Lion Links: 9/12/25

Happy Friday! I hope the week went fairly well for you as we get ready for a busy weekend that thankfully includes all three of Orlando’s soccer teams in action. I’ll be spending most of it working but should still have time to get some reading done before the time crunch of trying to hit my reading goals before the end of the year really happens. Let’s get to the links!

Martin Ojeda Remains in MVP Mix

As the MLS season nears its end, former Orlando City player Sacha Kljestan weighed in on this year’s MVP race. San Diego FC midfielder Anders Dreyers, who leads the league with 32 goal contributions this season, is the current frontrunner, but it’s far from a foregone conclusion. Orlando midfielder Martin Ojeda has been phenomenal this season, recording 14 goals and 14 assists. If he somehow finds another gear for Orlando’s last five games then he may claim MVP. FC Cincinnati’s Evander and Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge are in similar positions, while Lionel Messi could come out on top since Inter Miami has multiple games in hand.

Orlando Pride Prepare to Face Bay FC

The NWSL is also reaching its final stretch and the Pride will take on Bay FC at home on Saturday. The Pride are winless in their past seven league games and are coming off of a rough 5-2 loss to the Chicago Stars. Bay FC is having a similar struggle, losing its past four games. The Pride have won all previous meetings against Bay FC, including a 1-0 win on June 13 in California. All previous matchups have ended 1-0. Hopefully home-field advantage can give the Pride an edge as they aim for a much-needed win.

MLS Transfer News Roundup

Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Rafael Cabral will be sticking around in Utah, signing a contract extension through 2027 with an option for 2028. The Brazilian joined the team before the 2025 season and has played in 32 games across all competitions, recording eight clean sheets along the way. Speaking of goalkeepers, the New England Revolution waived Aljaz Ivacic in a move that makes sense considering Matt Turner is back in town. Nashville signed 23-year-old defender Jordan Knight from its MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Huntsville City FC.

Chelsea Faces Breaches of FA Rules

Chelsea has been charged with a whopping 74 breaches of English soccer rules related to third party and intermediary involvement of player transfers. The English club stated that it reported the breaches itself after becoming aware of them. The Football Association stated that the charges are primarily related to the seasons when it won the English Premier League in 2010-2011 and 2015-2016. It’s quite the amount of charges, but only time will tell what it will ultimately amount to.

Free Kicks

• Marta and Barbra Banda tied as the highest-rated Pride players in the latest edition of FIFA. You can check out how other Pride players rated, thanks to the club’s Instagram.
• If looking to get a head start on holiday shopping for the Pride fans in your life, the club’s shop now includes a championship collection that includes commemorative memorabilia like fan rings and a coffee table book.

• Orlando City academy goalkeeper Luan Silva was called up to the U.S. U-15 National Team’s training camp that begins today in Georgia.
• Detroit City FC fired an employee who was arrested and charged with making terrorist threats.

• The 2027 UEFA Champions League final will take place at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium.
• Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was loaned to Trabzonspor in Turkey for the rest of the season.
• The UEFA Executive Committee has delayed making a decision on whether or not a La Liga match between Barcelona and Villarreal will take place in Miami.

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