Lion Links: 11/16/18

What’s up, Mane Landers? I hope the work week hasn’t been too hard on you as we gear up for a rather quiet and relaxing weekend with little happening in the soccer world. The waiting game continues as we all wait for Orlando City to reveal roster moves and for the vacant head coaching positions to fill up for both the United States Men’s National Team and the Orlando Pride. If any news breaks, you can count on us here at The Mane Land to fill you in, but for now enjoy some links!

A Look at Stajduhar’s Year

Since being diagnosed with a bone cancer last year, Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar has fought hard to not only get past the disease but to come out a better person when it is all said and done. Backed by friends, family, and teammates, Stajduhar became an inspiration for many and he completed his cancer treatment earlier this summer. I highly suggest taking some time today or this weekend to check out the video detailing his year from the views of himself and those closest to him.

Tarek Confident About His 2018 Season

There weren’t many bright spots for Orlando City this past year, but Amro Tarek was one of the pleasant surprises. Few would have expected that Tarek could arguably called Orlando’s best center back of the season but injuries opened the door for the Egyptian defender to see early playing time and he made the most of the opportunity. It is not known for sure if Tarek did enough to secure himself a spot with Head Coach James O’Connor’s team, but the 26-year-old believes he’s shown his worth.

“I will remain with Orlando for another year based on our agreement. I am currently not owned by Wadi Degla,” Tarek told ON Sport.

“I proved myself throughout my loan spell at the club and I aim to remain whether in the US or return to playing in Europe. Javier Aguirre told me to not return to Egypt.”

England Shuts Out USMNT

In the first of two friendlies this month, the USMNT was crushed by England, 3-0 in Wembley Stadium. The Yanks looked directionless for a majority of the match with England dominating in practically all aspects of play and scoring twice in the first half. Wayne Rooney wasn’t able to score in his final game for the Three Lions, but he and England’s youngsters put on a show against Christian Pulisic and the U.S. The Americans will hope to bounce back in their game against Italy on Nov. 20.

A Tale of Two Coaching Vacancies

Over a year removed from the tragedy in Trinidad, the search for the next U.S. soccer head coach still wears on. Columbus Crew Head Coach Gregg Berhalter remains the most popular name, with Landon Donovan the latest to heap praise onto him, but there are still too many question marks to definitively say he is the frontrunner.

Meanwhile in Mexico, reports are surfacing that Atlanta United gaffer Tata Martino has agreed to a four-year deal with El Tri and that the move will be announced after the MLS postseason wraps up.

Free Kicks

• Yoshimar Yotún started and was later subbed out in the second half in Peru’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ecuador. You’ll need a translator to learn more.
• The National Women’s Soccer League has officially recognized the NWSL Players Association as the exclusive bargaining representative of the league’s players.
• New England Revolution defender Chris Tierney is retiring after 11 years and 246 appearances with the Revs.
• Video Assistant Referees will be introduced in the English Premier League next season after the clubs decided on the addition.
• Speaking of the English clubs, Chelsea could possibly be facing a two-year transfer ban for signing underage players.
• The first UEFA Nations League is coming to a close with many European countries already being promoted or relegated. Make sure to catch up on all of this week’s action and what’s at stake in the final series of matches
• Former Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni begins his next journey next week as he hopes to lead the New Zealand Women’s National Team to its fourth trip to a World Cup.
• Usain Bolt is giving himself a two-week timetable to find a new soccer team or he’ll call it quits from the sport.

That’s all from me folks, I hope you all have a relaxing and fun weekend. If you’re in college, good luck on your finals as it’s around that time of the year.