Lion Links
Lion Links: 11/27/19
Good morning, Mane Landers! Happy Wednesday. I hope the week is treating everyone well as we head into the holiday season with Thanksgiving tomorrow. Now, let’s get to the links.
Higuita Says Goodbye
The last Lion from the 2015 expansion side, Cristian Higuita took a moment to say thank you to fans last night. The video shows Higuita saying thank you for the support from fans regardless of if the team won or lost. He said it was five great years and wishes Orlando City the best for next season. We here at The Mane Land wish Higuita the best of luck moving forward and we’ll miss the enforcer in the midfield.
A message from Higuita to all the fans. pic.twitter.com/CsdXnKCnzh
— Orlando City Central (@orlando_central) November 26, 2019
Alex Morgan Up for U.S. Player of the Year
U.S. Soccer announced the nominees for the 2019 U.S. Male and Female Player of the Year Awards. The Orlando Pride’s very own Alex Morgan has been nominated. Morgan isn’t a stranger to the honor, having won the title in 2012 and 2018. With nine USWNT goals on the year and a Silver Boot award (coming up short of gold on a tiebreaker), Morgan has had quite a year on the national level.
Voting is ongoing and will close on Dec. 6, at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be announced the second week of December so make sure to go give her some support.
Orlando City Foundation in Action
The Orlando City Foundation continues giving back to the surrounding community. Yesterday, Kay Rawlins and a team of Orlando City and Pride partners participated in their annual Thanksgiving tradition, helping to pack and hand out Thanksgiving meals to District 5 with Commissioner Regina Hill and Publix at Shiloh Baptist Church.
A Thanksgiving tradition.
Helping out at the District 5 Turkey Giveaway with @ReginaHillFL and @Publix at Shiloh Baptist Church. pic.twitter.com/wbliLSHtP5
— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) November 26, 2019
Re-Entry Draft Recap
Four players were selected in Stage One of the MLS Re-Entry process yesterday. Inter Miami CF selected left back and former Lion Mikey Ambrose from Atlanta United and this is the second time Paul McDonough has acquired the 26-year-old defender since he himself left OCSC. Nashville SC selected defender Eric Miller from New York City FC, Sporting Kansas City selected goalkeeper Richard Sanchez from Chicago Fire, and the New York Red Bulls picked up Kendall McIntosh from the Portland Timbers. Meanwhile, Orlando City elected to pass on making a selection for the draft.
Free Kicks
- Confirmations of Orlando City coaching deals in the works continue to pour in.
Just to add to reports already out there, as I tried to figure out if there was a 2nd potential destination for Oscar Pareja, I was able to confirm that he is indeed vey close to coming to terms with Orlando City SC. Great choice there, I thinks he is the right man for the job. pic.twitter.com/JJKHN3EH90
— Niko Moreno (@ELROLONW) November 26, 2019
- Purple Friday is just around the corner! The Den at Exploria Stadium will be open with items up to 50% off.
- Landon Donovan is excited to return to the soccer field as manager of San Diego’s new USL Championship club and has plenty of tactics in mind.
- Defender Matt Hedges re-signed with FC Dallas with a new three-year contract.
That’s going to do it for me today, Mane Landers. I’ll be back with more tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of the day. To those spending the day preparing meals for Thursday, good luck!