Lion Links: 11/1/19

Welcome to November, Mane Landers. Another month is in the books and only two more remain before we get to the end of the year. I hope Halloween was fun, even if it’s a little awkward when it lands in the middle of the week. In some non-soccer news, today is also the start of National Novel Writing Month when writers challenge themselves to write 50,000 words. So if you’re a participant like myself, I wish you the best of luck. Now, let’s get to the links!

Leading Candidate Emerges for OCSC Coaching Job

According to The Mane Land’s sources, Orlando City reportedly has its eyes set on Oscar Pareja to be the club’s new head coach after James O’Connor was fired roughly a month ago. Pareja is the current head coach for Club Tijuana in Liga MX and has the team in a position to make the postseason with the season winding down.

The 51-year-old coach has experience not only in Major League Soccer but with working alongside OCSC Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi and Tesho Akindele during a stint with FC Dallas that saw the team win the Supporters’ Shield in 2016. While that would be a lofty goal for Orlando if the trio were to reunite, Pareja’s hiring would guarantee that Muzzi brings on a coach he is well established with.

Carlos Ascues Called Up

Orlando City midfielder Carlos Ascues is one of five MLS players called up to the Peruvian National Team for a pair of friendlies against Chile and Colombia this month. The defensive midfielder started in 14 games for the Lions in 2019 and has been called up in recent months by Peru Head Coach Ricardo Gareca. Ascues joins Seattle Sounders playoff hero Raul Ruidiaz and former Lion Yoshimar Yotún, and will hopefully get some playing time during the MLS off-season.

USWNT Names November Camp Roster

New United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski called up 24 players for his first training camp before the team’s last two matches this year against Sweden and Costa Rica. The Orlando Pride’s Ashlyn Harris was called up along with three other goalkeepers. Pride defender Ali Krieger won’t be participating in the camp due to an injury, but will still be making the trip to meet and greet the new coach before heading back off for more rehabilitation.

Orlando SeaWolves Create Florida Indoor Soccer League

In partnership with R9 Academy, the Orlando SeaWolves announced the Florida Sunshine League for amateur indoor soccer teams in the state to come strut their stuff. The 6v6 league will have its first season this December and another season in February with a $1,000 championship prize. Games will be played at Silver Spurs Arena and R9 Academy and teams can register starting today. Even if you don’t plan on joining, it’s great to see the SeaWolves get involved with the community and give indoor players a chance to shine.

“Our mission has always been to give players a platform to develop in indoor soccer,” General Manager Chris Kokalis said, “This aligns with the MASL’s vision of growing the indoor game throughout the United States as we do our part here in the state of Florida.”

Free Kicks

• If you’re trying to get ahead of your holiday shopping before the madness later this month, you may want to check out Alanna Kennedy’s designed timepiece.

• United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Gregg Berhalter called up 20 domestic players as the Yanks prepare for a showdown with Canada right here in Orlando on Nov. 15.
• In case you missed it, the U.S U-17 squad played Japan to a draw earlier this week for an important point in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
• Former Orlando City Pro Academy Director Darren Powell parted ways with San Antonio FC. Powell was both head coach and technical director for the USL Championship club for the past four seasons.
• The Leroux-Dwyer family really knows how to dress their best for Halloween.

• We end our links with a fun story out of Israel. Former Lion Kaká played on a Brazil legends match for a charity event where he scored a goal and took a selfie with the referee after being booked by her.

That will be it from me, folks. Make sure to check back with use for more Orlando soccer coverage and I hope you all have a great Friday!