Lion Links: 12/15/18

The weekend is upon us again, faithful readers. It’s time to relax, forget the workplace, and maybe start thinking about how screwed you’ll be if you don’t start your holiday shopping, pronto. I have so far purchased one gift and I’m pretty sure I will need a time machine to finish ahead of Dec. 25.

Let’s get into the top stories of the day.

Toia Taken in Re-Entry Draft; Lions Pass

There were only three players taken in Stage One of the 2018 MLS Re-Entry Draft yesterday and one of them was a familiar face. Former Orlando City fullback Donny Toia was picked up by Real Salt Lake, returning to the team for which he was a Homegrown Player. Prior to Toia going to Utah, the Colorado Rapids picked up ex-New York City FC goalkeeper Andre Rawls and Toronto FC grabbed ex-D.C. United man Nick DeLeon.

SeaWolves Fall 4-1 to Defending Champion Baltimore

The Orlando SeaWolves are still seeking their first MASL victory after dropping last night’s contest to the defending champion Baltimore Blast, 4-1. Orlando started well, scoring the game’s first goal, and held the Blast to a 1-1 score after the first half. But the Blast showed their quality in the second half, scoring three unanswered goals despite an outstanding game by Orlando goalkeeper Rainer Hauss. Check out the recap linked above for some cool highlights.

Grinwis Working Hard to Get Better

It may be the off-season but there is no such thing as time off. Orlando City goalkeeper Adam Grinwis made his MLS debut in 2018 and with the Lions dropping Earl Edwards Jr. and Joe Bendik, the starting spot for 2019 is up for grabs. Grinwis is out there trying to improve with an eye on the job. Here’s what he had to say about his off-season work:

Friday’s MLS Moves

Major League Soccer’s transfer market was active yesterday, with several teams making moves. Sporting Kansas City made a couple deals, signing free agent Rodney Wallace and trading a couple of high future draft picks to the Vancouver Whitecaps for Erik Hurtado. The Philadelphia Union signed Brazilian forward Sergio Santos. The Colorado Rapids re-acquired goalkeeper Clint Irwin from Toronto FC for a second-round pick. LAFC signed Eduardo Artesta to a three-year deal. Finally, the Houston Dynamo are reportedly set to sign Honduran defender Kevin Alvarez.

Free Kicks

• The upcoming Florida Cup will be broadcast in 106 countries.
• LAFC has ended its affiliation with Orange County SC of the USL, while Atlanta United 2 will change home venues.
• Christian Pulisic and Josh Sargent will meet in Bundesliga play for the first time today when Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen play.
• Those born on this date include Tim Conway (1933), baseball manager Jim Leyland (1944), Miami Vice actor Don Johnson (1949), baseball’s Mo Vaughn (1967), Daredevil actor Charlie Cox (1982), Real Madrid / Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas (1986), and England / Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard (1992).

That is all my time for this morning. enjoy your Saturday slate of European games and the rest of your weekend.