Lion Links: 12/28/19

Welcome to the weekend, Mane Landers. It’s the last one until 2020 so make sure to party hard and safe today and tomorrow. It stinks that there is a Monday awkwardly sandwiched between now and the new year, but that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. But that’s enough about the near future, let’s enjoy the present with some links from around the soccer world.

Orlando City Interested in Peruvian Goalkeeper

Reports out of Peru indicate that Orlando City is in talks with Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese from Alianza Lima. Gallese appeared in 37 matches with Lima and has 60 appearances with the Peruvian National Team, including starts in Peru’s World Cup matches in 2018. While discussions are still in the early stages, the 29-year-old could certainly challenge Brian Rowe for the starting job if he does join Orlando City.

Orlando Target Signs Elsewhere

Argentine forward German Cano was previously linked with Orlando City after a strong year with Independiente Medellin, but any chances of Cano becoming a Lion in 2019 are officially gone as he joins Vasco Da Gama in Brazil. Reports surfaced that OCSC made a bid for Cano and Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja confirmed the club’s interest in the scorer, but those rumors can now firmly be put to rest. Only time will tell if the team has another scorer on its radar for the 2020 season.

Orlando Pride Players Called Up to USWNT Camp

Both Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris were called up to United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Valtko Andonovski’s January training camp roster. Held in Tampa, the camp will give Andonovski an opportunity to assess the team before Olympic qualifying begins on Jan. 28 against Haiti. The camp itself will last from Jan 5-15 and Andonovski will choose his 20-player Olympic qualifying roster once the camp ends. Both Krieger and Harris made the cut for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup this past summer, but with so few spots and a new head coach, the pair still have their work cut out for them.

Chicago Fire Announce New Head Coach

Raphael Wicky is the new head coach of the Chicago Fire, bringing years of coaching and playing experience abroad to the position. Wicky is the latest U.S. soccer coach to make the move to MLS, stepping down as the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team’s head coach to take over in Chicago. The 42-year-old reunites with Chicago Fire Sporting Director Georg Heitz after the two worked together at FC Basel and it will be interesting to see how he will do in the league.

Free Kicks

• According to Krieger’s brother’s Twitter, the wedding between Krieger and Harris will take place today. Make sure to keep an eye on social media for photos and videos similar to this great footage from the rehearsal dinner featuring the brides to be and Megan Rapinoe.

• Former Lion Aurelien Collin re-signed with the Philadelphia Union.
• Two MLS coaching vacancies remain and we can add Diego Alonso to the long list of candidates linked with Inter Miami CF.
• Juan Agudelo could be taking his talents to South Beach.
• After rejecting a plan for the National Women’s Soccer League to become independent, the U.S. Soccer Federation’s board of directors offered to manage the league for another year as discussions continue for a long-term solution.
• Tottenham recalled American center back Cameron Carter-Vickers from Stoke City.
• Manchester City suffered a crushing 3-2 defeat to Wolverhampton after going a man down and giving up three unanswered goals in the second half.

That’s going to be it from me, folks. Since this is the last time I’m writing until 2020, I wish you all the very best as we say goodbye to this year and hello to the next. It’s been a pleasure bringing you all soccer news throughout 2019. Celebrate safely and have a happy new year!