Lion Links: 1/12/24

Welcome to Friday! I don’t have many plans for the three-day weekend, which is nice in its own right. My gallery wall is all set up and I’m going to take some time just enjoying the space before I start revamping the kitchen next. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to both the Orlando Pride’s Messiah Bright and Orlando City’s Jack Lynn. Both forwards will be celebrating turning 24 today.

Duncan McGuire Aims to Impress at USMNT Camp

Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire is with the United States Men’s National Team for its January camp ahead of a friendly against Slovenia on Jan. 20. The camp is taking place in the Lions’ backyard at Osceola Heritage Park, with USMNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter citing Orlando City’s facilities and the nice weather as reasons why it’s a great place to train. Berhalter also gave praise to McGuire for his strong rookie season in Orlando and his movement in the final third. It’s an important camp for McGuire, as he has a solid chance at making the roster for this summer’s Olympics and he spoke on what he hopes to gain while with the USMNT this month.

“I’m trying to leave a good impression to the coaches of my abilities and what I can do,” McGuire said. “I’m definitely trying to learn as much as possible and be open to criticism and learn as much as I can, because there are a lot of guys here that are more experienced than me, and there’s a lot of knowledge I can gain from them. So I’m just trying to learn as much as possible this next week.”

Orlando Pride Trade For Morgan Gautraut

The Orlando Pride traded away an international roster spot to the Kansas City Current in exchange for veteran American midfielder Morgan Gautrat (née Brian) and $50,000 in Allocation Money. Gautrat, who was selected with the first overall pick in the 2015 NWSL Draft by the Houston Dash, joins the Pride after a year in Kansas City that was marred by injuries. The two-time Women’s World Cup winner joins the Pride with a year remaining on her contract, making it a fairly low-risk move for the Pride. Orlando acquired an international roster spot in December from the Utah Royals in exchange for goalkeeper Carly Nelson and $65,000 in Allocation Money. So in a roundabout way, the Pride functionally traded away Carly Nelson and $15,000 in Allocation Money for Morgan Gautrat this off-season.

NWSL Draft Takes Place Tonight

The 2024 NWSL Draft is tonight at 8 p.m. and, unlike previous years, there isn’t a consensus on which player will be picked first. Both CBS Sports‘ mock draft and the one by Top Drawer Soccer have the Pride selecting Clemson right back Makenna Morris with the ninth overall pick. While the Pride have made an effort this off-season to retain their back line, I think Morris could give Orlando a bit of an edge when attacking. Stanford’s Kennedy Wesley is another versatile defender who the Pride could select there, although I could also see them adding one of the top attackers should one be there. Last year, the Pride were able to select Messiah Bright in the second round, so the Pride’s 22nd overall pick is worth keeping an eye out for as well.

Noami Girma and Olivia Moultrie Win U.S. Soccer Awards

San Diego Wave center back Naomi Girma became the first defender to be voted U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. The 23-year-old helped the Wave win the NWSL Shield last season and was named 2023 NWSL Defender of the Year. Although the United States Women’s National Team had an earlier exit from last year’s World Cup, Girma was a consistent part of a defense that allowed just one goal in four games.

Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie was voted as Young Female Player of the Year after a decent year as one of the country’s most promising players. She made her debut for the USWNT’s senior team in December and contributed two goals and three assists for the Thorns this past season.

Union Re-Sign Kai Wagner & More MLS Transfer News

Left back Kai Wagner will be staying with the Philadelphia Union after signing a new deal with the club through the 2026 season, with an option for 2027 as well. Wagner became a free agent after five years with the Union, but has chosen to stay in MLS despite interest from European clubs.

There were other notable moves by MLS clubs as well. The Vancouver Whitecaps signed winger Fafa Picault, FC Cincinnati secured Corey Baird’s signature, and the Seattle Sounders added center back Nathan for some defensive depth. Atlanta United officially signed defender Stian Gregersen from Bordeaux and loaned midfielder Franco Ibarra to Rosario Central in Argentina for 2024. Real Salt Lake also officially acquired 17-year-old winger Fidel Barajas from the Charleston Battery.

Free Kicks

• Check out this interesting look into the relation between cardiovascular health issues and being a sports fan. While we often joke about how the Lions are the Cardiac Cats, make sure to keep an eye on your health this season.
• USWNT defender Emily Fox made the move abroad, joining Arsenal in the Women’s Super League.
• American midfielder Weston McKennie had a pair of stellar assists in Juventus’ 4-0 win over Frosinone.

• Bay FC is reportedly set to sign Venezuelan forward Deyna Castellanos, who has been playing for Manchester City since 2022.
• A docuseries will be produced by Box to Box Films to cover the upcoming 2024 MLS season for Apple TV+.
• Amid a move to Chivas, Cade Cowell was granted permission to leave the USMNT’s training camp.
• Dorival Junior was appointed as Brazil’s next head coach.
• In a move that’s been reported on for quite some time, Jadon Sancho is returning to Borussia Dortmund on loan from Manchester United.

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!