Lion Links: 12/14/19

Welcome to the weekend, Mane Landers. Congratulations for making it through Friday the 13th and making it to this wonderful Saturday. Why is it wonderful? i don’t really have a good reason, just a pretty good feeling about today. Hopefully that good feeling extends to all of you as well and today goes smoothly. Let’s start it off in the best way possible with links from around the soccer world.

Major Changes to MLS SuperDraft

The 2020 MLS SuperDraft will take place on Jan. 9 and will be much different than past installments. The first two rounds of next year’s draft will be a streamed event conducted by ESPN and Twitter, with cameras in place to capture live reactions from players, coaches, and others throughout the event. The whole process has been trimmed down, with teams allotted three minutes for each pick instead of the usual four and the third and fourth round not streamed. While the SuperDraft has lost importance over the years, Orlando City added players like Chris Mueller, Kamal Miller, and Santiago Patino through the event.

SeaWolves On the Hunt

The Orlando SeaWolves aim to right the ship tonight as they travel to Lakeland for a showdown against the rival Florida Tropics. The season has hardly gone as planned for Head Coach Chris Kokalis and the SeaWolves, with three straight losses that have only gotten more lopsided each outing. Two of those three losses were at home against the Tropics, so the SeaWolves have their work cut out for them although there may be added motivation as the team seeks redemption. The game takes place at 5:05 today and you can watch on masl.tv along with other games from around the league if interested.

Women’s Soccer News and Happenings

Midfielder Julie Ertz was named 2019 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year after an incredible year both on the international and club level. The 27-year-old started the most games for the USWNT with 22 and was integral to the nation’s 2019 World Cup championship this summer in France. Ertz also helped the Chicago Red Stars reach the National Women’s Soccer League title game and made the NWSL Best XI. It is Ertz’ second time winning the title and she will aim to continue her success in 2020.

As for other USWNT news, the team placed first in FIFA’s rankings, finishing the decade at the top. The U.S. has held that top spot on the planet since June of 2017 and finished this past year with only one loss. The next World Cup will come in 2023 and four bids were submitted to host the event. Brazil, Colombia, Japan, and a combination of Australia and New Zealand all put their hats into the ring and this World Cup is especially enticing as it will be the first to include 32 teams.

USMNT Announces 2020 Euro Trip

The United States Men’s National Team will head to the Netherlands for a friendly on March 26 as the first of two matches in Europe. A second game later that March is still to be announced, but will also be in Europe as the team uses the opportunity to prepare for the Concacaf Nations League and 2022 World Cup qualifying. It will also be Head Coach Gregg Berhalter’s first trip outside the country for a friendly and the 14th-ranked Netherlands will be a tough test.

Free Kicks

• Here is a nice video detailing latest Homegrown Player Jordan Bender’s signing.

• The Orlando City Foundation continues to give back to the community during this holiday season.

• In the W-League, the Orlando Pride’s Camila led Canberra United in both crosses (11) and chances created (seven) in a 1-1 draw with the Perth Glory.
• Jurgen Klopp signed a new contract with Liverpool through 2024.
• FIFA detailed the changes it hopes to implement for the Club World Cup, hoping to bring more clubs into the mix in the future.

That’s going to be all from me today, folks. I hope you all have a great Saturday and rest of your weekend. Make sure to check back with us for more Orlando soccer coverage.