Lion Links: 2/14/20

Happy Valentine’s Day, Mane Landers. Hopefully the work week wasn’t too stressful so you can celebrate the day in peace, whether that means dinner at a nice restaurant or ice cream and a movie at home. Personally, I’m looking forward to all of the discounted chocolate after today. The one love we all share though, is the one for Orlando City so let’s get into today’s links!

Orlando City Reportedly Interested in Spanish Winger

Spanish midfielder Alvaro Garcia has been linked with Orlando City after struggling with Rayo Vallecano in Spain’s Segunda Division. The 27-year-old is in a five-year deal and was the most expensive signing in club history. Garcia would strengthen Orlando’s offense and CEO Alex Leitao said the club isn’t done filling its roster.

“I really loved the moves that Luiz and Óscar and his team made in the offseason and we’re not done yet,” Leitão said. “Everybody knows that. They still have a spot and I’m pretty sure they’re working hard on that spot.”

That said, at this point, it’s nothing more than a rumor.

Orlando City’s Media Day

Players, coaches, and staff all fielded questions during the club’s media day and Head Coach Oscar Pareja explained that he wants his Lions to be organized and disciplined when they take the field this season. Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi believes the training in Mexico helped the team build chemistry as the Lions prepare for the 2020 season.

Uri Rosell Ready to Step Up

After last season, the Lions reloaded in the midfield with big names like Cristian Higuita, Will Johnson, Sacha Kljestan, and Carlos Ascues no longer on the team. Instead Pareja brought in versatile new players to better fit his system and offer depth when needed. Nani and Mauricio Pereyra bring plenty of firepower to the offense, and Uri Rosell is eager to step up and be a leader on the team.

“I think the veteran guys, because we have more experience, we know how these big moments work and we try to step in during these moments,” Rosell said. “We [haven’t had] yet the ups and downs, but we will, and when those times arrive, it’s going to be important for us to step up and help the team as mentors.”

Pride Players Abroad

The Orlando Pride’s Emily van Egmond continues to impress for Australia, scoring in stoppage time to salvage a draw against China in Olympic qualifying.

The midfielder has been Australia’s best player during the qualifying tournament and Pride teammate Alanna Kennedy started in the Matildas’ draw as well. The pair will likely be in action this weekend in the W-League as well, along with the Pride’s Claire Emslie and Carson Pickett, so make sure to catch a game or two if you can.

Free Kicks

• Check out this behind-the-scenes look at Orlando City’s preparations for the upcoming season.

• In case you can’t make it out to Exploria Stadium when the United States Women’s National Team takes on England for the SheBelieves Cup, here is a handy guide on how to watch. In fact, it tells you how to watch every match in the 2020 SheBelieves Cup.

• Former Lion center back Jose Aja will play for Adrian Heath and Minnesota United this upcoming season.
• It looks like the Nashville stadium crisis is coming to a close after a stadium deal was struck between the mayor and team.
• Major League Soccer President and Chief Administrative Officer JoAnn Neale will be honored as one of four Women of the Year by Women in Sports Events.
• After a history of floods and endless attempts at recovery, Tadcaster Albion AFC will likely shut its doors for good.
• The injury bug won’t leave Tyler Adams alone. This time, he suffered a calf injury that will keep him sidelined.
• We end our links with USWNT player Lindsey Horan shooting hoops in style.

That’s going to do it for today, Mane Landers. I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and rest of your weekend.