Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/27/19
Good morning, Mane Landers! We’re getting closer and closer to smelling that purple smoke as we are only three days from the home opener! Is it really only Wednesday? This week is dragging, luckily we have a match at the end of it. Let’s just dig into what’s up in the soccer world.
Nani Talks to SI
Are we sick of hearing about Nani yet? Nope. He’s a huge signing that can only help raise the level of play for our club. Sports Illustrated had a chance to speak with Nani, who shared with them that he’s “raring to go.”
“Naturally, we need to do better this season, be strong, competitive, resilient, and then eventually reach the playoffs,” says Nani.
Can Nani and the rest of our starting XI work together to make the difference fans are hoping to see this season? It’ll certainly be a show worth watching, at least!
Speaking of Nani, Chris Mueller said he was “honored” to give up his No. 17 shirt to the Portuguese star.
Orlando City CEO Alex Leitão Talks Training Facility
Jordon Culver with ProSoccerUSA.com caught up with OCSC CEO Alex Leitão to talk about the new training facility planned to open this summer at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. He shared that they will double the number of practice fields and have so much more space for all their training and therapy needs.
As a Lake Nona resident, I was a little bummed I wouldn’t “accidentally” run into players. However, my district meetings (across the street from the new practice facility) will definitely be more exciting as I hold on to hope that I just might bump into a player here or there!
Christine Nairn is Headed to The Houston Dash
In a surprising turn of events, the Orlando Pride have announced that they have traded midfielder Christine Nairn to the Houston Dash. Our own Andrew Sharp has the details on the trade that gave the Pride an international roster slot for the 2019 NWSL season in addition to the Dash’s third- and fourth-round picks for the 2020 NWSL College Draft.
Thank you to @NairnChristine for her contributions to the Pride and good luck in the future! 👏 pic.twitter.com/WDDt1iB57y
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) February 26, 2019
Orlando Pride’s Alanna Kennedy Pushed out of her Comfort Zone
The Westfield Matildas have been pushed to their limits as they prepare for the opening match in the Cup of Nations against New Zealand. John Greco reports that the team is eager to get started and put on a show. Orlando Pride’s Alanna Kennedy shared:
“Every session needs to be tough. We’re elite athletes…we’re looking to get the most out of us and push ourselves to our limits. There’s no point staying in your comfort zone because that’s not going to get us to where we want to be.”
The Refs Belong on…Week 1 Assignments
The Professional Referee Organization has announced the assignments for Week 1 of the 2019 MLS season. Orlando City and New York City FC will see Baldomero Toledo at referee, Assistant Refs Kyle Atkins and Kevin Klinger, Fourth Official Malik Badawi, VAR Jose Carlos Rivero, and Assistant VAR Peter Balciunas.
📝 // ASSIGNMENTS: The #PRO crews on duty in @MLS Week 1 >> https://t.co/0e968MdhLP. #MLS #MLSisBack pic.twitter.com/nxuVZNeuFH
— PRO (@PROreferees) February 26, 2019
Here’s hoping these referees only hear cheers and not the infamous OBT chant.
Free Kicks
- City Pub at the airport is open!
Vamos Orlando! Today we celebrate the opening of City Pub, inspired by our very own @OrlandoCitySC and @ORLPride. Make it a goal to stop on your next visit for delicious food, craft beer, custom cocktails and team merchandise. Go City! ⚽🦁 pic.twitter.com/ZCrt3F2wSM
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) February 26, 2019
- More changes to the SheBelieves Cup roster due to injuries.
- The U-18 USWNT wins, 2-0.
- Did Sergio Ramos get booked intentionally?
- Brendan Rodgers verbally agrees to to manage Leicester City.
- U.S. Soccer invites South American teams to a new tournament in 2020.
I think that’s it for now, Mane Landers. I’ll see you for links after this season finally gets started!