Lion Links: 2/11/20

Happy Tuesday, everybody. All in all, it’s been a good couple of days with Orlando City’s preseason victory over the weekend, and news of an addition to the Orlando Pride. There’s lots to go into today, so let’s have at it.

New Pride Signing

The Orlando Pride dipped into the transfer market yesterday, as the team announced the signing of Ali Riley from Bayern Munich. It’s a pretty good move from the Pride, as Riley is a fullback that has and continues to feature prominently for the New Zealand national team (which she captains), while also having plenty of experience at the club level. Prior to Bayern Munich she also spent time with Chelsea FC Women, and FC Rosengard in Sweden. Internationally she has 132 appearances, having made her debut way back in 2007, when I was just in middle school. Which is a bit scary now I’m typing it out. Regardless, it seems like the Pride will be getting a good one, and she certainly seems excited to be here.

Gallese Seeking a New Challenge

Pedro Gallese has plenty of soccer experience under his belt. The Lions’ new goalkeeper has been a professional for 12 seasons, and has been the starting goalkeeper for the Peruvian national team for some time after making his debut in 2014. In coming to Orlando the keeper is seeking both a new challenge and a new opportunity for him and his family. On the field he wants to help the team make the playoffs for the first time, and challenge for trophies. Off it, he’s looking forward to settling into his new home with his wife and two children. He’s already shown off what he can bring to the field, and if this double save during Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win over the Montreal Impact is anything to go by, then he’ll be right at home here.

Hines Has New Purpose on the Sideline

Former Orlando City defender Seb Hines retired three years ago and, after deciding he and his family wanted to stay in Orlando, he took a job as an assistant coach with the Orlando Pride under previous head coach Tom Sermanni. Even after Sermanni departed from the team, Hines stayed on and actually led preseason training last year until new Head Coach Marc Skinner arrived. Several Pride players like Ali Krieger and Kristen Edmonds have credited Hines with helping them prepare for the World Cup (in Krieger’s case) and move into an unfamiliar role on the back line for Edmonds. Hines is now in a new facet of his career and so far he’s doing an excellent job.

Inter Miami Trademark Battle Update

Inter Miami CF is currently in a battle with Italy’s Inter Milan, regarding a trademark over the use of the word “Inter” in the name of the team from South Florida. The Italian team filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark office back in 2014 in order to get exclusive commercial rights to use the term “Inter”. After Inter Miami’s name was announced, the club filed an opposition to Inter Milan’s trademark claim in March of last year. Unfortunately for Miami, the club lost the first round of a legal battle involving that pesky little trademark of the term “Inter.” I’m not a lawyer and legal-speak is far from my forte, so I won’t attempt to go into the exact details, but I highly recommend you check out the link above and do some reading on your own. It’s a very interesting case that could eventually result in Inter Miami changing its name.

Free Kicks

• Check out the new Faces of City.

• Neymar has gone on the record saying that he wants to play for Inter Miami, even though he doesn’t plan on coming stateside until further down the road in his career.
• Austin FC has secured its first jersey sponsor.
• Real Salt Lake has signed a Homegrown Player, Brad Guzan’s contract has been extended, and Ignacio Piatti has left MLS for Argentina.

That’ll do it for me today. Don’t forget that OCSC has another (unfortunately) closed-door match tomorrow against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Keep your eyes here for any updates on that game, and as always, y’all stay safe out there.