Lion Links: 12/12/19

Good morning, Mane Landers. I hope everyone is doing well. We are one day closer to the weekend, we can do this! Let’s go ahead and jump into the links.

Update on Orlando City and German Cano

We’ve shared the reports as they come in and it has been widely discussed that German Cano could be headed to Orlando. This report from MLSSoccer.com includes details that Orlando City head coach Oscar Pareja shared with a Colombian radio show El Alargue that the club is interested in Cano, and there are ongoing conversations among all involved parties. Pareja didn’t disclose any further details.

Orlando Vies for FIFA World Cup Venue

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is seven years away, but cities are already in a heated competition to host some of the 80 matches. The details on how cities will be scored or ranked have yet to be released. Orlando is competing with U.S. cities Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Although the competition is fierce, Orlando has some things in its favor.

“Continuing to position our community for the opportunity is a round-the-clock task and is something we have been engaging in with the community. We are going to be addressing a handful of needs with the $60 million upgrade to Camping World in this phase going on right now, and we will continue to have conversation with leadership about additional enhancements to Camping World if that presents an opportunity for us to enhance the bid,” said Jason Siegel. CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.

A host city has the potential to generate at least $400 million to the local community.

Claire Emslie Prepares for first Melbourne Derby

Orlando Pride’s Claire Emslie is set to play in a Melbourne derby for the first time representing Melbourne City as it takes on Victory in the W-League clash of the round. She’s only been in the country for a couple of weeks and is still getting used to the league.

“I have just been here for two and a half weeks. It takes a bit of time to get over the jet lag and into the time zone, and I have had to get to know my teammates and the system they are playing.”

TIME’s Athelete of the Year

TIME has named the magazine’s athlete of the year — the entire U.S. Women’s National Team. The women of the USWNT are making headlines not only for their talent and dominating performance at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but in the fight for equal pay. Their success has brought more support to the NWSL as a trend I hope to see continue through 2020. On the topic of achievements for the USWNT, Megan Rapinoe was named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year. Lastly, while we’re talking about empowering women, and in case you hadn’t heard, Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old activist, has been named TIME’s Person of the year.

Free Kicks

• Sacha Kljestan has officially signed with the LA Galaxy.
• In the league-wide breast cancer fundraiser for Libby’s Legacy, as chosen by Toni Pressley, the Pride and the Chicago Red Stars announced they successfully raised over $45,000.
• Miami FC is headed to the USL Championship and will return to FIU’s Riccardo Silva Stadium.
• The NWSL shared a highlight reel from the 2019 season.

• Toronto FC re-signed Michael Bradley on a TAM deal. No details on terms have been released.
• Carlos Vela could be headed to FC Barcelona.

• Player’s Tribune, which produced the Bad as a Mother series starring Sydney Leroux, shared that a new, eight-part series will be coming out soon featuring amazing, female athletes including the Pride’s very own Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris.

• Possible Charlotte MLS team trademarks have been applied for.

• Former Lion Johnathan Spector is playing a big role with Atlanta United in signing players.
• Gennaro Gattuso was named manager of Napoli.
• A cool time-lapse video of the world’s highest paid athletes from 1990-2019.

• Male Player of the Year will be announced this morning at 9:30 a.m.

That’ll do it for me today, Mane Landers! Have a great rest of the week and stay safe out there.