Lion Links: 12/30/20

Good morning, Mane Landers. I hope the day finds you all well. Before we jump into the links, let’s all take a moment to wish Matheus Aiás a happy birthday!

Antonio Carlos Signing a Top Transfer Move

Orlando City’s very own Antonio Carlos has made the top 10 inbound transfers of the 2020 MLS season per Greg Seltzer of mlssoccer.com. Coming in at number four on the list, his importance on the back line along with his “well-rounded” partnership with Robin Jansson are thought to be contributing factors to the Lions lowering their goals against this season from 1.53 to 1.09.

Miller Move Kind of a Big Deal to Waking the Red

Kamal Miller has found himself on Waking the Red’s list of the 10 biggest moves so far this off-season. Miller was drafted by Austin FC in the MLS Expansion Draft, then subsequently traded to the Montreal Impact in exchange for $225,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), $50,000 in conditional GAM, and the 11th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft. Miller finds himself in great company on the list that includes D.C. United naming Danita Johnson president, Bradley Wright-Phillips to the Columbus Crew, NYCFC’s Alexander Ring to Austin FC, and more.

MLS Invokes Force Majeure Clause to Terminate CBA

Yesterday, Major League Soccer let the MLS Players Association that it will invoke a force majeure clause in the collective bargaining agreement.

Major League Soccer has informed the MLS Players Association that it will invoke a force majeure clause that obligates the parties to negotiate modifications to the existing collective bargaining agreement in good faith for 30 days, a source with knowledge of the situation told ESPN on Tuesday. If the sides are unable to reach an agreement, the CBA negotiated in June could be terminated.

The MLS Players Association released an official statement on the matter, condemning the league for dropping this news while players are trying to enjoy some down time after a rough season.

Mallory Pugh and Sarah Killion Woldmoe to Chicago

In a surprising bit of NWSL news, the Chicago Red Stars have acquired Mallory Pugh and Sarah Killion Woldmoe from Sky Blue FC in exchange for the fourth and eighth overall selections in the 2021 NWSL Draft, a conditional first-round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft and an international roster slot for 2021 and 2022.

“We are excited to welcome Mallory and Sarah to the Chicago Red Stars family,” said Chicago Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames. “They are both talented, experienced players of character. I’m confident they’ll fit in well with the group and will help our continued evolution.”

Free Kicks

• Alex Leitao urges supporters to consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

• Inter Miami has re-signed former Lion Brek Shea.
• FC Cincinnati has acquired Costa Rican international Ronald Matarrita from NYCFC.
• Sheffield United have confirmed multiple positive COVID-19 cases after the last round of testing.
• Speaking of the coronavirus and this global pandemic that we are very much still in the middle of, the Premier League is reportedly considering a short break due to COVID-19 cases.
• U.S. firm ALK Capital are set to take over Premier League side Burnley.
• Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC, champions of the Swedish Women’s League have shut down, releasing all players from their contracts just a month after winning the title. You may recall this was Emily Sonnett’s last team before the Pride traded her to Washington.
• Atletico Madrid and Diego Costa have parted ways.
• A Paraguayan player faces punishment after exposing himself during a goal celebration.
• Turkish club Trabzonspor have reportedly made an offer to Newcastle for DeAndre Yedlin.

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