Lion Links: 3/20/25

How’s it going, Mane Landers? Not only do we have Orlando soccer to look forward to this weekend, but there’s plenty of international soccer to enjoy as World Cup qualifying heats up all over the world. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda!

Marco Pasalic Impressing Early On

Former MLS player Dax McCarty weighed on which MLS newcomers have been off to a hot start this season, with Orlando City winger Marco Pasalic earning some recognition. The 24-year-old already has three goals and an assist to his name, shaking off some of the concerns about Orlando’s attack heading into the season. While I think it’s a bit early to say that Pasalic has truly replaced Facundo Torres, it is nice to see that he’s already making an impact in a league that can be a bit difficult to get the hang of for new Designated Players. Hopefully he can keep the goals coming when the Lions take on D.C. United at home Saturday.

Seb Hines Talks Shop Ahead of Match Against Gotham

The Orlando Pride started their 2025 NWSL season with a dominant 6-0 win over the Chicago Stars and will look to keep the momentum rolling when they face NJ/NY Gotham FC in their first road match of the year on Sunday. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how his team will have to be at its best to get a result against a Gotham side that has plenty of talent and is coached by Juan Carlos Amoros. He also discussed the Pride’s focus on converting more from corner kicks and the versatility that Prisca Chilufya adds to the attack.

USMNT Takes On Panama Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team will face off against Panama tonight in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals in Los Angeles. Panama has been a thorn in the Yanks’ side in recent years, beating the U.S. in penalties in the 2023 Gold Cup and getting the best of the USMNT again in last year’s Copa America. Tonight’s match will be the toughest test yet for Head Coach Maurico Pochettino, who will have to navigate these two Nations League games without some key defensive players. The winner of tonight’s game will face either Mexico or Canada in Sunday’s final.

Bethany Balcer Stepping Away From Soccer

Racing Louisville forward Bethany Balcer has announced that she will be taking a break from soccer to focus more on who she is outside of soccer.

“The last year and a half I’ve found my identity slowing [sic] slipping away being consumed with soccer and being a professional athlete,” she wrote. “I’ve been chasing things that are material, I’ve become bitter, and I’ve lost my love and joy for the game.”

Balcer has been in the NWSL since 2019 and has been an advocate for players taking care of their mental health. Former Orlando Pride player Sydney Leroux made a similar decision a few days ago, choosing to step away from soccer for her mental health the day before Angel City FC’s season opener. Broadened mental health services was part of the collective bargaining agreement last year for the league and it’s important for players to have improved options when it comes to the mental toll that being a professional athlete can have on them.

Free Kicks

• New York City FC forward Alonso Martinez claimed MLS Goal of the Matchday honors for his acrobatic scissor kick against the New England Revolution.
• Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is reportedly considering a move to MLS this summer. Kevin de Bruyne, Antoine Griezmann, and Paul Pogba are a few of the other players who could be headed stateside this year.
• In the event that Jadon Sancho returns to Manchester United, the decision on his future will reportedly be up to manager Ruben Amorim. Sancho is currently on loan with Chelsea, which will be obligated to make it a permanent move if the club finishes better than 14th. However, Chelsea can get out of the deal for a hefty fee paid to United.
• A win against Bahrain today would clinch Japan a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Japan would become the first nation to qualify apart from the three hosts.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a great Thursday and rest of your week!