Lion Links: 1/14/21

Happy Thursday, Lionesses and Lions. As always, I hope you overcame your hump day with ease. As usual, there has been a fair amount of happenings occurring within the soccer-sphere so let’s get right into the links.

Robin Jansson Signs New Contract

Orlando City defender Robin Jansson has signed a new contract with Orlando City. The Beefy Swede put pen to paper on a new two-year deal that possesses options for 2023 and 2024. The 29-year-old signing a new deal has Luiz Muzzi and many supporters alike excited. The Orlando City EVP of soccer operations stated that having a back line as solid as last campaign’s is pivotal for success again.

“Having a solid defensive base helped lead us to success last season, and maintaining consistency and stability across our backline was a focus of ours this offseason. Robin has proven to be one of the most formidable defenders in Major League Soccer, and we are happy that this Club has been and will continue to be the place his talents are showcased.”

It’s great to see Jansson securing his future with the club as he is a great player and a fan favorite. Let’s hope next season can be just as rock solid as the last for the Swedish defender.

Orlando Pride Select Four Players in NWSL Draft

During the NWSL Draft the Orlando Pride made some moves on the attacking front and acquired some new personnel in hopes of improving next season. After selecting UCLA midfielder Viviana Villacorta at No. 9 in the first round and following an incredible amount of timeouts, the Pride then went on to secure the services of another attacking midfielder in Mikayla Colohan out of BYU in the second round, No. 14 overall.

In the third round at No. 24 came the selection of forward Kerry Abello from Penn State. Abello can play multiple positions. The Pride rounded out the draft by selecting USC goalkeeper Haylie Collins at No. 34 overall in the fourth round.

No Women’s FA Cup Matches Will Take Place Until After England Lockdown

The FA stated that no Women’s FA Cup matches will take place until England exits lockdown. With the country in lockdown it has been decided that the tournament will be postponed as amateur teams in the early stages of the competition are not permitted to train or play at the moment.

“Whilst it would have been possible to play elite-versus-non-elite fixtures under elite criteria with government support… fixtures involving all non-elite teams do not meet elite criteria and cannot currently go ahead,” The FA said. “Therefore, the competition will remain paused during the current lockdown, with a number of options currently being explored on how best to complete it.”

Bryan Reynolds Set to Join Benevento via Juventus

According to Goal.com, Juventus is set to complete the signing of Bryan Reynolds. The FC Dallas man will initially go on loan to Benevento for this season and then join the Italian champions next season. The 19-year-old was highly coveted and a number of suitors longed for his signature — Juventus ultimately won the race. Can Reynolds make an impact as substantial as that of his countryman Weston Mckennie?

Free Kicks

• Chris Armas has been named the new head coach of Toronto FC.
• The Portland Timbers traded Jorge Villafana to the LA Galaxy.
• Manchester City defender Eric Garcia has reportedly agreed terms with Barcelona.
• Five years after losing most of its squad in an air crash, Chapecoense has clinched promotion to the Brazilian top division. The beautiful game at its finest.
• Jansson stated over twitter that he is happy after signing a new deal with the club. The Beefy Swede in purple just looks so right — long may it continue.

That’ll do, pig. That is all for this Thursday’s set of links, until next time, I’ll catch you on the flip side.