Lion Links: 9/4/25

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve spent most of the week working but have also been able to get some painting done. I’m looking forward to all of the World Cup qualifiers today, with nations all over the world trying to earn their place in soccer’s biggest tournament next summer. Let’s go ahead and jump into today’s links!

Orlando City Files Complaint Over Officiating

Orlando City reportedly filed a formal complaint to the Leagues Cup Organizing Committee regarding the officiating in its semifinal match against Inter Miami. A foul by Sergio Busquets in the box that would have resulted in a penalty for Orlando was not called by referee Walter Lopez and not corrected by the video assistant referee. The Lions were also reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute after David Brekalo was shown a second yellow card in a moment that also gave a penalty to Miami. Robin Jansson was given a red card for verbally insulting Lopez following the match, making both defenders unavailable for the third-place match that Orlando lost.

Lions Slip in Latest Power Rankings

Orlando fell two spots to ninth in the latest MLS power rankings. It’s been a rough couple of weeks for the Lions due to a 5-1 defeat to Nashville SC and a pair of losses in the Leagues Cup. The Lions are on a much-needed break this week and will return to action on Sept. 13 with a road match against D.C. United.

The Philadelphia Union moved past San Diego FC to take the top spot in the power rankings. The Seattle Sounders claimed third after winning the Leagues Cup, while Charlotte FC climbed to fourth after winning its eighth straight league game. Minnesota United rounds out the top five.

USMNT Prepares for Korea Republic

The United States Men’s National Team will take on Korea Republic Saturday in the first of two friendlies this month, with the U.S. set to play Japan on Tuesday. It’s the USMNT’s first match against Korea since 2014 and should be a good chance for the Yanks to get meaningful minutes together against a team that qualified for next summer’s World Cup. Orlando City right back Alex Freeman was called up for these friendlies and it will be interesting to see if he ends up playing a role now that Sergino Dest is back. Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan will also be a player to watch, as he was recently called up for these friendlies.

USMNT Will Reportedly Face Uruguay in November

The USMNT’s final match of 2025 will reportedly be against Uruguay on Nov. 18 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Uruguay is currently ranked 16th in the world and can secure World Cup qualification tonight with a win or draw against Peru. The two nations previously clashed in the group stage of the 2024 Copa America, with Uruguay winning 1-0. The other opponent for the U.S. during that international window will also reportedly be from South America.

Free Kicks

• Former Lion Hadji Barry has returned to the USL Championship, joining Hartford Athletic and reuniting with former Colorado Springs Switchbacks SC head coach Brendan Burke. Barry scored 25 goals for Colorado in 2021 to win the Golden Boot and Player of the Year awards.
• The Chicago Stars will play at Northwestern University’s Martin Stadium next season. The lakefront stadium has a turf field and a 12,000-seat capacity.
• The Portland Thorns added Colombian winger Valerin Loboa from Deportivo Cali, signing the 18-year-old to a contract through 2028, with a club option for 2029. Loboa appeared in all of Colombia’s matches at this summer’s Copa America Femenina, scoring her first international goal at the tournament.
• St. Louis City midfielder Eduard Lowen won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his strike against the Houston Dynamo. His goal sparked a late surge that came up short as St. Louis lost 3-2.
• The London City Lionesses partnered with Togethxr, a company founded by a group that includes Alex Morgan. The slogan “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” will be written on the team’s jerseys for the upcoming Women’s Super League season.

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