Lion Links: 9/9/25

Good morning, everyone. It was not a pleasant weekend for Orlando soccer, but fortunately we have plenty going on this week to distract us from Sunday’s result. The United States Men’s National Team plays Japan later today, Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are both back in action on Saturday, and Orlando City B plays Inter Miami II on Sunday. With all of that on the horizon, it means we have plenty to talk about this morning, so let’s get into the links.

Ramiro Enrique Moves to Saudi Arabia

Orlando City announced on Monday that Ramiro Enrique has transferred to Al-Kholood of the Saudi Pro League. The announcement brings to fruition a move that has been reported in recent days and ends the Argentinian striker’s time as a Lion. His departure means that Duncan McGuire’s return from injury is more timely than ever, as he and Luis Muriel are now the only true and tested strikers on Orlando’s roster. It also gives the team additional roster-building flexibility in the off-season, as an MLS U22 Initiative spot has now opened up. Best of luck to Ramiro with his new team!

USMNT vs. Japan Preview

The USMNT is set to take on Japan in its final match of the September window later today, so while it might be an exercise in masochism, let’s take a look at the opponents. Manager Hajime Moriyasu has been in the job since the summer of 2018, and he usually deploys his team in a 3-4-2-1 with a focus on getting as many attacking players on the field as he can. Japan places an emphasis on solid technical play in possession but also likes to hit on quick transitions when winning the ball in midfield. New Jersey-born goalkeeper Zion Suzuki starts in net, and other notable players include Wataru Endo, Takumi Minamino, and Takefusa Kubo. The Yanks are going to have their work cut out for them in this one, especially considering the way they played against South Korea on Saturday.

Additional (Minor) Sanctions from Leagues Cup Kerfuffle

Major League Soccer has (at long last) announced additional sanctions for the post-match extra-curriculars that happened at the end of the Leagues Cup final. Luis Suarez has been suspended for three league games after spitting on a Seattle Sounders staff member, while Sounders staffer (and former MLS player) Steven Lenhart has had his credential privileges revoked for the rest of the regular season and playoffs, presumably for throwing punches during the scuffle. The Sounders have also been fined for “misappropriation of credentials,” although the amount of the fine was not specified. It’s…interesting that Sergio Busquets was not sanctioned despite throwing a punch of his own, but I suppose the league sees things differently than I do.

World Cup Qualifying Roundup

World Cup qualifying continued Monday, and there were some notable results that we need to go over. It was a mixed bag for the Lions on international duty, as Marco Pasalic was an unused substitute in Croatia’s 4-0 over Montenegro, while David Brekalo came on in the 86th minute during Slovenia’s 3-0 loss to Switzerland. The headline-grabbing result of the day was Italy taking down Israel 5-4 courtesy of a 91st-minute goal by Sandro Tonali. The result crucially keeps the Italians in touching distance of Group I leader Norway, which is three points ahead of them. Kosovo pulled off a shocker by beating Sweden 2-0 to leapfrog the Swedes into second place in Group B. Elsewhere, Tunisia punched its ticket to the big dance after a 94th-minute winner by Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane on the road against Equatorial Guinea. Madagascar beat Chad 2-0 to keep itself three points behind Ghana in Group I and maintains its place as one of the four best second-place teams.

Free Kicks

• The Orlando Pride somehow held fast at no. 4 in ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
• Bay FC has announced changes to its sporting organization as head coach Albertin Montoya will step down at the end of the season, among other moves. Bay will visit Orlando on Saturday.
• The 2026 World Cup draws nearer every day, but there are real concerns that Mauricio Pochettino has no idea what his best XI is.
• Harry Kane says England has a plan in place if its players are racially abused during its upcoming match with Serbia.
• Jaedyn Shaw has reportedly been traded from the North Carolina Courage to NJ/NY Gotham FC in a record for an intra-league trade.

That’s all I have for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!