Lion Links: 12/8/19

Happy Sunday, Mane Landers. It’s been an absolute stunner of a weekend, with temperatures back on the rise after the cold front freaked out much of Florida earlier this week. A spell at Wekiva Island certainly helped me decompress after a long week. I remember two decades ago, Wekiva Island didn’t exist — it was but a modest bait shop and watering hole that my father used to visit on the regular. Ah, how the times have changed.

On to what you’re here for though, right? As today’s whippersnappers would say, “let’s get it.” Or something like that.

Sacha Kljestan Set for Galaxy Stint

It was fun, Mr. Mustache. The most recent report indicates that the LA Galaxy are set to announce the 34-year-old Anaheim native as a free agent signing on Monday. It will actually serve as a bit of a homecoming for Kljestan, who will return to the stadium where he began his professional career long ago with Chivas USA. This will be Kljestan’s fouth MLS club, after playing for Chivas, the New York Red Bulls, and Orlando City SC. Cheers, Sacha and we all wish you the best of luck in the next step of your journey!

SeaWolves Get Blasted in Baltimore

The Orlando SeaWolves took on the Baltimore Blast last night, and whew, it wasn’t a pretty one. Baltimore, well, blasted out to a 7-0 lead before Mario Alvarez got one back for Orlando. It didn’t provide the spark he had hoped though, as the Blast continued their torrid pace of scoring in an insane first half, putting another two in the net before going in to the break leading 9-1. Eduardo Cruz got the second half off to a good start for the SeaWolves, netting twice, but the Blast quickly answered on both accounts. Mario found another, and Odaine Sinclair also notched one, but it wasn’t enough as the Blast continued to pepper the SeaWolves’ goal, scoring more often than not. The final result was a resounding 14-5 loss.

The SeaWolves never had a chance in this one. They’ll be back in action next Saturday, when they play against their in-state rivals, the Florida Tropics, at RP Funding Center.

Another MLS Coaching Vacancies Update

The Lions may have found their man, but there are still some notable vacancies at the head coach position in MLS clubs. The Chicago Fire, New York City FC, and Inter Miami are all still in the market for a new leader, and the longer these clubs wait, the longer it’ll take for the new man in charge to implement his system. That said, this isn’t the sort of decision to be rushed. Keep an eye on the MLS landscape over the coming days; major change could be coming.

NCAA Men’s Soccer Semifinals Set

And then there were four. The semifinals are set in the NCAA men’s soccer tournament, with Stanford, Virginia, Georgetown, and Wake Forest as the last schools standing. Stanford squeaked in, taking out the second-ranked Clemson Tigers on spot kicks. Virginia beat SMU, 3-2, Georgetown beat Washington, 2-1, and Wake Forest beat UC-Santa Barbara, 1-0.

Next on the docket, Stanford will take on Georgetown, while Virginia while face Wake Forest.

U.S. Soccer Fan Week is Upon Us

The third annual U.S. Soccer Fan Week begins tomorrow, so be sure to take advantage of what’s bound to be a week full of fun and surprises. It all begins with a giveaway of a pair of ultimate fan tickets and a ball used in training from the USMNT’s Concacaf Gold Cup run, signed by Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. From there, it only gets better, as fans will have numerous opportunities to take home some sweet swag, enjoy free experiences, and take part in friendly contests.

To take part in the U.S. Soccer Fan Week festivities, visit www.ussoccer.com/fanweek!

Free Kicks

• Some think Atlanta United FC’s Ezequiel Barco could become a $15 million dollar man.
• The Vancouver Whitecaps are set to acquire Canadian Lucas Cavallini, which should bolster their attack ahead of the 2020 season.
• Meanwhile, the Columbus Crew have declined a transfer offer from Oxford United for their young Scottish winger, Chris Cadden.
• Former New York City FC midfielder Jack Harrison is continuing to find success in England, helping Leeds to the top of the table again while notching another assist.
• FC Cincinnati revealed one of their 2020 kits and, I must say, not too shabby.
• That Luis Suarez…he’s pretty good with a ball at his feet (in this case, at his heel).

• Claudio Reyna’s son, Gio, has officially broken into the setup at Dortmund, although he didn’t see the pitch in the club’s recent 5-0 win against Dusseldorf. Still, congratulations, Mr. Reyna (both of you)!
• And let’s end on a great solo goal from Tottenham’s Son Heung Min. Speechless.

All right folks, that’s it from me. Have a great Sunday and enjoy the week. If you’re vying for fantasy football playoff success today, like I am, I wish you the best of luck!