Lion Links: 12/3/18

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Well, it turned out to be quite a weekend in the soccer world. It was one of those rare weekends when all of my teams won, so I really enjoyed myself. The year is almost over, and I hope you’re taking time out to enjoy the things that make you happy. One thing that makes me happy is looking for and writing up Lion Links. Let’s get to it!

Wayne Estopinal Remembered

Orlando City faithful weren’t the only ones saddened to hear about the tragic loss of co-founding minority owner Wayne Estopinal the other day. He had a very large impact in Louisville where he founded Louisville City FC, and was a pillar of the community. He was also had a big influence in Jeffersonville, where he was involved in several key development projects. Estopinal will be missed by many in the various cities he touched.

U.S. Soccer Federation Finally Announces Berhalter

The wait is over. The announcement of a new USMNT head coach has been long overdue for U.S. Soccer supporters. Most recently, it was all but assured that now former Columbus Crew skipper Gregg Berhalter would take over the reins for the Yanks. On Sunday, the U.S. Soccer Federation made it official. Berhalter has 25 years of playing and coaching experience in England, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States. The vote to name Berhalter was unanimous. The decision comes as no surprise, and is sure to be a divisive choice among the fans, but at least it’s done and the USMNT can move forward.

Tyler Adams Transfers to Red Bull Leipzig

In a move that’s a surprise to no one, New York Red Bulls Homegrown midfielder and emerging USMNT star Tyler Adams is transferring to Red Bull Leipzig of the Bundesliga. Adams will officially join Leipzig when the January transfer window closes. This move was widely considered just a matter of time after head coach Jesse Marsch left New York to join Leipzig’s coaching staff.

FSU Women Win NCAA Championship

Florida State beat the University of North Carolina, 1-0 Sunday afternoon to win their second national championship. The deciding goal came on a 60th-minute strike from senior Dallas Dorosy on an assist from Deyna Castellanos. The goal was Dorosy’s seventh of the season, with five coming during the playoffs. Florida State did what it has done almost all postseason, get the lead and manage the match. Florida State defeated four former national championship teams, including the past three, on their way through the NCAA tournament. Congratulations to the Seminoles on their second championship.

English Premier League Roundup

It was a wild and woolly one in the EPL this weekend. On Saturday, top of the table Manchester City downed Bournemouth, 3-1 to continue their undefeated season. Derby Day is always a fun one, and Sunday was no exception. Arsenal took down Tottenham Hotspur, 4-2, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a brace for the Gunners. In the Merseyside Derby, Everton managed to stifle Liverpool for 95 minutes. However, Divock Origi gave the Reds the win in the 96th minute on the most unlikely goal of the day.

Free Kicks

• The U-17 USMNT got a goal from Gianluca Busio to draw Brazil, 1-1, in the international friendlies at Lake Ranch, FL yesterday. The U.S. finished with a win and two draws and Portugal won the Nike Friendlies this year.
• Arjen Robben has decided to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the Bundesliga season. The Dutch winger has won numerous titles with Bayern and may end his career at hometown club Groningen in the Eredivisie.
• The Columbus Crew have started their search to replace Gregg Berhalter. Two potentials are Caleb Porter and Josh Wolff.
• We’re less than a week away from the Women’s World Cup draw for France 2019. It will be interesting to find out which teams the USWNT will face to start their World Cup defense.
• Houston Dynamo midfielder Andrew Wenger is retiring.

• Finally, former Orlando City goalkeeper Joe Bendik said goodbye on social mediaasfa.

That’s going to do it for today. Keep checking back for all the soccer news that is news.