Lion Links: 1/7/19

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Are you settling into the new year? I’m not one for resolutions, but I could be convinced to be more positive about the next season. Of course, it’s still early so it’s easy to stay positive at this point. The balancing act between positive and realistic is one that we at The Mane Land have to skirt all season long. My biggest hope is that last season was the worst of it, and we get to have more fun this year. Oh, and can we get a Pride coach for goodness sake?

Before we get to the links, let’s wish a happy birthday to former Lion Richie Laryea who turns 24 today. He may not be with Orlando next season but let’s wish him the best in 2019.

Orlando City’s Draft Pick

Orlando City is hoping to make the most out of its third overall MLS SuperDraft pick. Fortunately, the MLS Combine is once again being held at Orlando City Stadium. Now if you’re looking for a specific position the Lions are hoping to fill, I’m afraid that you’ll be left wanting. That being said, since Luiz Muzzi became executive vice president of soccer operations, the club has gone in a decidedly younger direction than last season. As such, it should be no surprise that the club might try to get use out of its early pick. Of course, the MLS SuperDraft isn’t typically where MLS stars come from, but there’s always hope.

Weah Signs Extension

Tim Weah is going to be loaned out to Celtic from his current club, PSG. Before that happens, he will reportedly sign an extension with PSG that will keep him with the club through 2021. Given that the American is fighting for playing time on a squad that includes Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani, Angel Di Maria and Julian Draxler, it’s probably a good idea for him to get more action in Scotland.

Looking Ahead to 2019

2019 figures to be a big year for those of us that love the beautiful game. There is of course the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, where the United States Women’s National Team will defend its World Cup title. The USWNT was perfect in 2018, and looks to repeat that this year. Of course, the United States Men’s National Team starts its journey back to the World Cup under new skipper Gregg Berhalter. We all know that Christian Pulisic will be there for the USMNT, but he’ll also be suiting up for Chelsea for the first time in 2019 as well.

Rooney Arrested

It seems you can take Wayne Rooney out of England, but he’s still going to occasionally bring a bit of that Merseyside attitude to D.C. It turns out that Rooney decided to have a few too many and was arrested at Dulles Airport. To be fair, it was only a public swearing/intoxication misdemeanor, for which he paid $25 plus $91 in fees. I’m certain he can afford it, but it’s not the first time Rooney has had trouble involving public intoxication and he has a driver in both D.C. and in England due to losing his driver’s license.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City might have let Yoshimar Yotún go, but the San Jose Earthquakes have acquired their own talented Peruvian in 19-year-old left back Marcos Lopez. Lopez came from Sporting Cristal Lima of the Peruvian first division.
• Two Lions coaches reunited with Miguel Gallardo and a host of others. It makes you wonder what was discussed, doesn’t it?

• Ligue 1 squad Marseille FC fell to fourth-tier amateur side Andrezieux-Boutheon in the Coupe de France, 2-0. This is a monumental upset, similar to Appalachian State defeating Michigan a few years ago in college football.
• Former Sporting KC forward Khiry Shelton has signed with 2. Bundesliga side SC Paderborn 07.
• Have you not taken the kids to any Orlando SeaWolves matches because the games are too expensive? If so, I’m not sure I believe you, but that doesn’t matter. On Jan. 21 kids will be free so make sure to take the whole family to the match.

That’s going to do it for today. Keep checking back for more info on all things soccer in Orlando. Go Lions!