Lion Links: 12/23/20

Good morning, Mane Landers! I hope the day finds you all well. Let’s jump right into the links, shall we?

Former Orlando Players in the News

Atlanta United announced yesterday that the club has signed free agent and former Lion Mikey Ambrose. He returns to Atlanta after playing with Inter Miami last season.

“Mikey is an MLS veteran who has proven to be a reliable and versatile defender, and we’re pleased to welcome him back to our club,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “We know we’ll be able to count on his experience and leadership to give us additional competition in our back line.”

Former Orlando Pride player Jasmyne Spencer has re-signed with OL Reign. Spencer made her return from injury at the NWSL Challenge Cup after missing most of 2019 with a torn ACL.

“It is very good to have Jasmyne back with us next season,” said OL Reign head coach Farid Benstiti. “In the Challenge Cup she showed her return from injury is complete, and that she can be a dangerous player for us in the attack. I am very glad she will be with us in 2021.”

Tigres UANL Comes from Behind to Beat LAFC in CCL

The 2020 Concacaf Champions League final was held at Exploria Stadium last night with Tigres UANL coming back from a 1-0 second-half deficit to beat LAFC, 2-1. It was the first CCL title for Tigres after losing in the final in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Diego Rossi put Bob Bradley’s side ahead in the second half but the Liga MX club scored twice in 12 minutes to turn the game around. Our Michael Citro was at the stadium and has your recap.

Stage Two 2020 Re-Entry Draft Results

Three players were selected in Stage Two of the 2020 Re-Entry Draft. The Houston Dynamo selected Joe Corona. The midfielder was selected by Austin FC last week during the MLS Expansion Draft, but didn’t opt out of the Re-Entry Draft, making him eligible for selection. The Dynamo now hold his MLS rights. D.C United picked up former LAFC player Adrien Perez and the Columbus Crew selected goalkeeper Eric Dick. All other teams passed on selecting players.

Reyna Named Young Male Player of the Year

Gio Reyna has been voted the 2020 U.S. Soccer Young Male Player of the Year. Reyna was previously nominated in 2018 and 2019, but took home the title this year for his work with the USMNT. Four days after his first appearance with the USMNT, having earned his first cap under the age of 18, he became the third-youngest goal scorer in USMNT history when he opened the scoring in the 6-2 Victory over Panama. He made his UEFA Champions League debut against Paris Saint-Germain on Feb. 18, contributing to both of Dortmund’s goals in a 2-1 victory. He went from regular sub to starter for Dortmund this season.

Free Kicks

• D.C. United has appointed Danita Johnson as president of business operations, making history as she becomes the first black president in MLS.
• Napoli has won its appeal against the 3-0 forfeit to Juventus, and the match will be replayed.
• The Columbus Crew’s Lucas Zelarayan celebrated with a mural in his honor in Argentina after the MLS Cup victory.

That’s going to do it for me today, everyone. Have a great day and stay safe out there.