Lion Links: 2/18/20

Happy Tuesday, everybody. Hopefully most of you were like me and had yesterday off from work. But, if not, you only have four more days until the weekend, so it could be worse. There’s some interesting things to discuss today, so let’s have at it while we wait for tonight’s Orlando City preseason match to arrive.

Three Pride Players Named to SheBelieves Cup Camp Roster

The SheBelieves Cup returns to Orlando this year and the United States Women’s National Team announced its training camp roster ahead of the tournament. Of particular note to Orlando fans, the Orlando Pride’s Ashlyn Harris, Ali Krieger, and Emily Sonnett were all named to the roster.

Speaking of the USWNT, Backline Soccer believes the recent Olympic qualifying tournament saw Kreiger’s national team stock go up, with her attacking contributions from the fullback position playing a big part. On the other hand, they think Sonnett’s stock may not have changed for the better or worse after turning in performances that were fine, but not particularly inspiring.

Weah Suffers Another Injury Setback

Budding USMNT prospect Timothy Weah suffered a hamstring tear in his first game back for Lille since suffering a hamstring tear back in August. He entered the game as a second-half substitute in the team’s 2-1 loss to Marseilles. Unfortunately, he suffered another occurrence of the injury that’s kept him sidelined for the better part of six months. There’s no word yet on the severity of his latest injury, but hopefully it doesn’t keep him out as long as the previous injury did. Regardless, it’s a setback both for Weah and the United States Men’s National Team, which hasn’t been able to call on Weah for some time now.

Miami Signs Pizarro

Inter Miami CF completed the signing of Rodolfo Pizarro from Monterrey of Liga MX. His signing concludes a lengthy period of time in which the attacking midfielder was linked to MLS, with Miami as the frequent destination. His arrival gives the south Florida club its biggest name so far along with a reliable attacking force. In all likelihood, he’ll be ready to suit up in two weeks for the club’s first ever MLS game.

Mattocks Faces Felony Charges

FC Cincinnati forward Darren Mattocks is facing two felony charges in the state of Pennsylvania. Mattocks is charged with making a false, fraudulent, or incompetent insurance claim, as well as theft. While Mattocks trained with the club during the first part of its preseason in Arizona, the Cincinnati Enquirer has not seen Mattocks at the club’s recent preseason activities just down the road from Orlando in Bradenton. Mattocks is said to still be on the club’s roster and is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 27 for a formal arraignment. Only time will tell if he remains on the club’s roster after that date, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.

Free Kicks

• Former Lion Danny Acosta got some bad news that will keep him out of the lineup in LA for quite some time.

• Zinedine Zidane got kicked in the face during Real Madrid’s most recent game.
• Gary Neville doesn’t have much faith that UEFA’s two-year Champions League ban of Manchester City will be upheld, saying that UEFA is a “hopeless organisation”.
• Club Leon coach Nacho Ambriz said Carlos Vela is currently the best Mexican player on the planet. Ambriz is concerned about dealing with him during his team’s Concacaf Champions League tie against LAFC.

That’ll do it for me today. Don’t forget that Orlando City has its second and final preseason friendly open to the public tonight against KR Reykjavík. The game is set to kick off at 6 p.m. so make sure to grab tickets if you haven’t already. It will be your last chance to catch a glimpse of the team before the regular season starts. Stay safe out there.