Lion Links: 3/26/25

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been spending the week reading and eating my way through a pork shoulder after making way too much of it in my slow cooker this weekend. It wasn’t as tender as I was shooting for, but it’ll take some time before I can take another crack at it. But enough about that, let’s dive into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando City Rises in MLS Power Rankings

The league’s latest power rankings are out and Orlando City has moved up two spots to 14th after its 4-1 victory over D.C. United. Orlando’s Designated Players are firing on all cylinders and no MLS team has scored more goals this year. The breakout of 20-year-old defender Alex Freeman, who was noted as one of the top young performers from this past weekend, is also worth recognition. The Lions have been in need of a young player to step up, and Freeman has done well so far. Orlando will be back in action on Saturday for a road match against an LA Galaxy side still searching for its first win of the season.

Emily Sams Called Up For USWNT Friendlies

Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was one of 24 players called up by United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes for the training camp prior to friendlies against Brazil next month. Forward Trinity Rodman, who hasn’t played for the U.S. since the Olympics, is back in the mix after missing time due to injury. Houston Dash defender Avery Patterson and Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce are other interesting players to keep an eye on. The U.S. will take on Brazil April 5 at SoFi Stadium before a rematch on April 8 at PayPal Park.

OCB Plays Crown Legacy FC Tonight

The Young Lions are back in action tonight for a road match against Crown Legacy FC at 7 p.m. It’s OCB’s first away match of the season after a pair of solid results at Osceola Heritage Park to start the season. Orlando will take on a Crown Legacy team that’s only played one game so far this season, losing a shootout to New York City FC II after a 1-1 draw back on March 7. Following tonight’s match, OCB will get some time off before taking on Chattanooga FC in Tennessee on April 5.

Takeaway From USMNT Defeats

After losing both Concacaf Nations League matches, there is plenty of concern surrounding the United States Men’s National Team as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fullback Joe Scally struggled in both matches, putting more of an emphasis on Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest being ready to roll next summer. Weston McKennie lost duels left and right and there are some real questions regarding where he fits in Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s system. There were bright spots as well though. Diego Luna and Patrick Agyemang likely boosted their stock after solid offensive efforts, and Tanner Tessmann was effective in his time on the field. Overall, the Yanks will have to be better in this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup.

Free Kicks

• Former Lion Sacha Kljestan discussed some of the biggest surprises so far this year, including how Atlanta United and the LA Galaxy aren’t quite living up to expectations.
• Inter Miami added 20-year-old striker Allen Obando on loan through the 2025 season, with an option to buy. Obanda joins from Barcelona Sporting Club in Ecuador’s top flight, where he recorded four goals and three assists in 23 matches.
• American striker Folarin Balogun had a hat trick with AS Monaco’s reserve side in his first game of the year after missing time due to shoulder surgery.
• Nadia Nadim spoke on the importance of representing women without a voice when she takes part in Soccer Aid this year.
• The UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals wrap up this week and here’s everything you need to know. Today’s action includes Lyon facing off with Bayern Munich before Arsenal takes on Real Madrid.
• Iran secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup after a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan, with Inter Milan’s Mehdi Taremi scoring a brace. Australia inched closer to qualifying following its 2-0 win over China, while South Korea stumbled in a 1-1 draw at home to Jordan.
• Argentina also booked its ticket to next year’s World Cup, becoming the first South American nation to do so.

That’s all I have for you all this time around. I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday. Go Young Lions!