Lion Links
Lion Links: 1/8/24
Daryl Dike scores on his return, Dax McCarty headed to Atlanta, 2023 Mac Hermann winners named, and more.
Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. Things are heating up even as the weather cools down. The signing of Nico Lodeiro by Orlando City should just be the start. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some more action from the Orlando Pride as well.
We’re in the home stretch of only 19 days away from Orlando City’s match against Flamengo and the season is right behind that. For now, let’s get to the links.
Dike’s Delightful Return
Former Orlando City striker Daryl Dike spent the last nine months dealing with an injured achilles tendon. He made his return in West Bromwich Albion’s 4-1 FA Cup victory over National League side Aldershot Town. Dike put in a solid 45 minutes for the Baggies, including this screamer of a goal.
Hopefully, this is just the start of a great comeback for the young striker. I would love for him to get into good form and make some international appearances for the USMNT.
MLS Transfer News
As usual, Tom Bogert of The Athletic brings the transfer rumors that you can almost take to the bank. MLS veteran Dax McCarty is likely headed to Atlanta United after spending the last four years with Nashville SC. At 36 years old this might be McCarty’s last stop.
FC Cincinnati, the 2023 Supporters’ Shield winner, is looking to add Corey Baird to an already potent attack. Baird helped Houston win the 2023 U.S. Open Cup and the Western Conference final.
Charlotte FC has submitted a $9.5 million bid for Danish midfielder Albert Grønbæk. Grønbæk is currently with Norwegian side FC Bodø/Glimt in Norway’s top division, Eliteserien. I can only assume Charlotte saw Orlando City’s success with Robin Jansson and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson and figured they wanted some of that.
USMNT News
Things were looking bleak for Weston McKennie at Juventus six months ago, but now it looks like the club will be open to extending his contract. McKennie was sent to Leeds United on loan, and while that didn’t work out for Leeds, he did come back “matured,” according to Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri.
It’s going to be a busy year for Christian Pulisic. He is playing very well for AC Milan and we can hope he brings that form to the USMNT. Pulisic will be needed as the USMNT competes in Concacaf Nations League in March and the Copa America this summer.
FA Cup Continues
I already mentioned Daryl Dike’s and West Brom’s FA Cup victory above, but that wasn’t the only match on Sunday. Manchester City returned to form, defeating Huddersfield 5-0. The match also saw the return of Kevin De Bruyne to the lineup after being out with injury since August.
Liverpool didn’t need Mo Salah — he’s with the Egyptian National Team — to knock Arsenal out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win. All it took was an own goal by Jakub Kiwior and a second-half stoppage-time goal by Luis Diaz. Media darlings Wrexham AFC defeated Shrewsbury 1-0 to advance in the competition. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watched the match from their respective homes in the U.S.
Free Kicks
- Chelsea’s Sam Kerr sustained an ACL injury during warm weather training in Morocco. There is no time frame on a return for Kerr, which will impact the Australian National Team as well as Chelsea.
- The Men’s and Women’s Mac Hermann Trophy winners for the best college player were announced on Friday. Ousmane Sylla from Clemson University won the men’s trophy and Onyi Echegini from Florida State University won the women’s trophy. Echegini is the fourth Seminole to win the award and the third in the last four years.
- Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford scored an absolute banger in his club’s 3-0 win over Peterborough in the FA Cup.
- So this might be Inter Miami CF’s third kit.
My thoughts? Still hideous.
Have a great week and check back for any potential signings by Orlando City or the Orlando Pride. Vamos Orlando!