Lion Links: 2/4/19

Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers! Evidently, there was some sort of big game going on while I was scouring the web to find you your daily dose of links. I know that there are those that care. As I had no dog in that hunt, I wasn’t too invested in it. As for the commercials, I’ll catch them later, though I’m open to suggestions on what you thought the best ones were. Now, let’s get to the links!

Lletget’s Good Day

Sebastian Lletget had a much better time in Avaya Stadium this past weekend than the last time he was there in a U.S. Men’s National Team jersey. Back in March 2017, Lletget suffered a foot injury that could have ended his career. Fortunately it didn’t, and on Saturday he scored his second career international goal, and assisted on the USMNT’s other goal. Lletget was a substitute in each of the last two USMNT friendlies, but he’s hoping his performances will allow him to remain with the team going forward.

Is MLS a Selling League?

With recent transfers out of Major League Soccer to some of the bigger leagues in the world, there’s talk that MLS is no longer a retirement league (I’d argue it never truly was), but rather a “selling league.” Just as the retirement league label irked some fans of MLS, I’m certain the selling league label will do the same. According to MLS Executive Vice President for Player Relations and Competition Todd Durbin, it is actually an indicator of the strength of the league.

“The increase in transfer fees for MLS players is an indication of the quality of our players. Every top league has clubs that sell talented players, and MLS is no different. Importantly, our clubs use the revenue to acquire new players like Pity Martinez, which improves the quality of our teams.”

Durbin isn’t the only one who thinks that MLS should embrace the new normal.

Footballer’s Downed Plane Found

Argentinian footballer Emiliano Sala and 59-year-old pilot David Ibbotson were last heard from two weeks ago when flying from Nantes, France to Cardiff, Wales. Sala had just completed a £15 million transfer to EPL club Cardiff City from Ligue 1 club Nantes. The two have been missing and presumed dead. Using funds from an online fundraiser, shipwreck hunter David Mearns located the downed plane in a four-mile area of the English Channel where he suspected it to be found. Further details have not been released out of respect for the families.

Kalu Ban Lifted

Zambian football legend Kalusha Bwalya was banned in August by FIFA after he was found guilty of having violated Article 16 and 20 of the FIFA Code of Ethics. Kalu had accepted a gift from former Asian Football Association president Mohammed Bin Hamman. Bin Hamman himself is serving a lifetime ban. Now, the FIFA appeals committee has granted a reprieve to Kalu following a further review. Kalu has said that he will re-dedicate himself to serving the sport he loves and gave thanks to the appeals committee.

Free Kicks

• The President would rather his son play soccer than football. Donald Trump has concerns over the violent nature of American football, and is impressed with the rise in popularity of soccer in the United States. You don’t think it has anything to do with the time he all but destroyed the USFL, do you?
• Former OCB forward Michael Cox has signed with York 9 FC in the Canadian Premier League.

• Good for Miguel Almiron that he is evidently a patient young man. Frankly, I’m just glad he can’t hurt us Orlando fans anymore.

• With the departure of Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC is looking to replace its attack. One potential replacement is Jonathan Menendez.
• It seems Cassius might celebrate the birth of his baby sister while celebrating the birth of the country.

If you cared about the Super Bowl, I hope the team you wanted to win (or the team you wanted to lose), did so spectacularly. Now that the game is done, there’s no more distractions as we head into the the new MLS season. Go City!