Lion Links: 1/18/19

What’s up, Mane Landers? We’re another day closer to the 2019 season, but more importantly we’re just a couple of hours away from the glorious weekend. So just sit back, relax, and enjoy some links from around the soccer world to start your day.

Rumored Orlando City B Signings

According to Austin David, Orlando City B is set to add some offensive bite to the roster in the form of two young talents. Forward Sebastian Joffre and winger Wilfrid Williams are both expected to join the USL League One side and are talented enough to make a splash immediately.

Orlando SeaWolves Recognized in Team of the Week

The Orlando SeaWolves’ most recent performance was a needed step in the right direction after they got revenge on the Florida Tropics in an 11-6 win on the road. The victory was due in large part to midfielder Gordy Gurson’s performance, which earned him a spot on the Major Arena Soccer League’s team of the week. Gurson had four goals and two assists in the game and helped the SeaWolves get out to an early lead, playing a part in three of the team’s first four goals.

Osvaldo Rojas (two goals and an assist) and Victor France (one goal and an assist) were both honorably mentioned as well. The SeaWolves’ next game will be at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, FL on Monday, so make sure to cheer them on as they host the Milwaukee Wave.

USWNT Starting the Year Abroad

In case you didn’t know already, the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team will have its first match of 2019 tomorrow (2:30 p.m. ET) against France in Le Havre. The Orlando Pride’s Alex Morgan and Ashlyn Harris are both in France for the match along with some of the most talented players that the USWNT has ever had. The players are making the most of their time in France and spent an afternoon in Normandy with World War II veterans.

The trip is shaping up to be a great start to the year for the team and it seems French fans are just as excited as us here in the U.S. for the match, with the event already sold out.

MLS Moves and Happenings

While Orlando just had its share of movement with Stefano Pinho being waived and Ruan joining the team, there is still plenty of action in Major League Soccer to keep an eye on. Ben Olsen’s contract has been extended with D.C. United. 15-year MLS veteran Ricardo Clark is continuing his career and re-signing with the Columbus Crew.

Adrian Heath and Minnesota United have reportedly completed the signing for Ligue 1 right back Romain Metanire while the Vancouver Whitecaps look to add Canadian center back Derek Cornelius. Elsewhere, Costa Rican midfielder Allan Cruz will immediately be joining FC Cincinnati for the club’s preseason.

Free Kicks

• Former Orlando Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni delivered some shocking news, revealing that he isn’t the one who runs his social media accounts. It’s certainly hard news to swallow, but he did say he created his own bitmoji.

• If you’re like me and keeping up with the W-League while plenty of Pride players are in Australia, then here’s a great guide to see the title and top four scenarios for each team as the season winds down. Another thing to keep an eye on in these last few games is the race for most assists. Rachel Hill currently leads the category with five, two more than Pride teammate Christine Nairn.
• Whether it’s the possible debuts of Tyler Adams and Alphonso Davies or some showdowns pitting American against American, there’s a reason to check out this weekend’s Bundesliga action as the German league returns from its winter break.
• USWNT legend Abby Wambach is working on her latest book.
• Ahmed Hussein-Suale, known for investigating not only FIFA officials but human traffickers and corrupt judges in Ghana, was murdered by gunmen on motorbikes in an act that his employers are calling an assassination.
• Chinese players are having to cover their bodies due to a tattoo ban during the heat of the Asian Cup and it’s sparked an interesting discussion on professionalism when representing your country and the vast difference between Western and Eastern sports culture.
• In case you’re job hunting, a family in London is offering nearly $100,000 a year for someone to turn their sons into soccer superstars.

That’s all from me, folks. I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and a great weekend!