Lion Links: 2/12/19

Good morning, Mane Landers. Today is Tuesday, Feb. 12 and that means we are only 18 days away from Orlando City’s season opener! While that might still seem like a long time, the Lions are in action this weekend in the Orlando City Invitational. There is plenty of soccer ahead, and I cannot wait for the 2019 season to unfold. 

Now for some links: 

Ruan Acclimating to Central Florida 

New Orlando City right back Ruan is slowly getting used to his new life with his new team. The Brazilian missed the Lions’ preseason camp at the IMG Academy as he could not get into the country due to waiting for his visa. He also does not speak English. 

It has been difficult for Ruan in getting acclimated in his new environment and with his new team. There are many firsts for the 23-year-old but he came here to play soccer and the team, and he believes in his ability. 

“The game here is very fast-paced,” he said through a translator. “There’s a lot of strength involved, a lot of speed. I think that really suits my game. It’s something that I do well. That’s where I think I can contribute the most, being physical and applying that kind of speed and strength to the game here.”

Lions Release Draft Pick

Orlando City selected Scott DeVoss in the third round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. The 22-year-old is now looking for a new team as the Lions have released the defender. DeVoss played in 83 games for the University of Denver, scoring six goals and recording one assist.

Josué Colmán Aiming for Better 2019

Orlando City was expecting big things from its Young Designated Player when the Lions brought Colmán in last season. Unfortunately, it did not unfold as planned. Both the team and Colmán are hoping for a better 2019 campaign. The 20-year-old continued to learn English and obtained his green card this off-season, and has the backing of his head coach. 

“I think the expectations for all the players are to give their very, very best,” said James O’Connor. “I think, when you’re a DP, the media and the supporters maybe try to create different expectations and try to create something that becomes difficult. I think for Josué, we want him to focus on being the very best version of himself. That’s the same for all of the players. We want maximum effort and hopefull,y their talent and their quality can take over.”

How Did Americans Fare this Weekend?

There were over 150 American internationals in action this weekend, although several play for lower league teams. DeAndre Yedlin is one of the biggest names, and he played 90 minutes in a disappointing draw. New Newcastle United signing Miguel Almiron made his debut in that game, which saw Wolves scrape by with a 93rd-minute goal. 

Tim Ream played the full match against Manchester United. I’m not sure anybody is saying anything positive about Fulham after that match though, and certainly not defensively. However, two other American center backs were in action. Matt Miazga played the full 90 in as Reading drew Sheffield Wednesday. Cameron Carter-Vickers also played the entire match, as his Swansea City side beat Millwall, 1-0. 

In the Bundesliga, Weston McKennie played the full 90 minutes. McKennie managed to get an assist, but Schalke fell to Bayern Munich, 3-1. 

Free Kicks:

• The rumor mill never seems to end with this team. The Lions are now rumored to be looking at Royal Excel Mouscron center back Bruno Godeau.
• Kevin Molino appears to have a new number.
• Former Lion Amobi Okugo found a new team.
• The LA Galaxy are giving a statue to David Beckham.

• Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is the new manager of English fourth-tier team Oldham Athletic.
• Since I have two links about the famous Manchester United Class of ‘92, here is what the six of them — plus Chris Casper and Simon Davies — are up to now and a history of their coaching careers.