Lion Links: 1/4/19

What’s up, Mane Landers? I hope your 2019 is going well and that your resolutions remain intact. It’s been a quiet week for the most part as attention turns to the MLS Player Combine, NWSL College Draft, and MLS SuperDraft. With 2018 behind us, it’s nice to fully focus on the upcoming season and what it will bring. Now, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City’s Best Goal of 2018

The folks over at mlssoccer.com compiled and determined each MLS team’s best goal of 2018 and Scott Sutter’s strike against Atlanta United this past August was chosen to represent the Lions.

You can check out the goals chosen as the best for the other 22 clubs in the league, but be warned as Orlando’s defense is a frequent victim.

Orlando Pride Draft Preview

The NWSL College Draft is now less than a week away, with the event taking place in Chicago on Jan. 10, and the Orlando Pride are still without a head coach. Last week it was hinted at that the club was near the end of its coaching search and an announcement was expected to be made this week. Hopefully the club will have a new Pride coach by the end of the day to help prepare for the draft and fill the team’s needs.

The Pride currently only have two picks to make in the draft and you can check out the full draft order and the list of eligible players that the Pride will choose from when their turn comes.

SeaWolf Recognized in MASL Team of the Week

Despite the Orlando SeaWolves losing 9-6 against the Florida Tropics, forward Osvaldo Rojas’ performance did not go unnoticed. The 28-year-old had a hat trick and an assist in the match and was an honorable mention for the Major Arena Soccer League’s Team of the Week. Rojas and the SeaWolves will travel on Jan. 12 for a rematch against the Tropics next weekend.

MLS Front Office Moves

As teased in yesterday’s links, a lot of MLS front office and coaching moves came to fruition yesterday around the league. Toronto FC officially appointed Ali Curtis as its new general manager with Tim Bezbatchenko leaving the club to reportedly join the Columbus Crew. Inter Miami announced that Kurt Schmid, son of the late Sigi Schmid, will be joining the club as its first technical director.

In Chicago, Head Coach Veljko Paunovic and the Chicago Fire have agreed to a multiyear contract extension despite the Fire having a disappointing season in 2018. Meanwhile, former Columbus Crew President of Business Operations Andy Loughnane will be taking his talents to the Lone Star State to become president of Austin FC

Free Kicks

• It may have been a rough 2018 for former Lion Joe Bendik, but the goalkeeper was always known for his incredible saves. It’s no surprise he’s the first entry in the video below of MLS goalkeepers making plays with no hands needed.

• In the W-League, Orlando Pride player Rachel Hill and the Perth Glory took care of business against Canberra United to move to the top of the table. Then earlier this morning, Alanna Kennedy and Sydney FC earned a much-needed 3-1 win over Emily van Egmond and the Newcastle Jets. With only four weeks remaining, the Jets likely don’t have a shot at the finals despite Van Egmond’s stellar form this season.
• An unnamed MLS team has reportedly submitted a decent offer for goalkeeper Andreas Luthe from VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga. Orlando City has three goalkeepers on the roster and could use the money elsewhere, but anything can happen.
• Manchester City had a tough 2-1 win over Liverpool to reignite the title race and the game came down to millimeters on the goal line for Manchester City to hold on and hand Liverpool its first loss of the season.

• Dave Sarachan was formally introduced as the new head coach for North Carolina FC yesterday as he fielded questions in a press conference before meeting fans in a pub afterwards.

That’s all from me, folks. Make sure to check back with us later today for more Orlando City coverage and if news breaks we’ll have you covered. Have a great Friday and an awesome weekend.