Daily Update: 12/11/2019

A lot to get through today so let's get straight into it.

Jordi Almeida Update

I spoke with a source today regarding the news about Jordi and he basically said that no official offer has been placed. He did say there were initial interest and conversations, but nothing more than that. He looks like a really good GK so I would love to see him join up with the team. I forgot to post these yesterday, but here are some of his highlights: https://youtu.be/zDAwlZDJGnk

Denil Maldonado

Reports surfaced today of our interest in 21-year-old CB Denil Maldonado. Standing at 5'10, Maldonado is a bit smaller than most would like for the CB role, but from the looks of it (all conclusions are from these youtube highlights: https://youtu.be/MHxrPiXkUQ0) he has good enough jumping ability to win aerial duels. One of the main takeaways I got from the video was his eagerness to step forward out of position to apply pressure and attempt to win the ball. In the highlights, he was constantly closer to his midfielders than his defensive partner. I think this is the type of CB who would suit Jansson, as Jansson likes to back off and hold his ground, rather than go looking for tackles. Last season, Sane was the "stopper" pushing up the field and trying to apply pressure. I never liked it when Sane would leave his position because of his lack of mobility. That wouldn't be a problem for Maldonado as the video shows his incredible pace.

This move looks like it may come to fruition as a thread from @newguayork on Twitter has surfaced about our interest in the player. The thread mentions that we have wanted him for a while and sent assistant coach Sean McAuley to scout him. The Orlando Lions Den Podcast posted the thread and said this guy knows his stuff about Honduran football. I trust their insight.

Oscar Pareja Interview

Oscar Pareja was on a Columbian radio show and was asked a multitude of questions. The most notable answers were about Cano and Higuita. For Cano, he confirmed that discussions were happening but that they would take time. As for Higuita, he said that he supported the decision to let him go due to his salary cap restriction. I really hope the CBA talks raise the salary cap a bit so we don't have to see these types of situations as often.

Sacha Kljestan

Former captain Sacha Kljestan was announced as an LA Galaxy player today. Best of luck to him.

That was a lot of information for one day. Hopefully, I didn't miss anything. Let me know if I did.

'Til next time, this has been Gavin Rushnell and #VamosOrlando.