Lion Links: 1/18/20

Welcome to the weekend, Mane Landers. Congratulations on getting through another work week as we shift gears into some fun and relaxation. Florida Cup action resumes today so make sure to check with us for updates if you aren’t able to make your way over to Exploria Stadium to watch. Now, let’s get this Saturday started off right with some links.

Orlando City Signs Pedro Gallese

Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese officially signed with the Lions and has a strong chance at taking the starting job away from goalkeeper Brian Rowe. With 60 appearances with the Peruvian National Team, including starting in the nation’s three 2018 FIFA World Cup matches, Gallese brings both experience and talent to a position that needed the boost after the departure or both Greg Ranjitsingh and Adam Grinwis in the off-season.

Orlando City Unveils Its New Training Facility

After much anticipation, the ribbon was officially cut at Osceola Heritage Park to unveil the club’s newest training grounds. Make sure to check out the photos if you haven’t already because every inch of the place looks impressive. The facility will not only be for the first team, but Orlando City B and the academy as well. With four different soccer fields, a film room, a player’s lounge, and an incredible locker room made to make every day at training feel like game day, the facility is sure to help recruit players and staff in the future.

On the actual training side of things, the players have access to a loaded weight room, plenty of bikes and curved treadmills, and a swanky cryogenic chamber to help them stay fit and ready throughout the season.

Orlando SeaWolves Return to the Road

After a disappointing road trip that only resulted in two lopsided losses, the Orlando SeaWolves must go back to Lakeland to face off against the Florida Tropics tomorrow afternoon at 3:05 p.m. In the past four meetings so far, the Tropics have come out on top and it wasn’t close in their recent meeting on Jan. 12 when the Tropics cruised to a 10-3 win. However, Head Coach Tom Traxler continues to work with the team and had nearly a week to prepare for the team’s showdown against one of the best teams in the league.

U.S. Soccer News

United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Vlatko Andonovksi named his 20-player roster for Concacaf Olympic qualifying and three Orlando Pride players made the cut. Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, and Emily Sonnett will all represent the U.S. as the team attempts to qualify for the Olympics this summer. Many other familiar names made the roster, but Sky Blue FC winger Mallory Pugh wasn’t one of them although Andonovski stated she will still train with the team.

On the men’s side of things, the United States Men’s National Team will make its first trip to Wales to take on Ryan Giggs’ side on March 30, a few days after its match with the Netherlands. With the USMNT and Wales tied in FIFA’s rankings, it should make for a good match over in Cardiff.

Chicharito Finally Joins MLS

After years of rumors and speculation, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez will finally play in MLS. According to reports, the LA Galaxy signed the Mexican striker to a three-year guaranteed contract with enough incentives to make him the highest paid player in the league. The move comes in part to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but this is a signing that boosts the league as a whole and everyone is excited to have Chicharito in MLS. LAFC striker Carlos Vela already took a jab in what could be the greatest rivalry in the league. Also weighing in was Orlando City midfielder and Chicharito’s teammate for five years at Manchester United, Nani.

“If it’s true he’s gonna be here next season, it’s amazing,” Nani said. “It’s another star player, it’s a big friend, old friend for beautiful moments with Manchester United. We shared the dressing room for a long time. I know him well. He’s a great person.”

Free Kicks

• Rachel Hill bid farewell to Pride teammates, staff, and supporters after being traded to the Chicago Red Stars. I’ll personally remember Hill for when I kept track of her lighting up the W-League down in Australia alongside Sam Kerr and wish her the best of luck moving forward.

• FC Cincinnati waived Fanendo Adi, the club’s first Designated Player.
• Manchester United captain Ashley Young now heads to Inter Milan for the next part in his career.
• After not doing so for over 200 games that have already happened this season, English Premier League referees will now use pitchside monitors in the event of red cards.
• We end our links with a great breakdown on Christian Pulisic’s Chipotle order. I’ll confess to you all that not only have I never eaten at Chipotle, but I’ve actually never had a burrito in my life. So I’ll leave it up to you to determine if Pulisic’s choice is up to snuff.

That’s going to do it for today, Mane Landers. I hope each and every one you have an awesome Saturday and rest of your weekend.