An Orlando Soccer Christmas List

It’s been quite a week of news for Orlando City, and I’m not sure I could recap it all if I tried. That being said, there’s just under a week until Christmas and there’s still plenty on my wish list. So if you, or the Orlando City front office, is reading this, please feel free to have any of the items below wrapped up for me by Dec. 25. Thanks!

Naming Rights for Orlando City Stadium

No, I don’t want to name it David Rohe Stadium (though that would be pretty cool for me). Let’s face it, on my salary there’s no way I can afford it. However, I’m certain that some company or individual out there can afford it, and the organization could certainly use the cash given all that it is trying to accomplish this off-season. If I could have one request though, it would be that the name be something not lame that other people will make fun of. I’m looking at you Mapfre Stadium.

A Top-Notch MLS Goalkeeper

With Joe Bendik and Earl Edwards Jr. officially gone, Orlando City has Adam Grinwis, Mason Stajduhar, and the recently signed Greg Ranjitsingh from Louisville City FC in goal. While we’re all fans of Mason, and Grinwis the Grinch did well when he took over at the end of the season, Orlando City still requires a top level keeper if the team is going to advance to the playoffs in 2019. I’m not saying the team needs one of the the best keepers in the world, but it does need one that is in the upper echelon of MLS. Much like Liverpool acquired Alisson Becker to make the next step in the English Premier League, Orlando City must do the equivalent at the MLS level.

A Friend for Dwyer

Yes, I know that Orlando City has brought in Tesho Akindele in the forward/winger position. I also know that he could be the second striker that Orlando City needs to free Dom up to do what Dom does, when he want to do it. But wouldn’t you feel better if there was another bigger signing in the attack? I know I would, so that’s what I’m asking for this Christmas. Let’s get Dom another friend, or two, that can help Orlando City score goals.

A New Gaffer for the Pride

I can hardly believe I need to be asking for this at this time, but here we are. There are quite a few of us that follow not just the Lions, but the Pride as well. As such, we’ve been in a bit of limbo in regards to Orlando’s NWSL squad, as there’s no one at the helm. We’ve seen the reports of former head coach Tom Sermanni, and his exploits in New Zealand and it makes me antsy for another coach. Perhaps now that the organization has hired Luiz Muzzi as executive vice president of soccer operations, something will happen on that front.

Don’t Take My Yoshi!

By the time this publishes, we might have an answer to this. There are very substantial rumors that Yoshimar Yotún will be dealt to Liga MX squad Cruz Azul. If I may be so bold, no! Yotún was easily the best player for Orlando City last season, and the team played better when the Peruvian was on the pitch. As we’ve often said on the Mane Land PawedCast, we don’t get to have nice things, and Yotún leaving would be right in line with that. But, since I’m asking for Christmas miracles, I might as well ask that he stay in Orlando.

There you have it. Let me know what you want for the holidays regarding Orlando City or the Pride in the comments below.