Lion Links 3/31/21

Hello, Mane Landers. We’ve finally made it to the end of March. I hope everyone is doing well as we approach Easter weekend. It will be a busy weekend for me as I officially graduate from Full Sail University and will have a virtual graduation with friends. I’m not sure what’s next on my journey, but I’m staying positive nonetheless. There are plenty of links to get to today, but let’s first wish a happy 29th birthday to Orlando City forward Tesho Akindele!

Everton Interested in Daryl Dike

Orlando City’s Daryl Dike has been in stellar form while on loan with Barnsley FC and was named FLW Fans’ Championship Player of the Month for his four goals in March. Dike’s performance in England has reportedly caught the eye of Everton. The English Premier League club would need to pay a reported $27 million price tag, but it would be an interesting fit for Dike as he would learn under manager Carlo Ancelotti. Although Dike is still expected to return to Orlando once Barnsley’s season ends, only time will tell if Everton or another club will spend enough to have Dike stay in England for good.

Nani Injured During Training

Nani is ailing from an unspecified injury and not taking part in the Orlando City’s scrimmages as the club trains for the upcoming season. A timetable on when the captain will be back at full strength hasn’t been confirmed, but hopefully it’s nothing too serious.

Speaking of injuries, left back João Moutinho is still recovering from hip surgery in December. Kyle Smith has been playing at the position during scrimmages and the club brought in Sam Gleadle, who was released by Minnesota United earlier this March, as a preseason trialist. Head Coach Oscar Pareja could also fill the position with a player from Orlando City B or the academy, such as 17-year-old defender Quembol Guadalupe.

Jordyn Listro Traded by the Orlando Pride

Canadian midfielder Jordyn Listro is headed to Kansas City after the Orlando Pride traded her in exchange for a natural third-round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft. Earlier this January, the Pride signed Listro to a full contract after she performed well in the 2020 NWSL Fall Series. The third-round pick does have the potential to become a second-round pick if unspecified conditions are met. While Listro was improving to the point of featuring for the Canadian National Team, the Pride do have other options in the midfield to make up for her departure. Orlando Pride General Manager Ian Fleming expressed his thoughts on the trade and Listro’s opportunities moving forward.

“Jordyn has been a consummate professional during her time with the Pride, putting in the work every day since joining us for the Fall Series last season and being a great teammate for the locker room,” Orlando Pride General Manager Ian Fleming said in a club press release. “Jordyn’s short-term goals have evolved positively as a result of her recent international call-ups and we’re happy to come to a deal that not only provides her with an opportunity to meet those goals, but that gives the Pride a valuable asset for the future. We want to wish her the best of luck in Kansas City and thank her for all she has given to the club and community over the last year.”

Orlando Pride Tease Jersey Reveal

Later today, the Orlando Pride will unveil its new kit for the upcoming season. There have been plenty of hints provided about the jersey’s design, including a closer look featuring stars and a geometric pattern.

When asked to describe the jersey in a few words, Pride players practically confirmed that the design is themed around space. It’s great seeing the players excited about the kit ahead of today’s reveal and hopefully it is the Pride’s best yet.

Free Kicks

• The Orlando Magic and Orlando City are taking the right steps to safely increase capacity as more fans get vaccinated and attend games.
• Pedro “El Pulpo” Gallese’s form is looking sharp in training.

• The National Women’s Soccer League announced Ally as its official banking partner. Starting this season, Ally’s logo will appear on the sleeve of each and every NWSL jersey.
• Inter Miami cancelled its preseason scrimmages at IMG Academy in Bradenton.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Wednesday, stay safe, and I’ll see you next time.