Lion Links: 2/16/21

Happy Tuesday, everyone. There’s plenty to be excited about with the SheBelieves Cup about to start in our own backyard and the start of the new MLS season slowly getting closer and closer. There’s lots of news today so let’s get to it.

Orlando City Trades for International Slot

Orlando City has acquired an international roster spot for the 2021 Major League Soccer season in a trade with the Columbus Crew. In exchange for the roster spot, the Lions will send $175,000 dollars in General Allocation Money (GAM) to Columbus. Of that, $150,000 in GAM will be sent this year, with the further $25,000 to be sent in 2022. With the execution of the trade the Lions now have nine international roster spots for the 2021 season. The trade was necessary for OCSC to get an international roster spot to use on new signing Alexandre Pato.

MLS Transfer Summary

A number of signings were confirmed in MLS yesterday. First up, the Houston Dynamo re-signed Boniek Garcia, bringing the Honduran international midfielder back for a 10th season with the club.

Farther west, the LA Galaxy have signed free agent defender Oniel Fisher. The Jamaican defender played for D.C. United in 2020, and has plenty of experience in Major League Soccer. Before joining D.C., Fisher spent two seasons with the Seattle Sounders, and will likely provide depth in defense for Julian Araujo.

Finally, the San Jose Earthquakes have picked up Eric Remedi from Atlanta United in exchange for $200,000 in GAM, although that total could go as high as $300,000 if performance-based add-ons are fulfilled. The defensive midfielder fills a position of need for San Jose, and $200,000 in GAM isn’t a bad return for Atlanta for a player who saw his minutes decreased as last season went on.

Transfers to Watch For

Clearly, the MLS transfer train has started to pick up speed as the new season draws closer and closer. However, there are still plenty of teams who have big business that needs to be conducted, so let’s run through a few of them. The Vancouver Whitecaps will likely try to sign a no. 10 to a Designated Player contract after selling Inbeom Hwang to Rubin Kazan during the summer. FC Cincinnati is another team that seems to be on the hunt for a no. 10, but also has to deal with Frankie Amaya, after the youngster requested a trade away from the club. D.C. and the New York Red Bulls also both have new managers going into this season, and neither team is likely finished with its transfer business ahead of the new season starting.

Things to Know Before SheBelieves Cup

The SheBelieves Cup is scheduled to kick off in just a couple days, and there are some important things to know before the tournament gets underway. First off, while the format is the same. the schedule and timing of the tournament will be a little different than in years past. The entirety of the competition will take place from Feb. 18-24 at Exploria Stadium in order to help reduce potential exposures of the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States will be trying to win back-to-back titles for the first time in the tournament’s six-year history. This is also the first year that fan voting will help determine who is named the SheBelieves Cup MVP.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City’s post about signing Alexandre Pato has blown up in a big way.

• Check out this new app that Nani is helping to promote.

• Former Orlando City B goalkeeper Austin Aviza has joined the Richmond Kickers of USL League One.

That’ll do it for me today. Y’all stay safe out there.