkeeper Zack Steffen was named MLS Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year.
• The Seattle Sounders lost more than just the first leg of the Western Conference semifinals. They also lost Chad Marshall to a knee injury. Marshall had meniscus surgery and will likely miss the second leg.
• The LA Galaxy fired Pete Vagenas, the club’s VP of soccer operations.
• Those born on this date include Marie Curie (1867), Albert Camus (1913), Billy Graham (1918), Joni Mitchell (1943), wrestler King Kong Bundy (1957), Brady Bunch actor Christopher Knight (1957), late Diff’rent Strokes actress Dana Plato (1964), former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand (1978), and current Red Devils and Spain goalkeeper David de Gea (1990).

That’s it for me today. Enjoy your Wednesday!