Lion Links: 8/29/25

Happy Friday, Mane Landers. I hope the week’s been going well for you as we get ready for a weekend filled to the brim with Orlando soccer. Before we dive into today’s links, let’s all wish a very happy birthday to Orlando City Homegrown Player Gustavo Caraballo!

Jansson Joins Brekalo on Suspended List for Sunday

News out of the club late Thursday revealed that following Wednesday’s officiating debacle in Miami, Orlando City captain was shown a red card. Although the club is appealing the decision, those are the types of red cards that rarely get rescinded, so the Lions will likely be down two center backs for Sunday. Kyle Smith has deputized on the back line previously in such situations, but it’s not an ideal situation for an Orlando team going on the road in search of a Concacaf Champions Cup berth.

Orlando Pride Take On NJ/NY Gotham FC Tonight

This weekend’s NWSL action kicks off tonight and the Orlando Pride will face NJ/NY Gotham FC at 8 p.m. in the City Beautiful. The Pride have fallen to fourth in the NWSL standings after a disappointing run of results and have been held scoreless in their past two games. Orlando’s defense remains resolute, but the offense is struggling and Barbra Banda’s injury doesn’t help matters. A win at home would help mend things before the Pride begin play in the Concacaf W Champions Cup next week.

Elsewhere in the NWSL, the Seattle Reign and San Diego Wave will square off in an intriguing West Coast matchup tonight. A California clash between Bay FC and Angel City FC on Monday could also be an exciting game to keep an eye out for.

Orlando Pride Earn Great Transfer Grades

ESPN graded the biggest transfer moves in the NWSL this summer and the Orlando Pride’s signing of Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle from Tigres received an “A-” rating. The move is a solid one for both player and club, as the Pride are in dire need of a world-class attacker and Ovalle now has a bigger stage to showcase her magic. Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter spoke on Instagram about signing Ovalle and its impact on women’s soccer.

As for other NWSL transfer grades, Ally Watt’s trade from the Pride to the Denver Summit was given an “A” grade as it looks to be a good decision for all parties. Mia Fishel’s move from Chelsea to Seattle was graded as a “B+” as well.

MLS Enjoying Record Spending Year

MLS clubs have been opening up their pocketbooks this year, spending approximately $336 million in player acquisitions. The league’s incoming transfer record was broken three times in 2025, most recently by LAFC when it signed Son Heung-Min for a reported $26.5 million fee. Clubs have also been taking advantage of the new implementation that allows moves within the league for cash, with Evander notably going from the Portland Timbers to FC Cincinnati for $12 million. The league seems to be moving in the right direction in terms of bringing in and retaining talented players.

UEFA Champions League Draw Unveiled

Although the removal of the group stage format makes the Champions League draw a bit less dramatic, it’s still interesting to see the paths teams will have to take to reach the knockout stage. Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain has a pretty brutal slate, with matches against Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Tottenham, Bayer Leverkusen, and Atalanta on the docket. Napoli has a fairly easy path ahead comparatively, while Arsenal managed to dodge some troublesome away opponents. It should be a fun tournament, although the stakes may not set in until the league phase nears its end.

Free Kicks

• Chelsea is reportedly aiming to sign American forward Alyssa Thompson from Angel City FC.
• The Chicago Stars added Colombian forward Ivonne Chacon from Levante U.D., signing her to a contract through 2027. The 27-year-old has spent the past three years playing in Spain and scored 11 goals last season.
• American midfielder Yunus Musah’s expected move to Atalanta is reportedly on hold due to an injury to AC Milan’s Ardon Jashari.
• Manchester United and Chelsea have reportedly agreed to a deal for winger Alejandro Garnacho to head to London for £40 million.
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was fired by Besiktas following the Turkish club’s loss to Lausanne in the UEFA Conference League playoffs.

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