Lion Links: 1/8/20

Good morning, Mane Landers. Happy Wednesday morning, I hope the first full week back (for a lot of us) finds everyone well. Take a moment to wish Orlando Pride’s Abby Elinsky a happy birthday as she turns 24 today! With that out of the way, let’s jump right into the links.

Orlando Pride Names Amanda Duffy Executive Vice President

The Orlando Pride officially announced that NWSL President Amanda Duffy will leave her position with the league to become the club’s executive vice president.

“As this position came into the club’s plans, and as I learned more about the broader goals of the collective organization, it was clear to me that the club is prepared to invest deeply in the women’s game, and in the Pride specifically. This investment, combined with the chance to work with Alex’s leadership, a world-class roster, and intensely passionate fans, made the decision to come to Orlando one of tremendous excitement and an immense honor,” Duffy said in the club’s release.

The NWSLPA shared its gratitude for Duffy’s service to the league as well.

Tesho Akindele Scores in Canada’s Win

The MLS season may still be over a month away, but Orlando City’s Tesho Akindele and Kamal Miller both started in Canada’s 4-1 win over Barbados. Akindele had a great game, hitting the post to help create Canada’s first goal and then scoring later himself for his first goal of 2020.

Miller helped out on the defensive end, playing all 90 minutes and earning valuable playing time with his national team. While the game was labeled as a friendly, Canada was all serious as the nation tries to claw its way up the FIFA rankings for World Cup qualification.

The Monetization of Female Athletes

Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris sat down with the Player’s Tribune, Breanna Stewart, Dawn Harper-Nelson, and Nneka Ogwumike, on episode four of The Tea. These prominent women continue the discussion on the monetization of female athletes, how endorsements and sponsorships are critical to overall visibility and livelihood, and how the stakes for women are different.

U.S. Soccer Eyes New U-20 Men’s Head Coach

Steven Goff is reporting that former Colorado Rapids Head Coach Anthony Hudson will be the new head coach for the U.S. Men’s National U-20 team. While Hudson was with the Rapids, American teenagers Cole Bassett and Sam Vines became first team regulars, so the 38-year-old knows a thing or two about working with younger players.

Former Lions in the News

Midfielder Harrison Heath re-committed to Miami FC just ahead of its USL debut.

Miami FC Head Coach Nelson Vargas said: “Character and mentality are the starting point when looking to bring anybody into our winning culture. We have a clear playing style and the players we are bringing back are the ideal player profiles to implement our style of play.”

Meanwhile, Jamie Watson will bring coverage of the MLS SuperDraft on ESPN and other outlets from the Orlando City war room tomorrow for the first and second rounds.

Free Kicks

• ESPN has reported that Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric was approached by MLS clubs, D.C. United, Inter Miami, and Atlanta United in recent weeks.
• Daryl Dike signed a Generation Adidas contract with MLS and is one of the 141 players eligible for the draft.

• Inter Milan is reportedly interested in Manchester United’s Ashley Young.
• The U.S. Soccer vice presidential race is on.

• Former NFL running back Jay Ajayi signed as the Philadelphia Union’s eMLS player.

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