Lion Links: 12/17/18

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! The year is running out quickly, but there’s still plenty of soccer for us to consume before the year of the 2019 Women’s World Cup begins. It is truly satisfying to know that there are so few days throughout the year that we can’t watch the game that we love. Enjoy it in a way that those that watch the other “traditional” American sports cannot. Now, let’s get to the links!

Pride Players Down Under

In an epic clash between two Australian W-League teams, Pride players played a crucial part in the outcome. In the end, the Brisbane Roar defeated the Melbourne Victory, 4-3. Chioma Ubogagu scored for the Roar in the 47th minute, but not before Christine Nairn scored a golazo for Melbourne in the 23rd minute.

It’s always nice to see Pride players making noise abroad, and keeping their skills up prior to their return to Orlando.

Is Pulisic Finally Moving?

Christian Pulisic has been rumored to leave Borussia Dortmund for a while now. Where the young American phenom would end up has been a topic of discussion among USMNT supporters. Those rumors have heated up since losing his starting position to Jadon Sancho at Dortmund. La Liga’s Atletico Madrid was in the discussion, but it seems that Dortmund has agreed to take their money from an English Premier League team. The two leaders are the same as they have been for a while now: Chelsea and Liverpool. Each team has good arguments, with Chelseas throwing numbers around, and Jurgen Klopp having history with Pulisic. Regardless, it will likely be over a year before anything actually happens.

Americans Abroad

Did you realize that there were over 50 Americans playing abroad this past weekend? That may not be much for some countries, but it’s certainly something to celebrate for us Yanks. The highlight of the week was forward Andrew Wooten scoring SV Sandhausen’s first goal of the game in what ended as a 2-2 draw with Jahn Regensburg in the 2. Bundesliga.

In not so great news, Geoff Cameron did not make the 18 for Queen’s Park Rangers this weekend due to an ankle injury. It is uncertain when he will make it back to the pitch.

English Premier League Recap

Well it was quite a Super Sunday in the EPL. The classic showdown between two of the league’s most storied teams was a great one. Manchester United went into Anfield to take on top of the table Liverpool. Despite Liverpool dominating United most of the match it was still 1-1 at the half. It wasn’t until Jurgen Klopp subbed in Xherdan Shaqiri, that the Reds pulled away thanks to his brace. The win allowed Liverpool to stay ahead of Manchester City, despite City downing Everton 3-1 the day before. The loss for United continued its woes, as Jose Mourinho’s boasts came back to haunt him.

Free Kicks

• We know that Orlando City is going to make some moves this off-season, but could it be looking for some USL talent? Here are some potential targets if it decides to do so.
• FC Dallas has named Luchi Gonzalez as the seventh head coach in its history. Gonzalez was the FC Dallas academy director prior to his promotion.
• The Champions League group stage is over, and there are plenty of match scenarios as the teams head into the next stage. How do the teams stack up? It’s fair to assume with teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, Juventus, and Barcelona still in the hunt, it will be a great contest.
• I’m leaving you with this. Ali Krieger’s inaugural adult camp was such a success, that someone forgot their pants.

That’s going to do it for today. I hope you’re having a wonderful December and a great time preparing for your preferred holiday. Enjoy time off if you’ve got some. If not, well you can take solace that I don’t either. See you next week.