Lion Links: 6/15/21

Happy Tuesday, everyone. In a summer already packed to the gills with soccer, we’re about to get even more with Orlando City and the Orlando Pride getting back to playing games this weekend. There isn’t a much better time to be a soccer fan than right now. There’s a lot to go over today, so let’s hop in.

OCSC Continues Orlando Health Partnership

Orlando City has announced that it has renewed its partnership with Orlando Health. The organization is the longest-serving partner in the club’s history, and the two sides have agreed on a long-term renewal. Orlando Health will have the naming rights for the training grounds for both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride, and will continue to be the presenting partner and jersey partner of OCSC, the Pride, the Orlando City Academy and the Orlando City Youth Network

Pride’s Kornieck Settling Into Important Role

Taylor Kornieck has played her part in the early success enjoyed by the Orlando Pride. Yes, she scored her first goal of the season in the Pride’s 1-1 draw with the Washington Spirit, but she also has two assists on the year, both to Alex Morgan. Those two assists are the most of anyone on the team, and including her goal she has been directly involved in three of the seven goals that the team has scored so far. Kornieck credits a mentally and emotionally challenging loan spell in Germany last year with better preparing her to be a professional soccer player, and so far that time clearly paid off.

USMNT Transfer Rumors

Transfer season never truly stops, especially when there are international tournaments taking place where various players can strut their stuff. Oftentimes performances on the international stage can play a big part in a player getting a move to another club. That may prove to be the case for Concacaf Nations League hero Ethan Horvath, who is reportedly attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur. Horvath’s contract at Club Brugge ends in several weeks, and he reportedly wants to leave on a free transfer — with Spurs apparently an interested party. However, with Hugo Lloris and Joe Hart likely safely entrenched as the respective first- and second-choice options, that potential move might not make a ton of sense.

Elsewhere, Marseille reportedly is in talks to sign Konrad de la Fuente on loan from FC Barcelona. De la Fuente needs regular minutes after being on the fringes of the Barcelona team for most of the season, and Marseille coach Jorge Sampaoli has reportedly personally phoned the 19-year-old and explained how he would fit into his plans.

MLS Transfer Happenings

There is also notable transfer action to discuss within Major League Soccer. FC Dallas has announced the signing of Argentinian midfielder Facundo Quignon from Lanus. The deal will run through the 2023 season, with the 28-year-old set to provide some reinforcements in midfield after Thiago Santos left for Gremio during preseason.

Bayern Munich also continue to be interested in signing defender Justin Che from Dallas. The 17-year-old spent the last several months on loan with the Bundesliga champions and progressed from the U-19 side up to the second team and made eight appearances with them. He evidently made a good impression as Bayern hopes to sign him to a permanent deal.

Free Kicks

• The Brazilian and Canadian women’s teams played to a 0-0 draw in a game that featured Marta starting for Brazil with Erin McLeod on the bench for Canada.
• Jozy Altidore is still training on his own, with Toronto GM Ali Curtis saying that no decision has yet been made on his future and that the club is open to all options.
• Hearings have begun in Argentina regarding the death of Diego Maradona.
• In case you’ve been living under a rock, this goal was scored at the Euros yesterday.

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