Lion Links
Lion Links: 9/17/25
The Orlando Pride defeat Chorrillo FC, MLS updates development guidelines, USMNT news, and more.
Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I’m only days away from heading down to Inter&Co Stadium to check out both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride in the matches this weekend. It’s been too long since I’ve come down, so I’m very much looking forward to it. But before that, join us in wishing a very happy birthday to the Orlando Pride’s Kerry Abello. Vamos! Now, let’s get to the links.
Pride Defeat Chorrillo 5-0
The Orlando Pride defeated Panamanian club Chorrillo FC 5-0 at Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama. The Pride jumped out to a lead on Julie Doyle’s fourth-minute header and never looked back. Summer Yates added a brace in the first half. She then got the hat trick on a penalty kick in the second half. Ally Lemos topped off the victory with a perfectly placed chip shot. It was nice to see the Pride scoring goals again.
Pointless Power Rankings
Power rankings are dumb, but they are still occasionally fun to read. Orlando City didn’t impress in its 1-1 draw against DC United, but at least it wasn’t a loss. As such, the Lions were surprisingly able to move up one spot in the MLS power rankings to the No. 8 spot. Now the club just needs to get all three points in a match.
In the NWSL, the Pride didn’t impress in their 1-1 draw against Bay FC either. Despite that, the Pride were able to hold onto their No. 5 spot in the SI.com power rankings. Much like the men’s side, this club needs to start getting three points to ensure a playoff spot.
Homegrown Rules Change
Major League Soccer has updated its MLS Player Development Guidelines. By updated, I mean MLS has reduced the number of Registered Academy Players from 45 to 35, and the number of non-academy players from nine to five. We know how important Homegrown Players can be once they reach MLS. Several made a big difference last weekend for their respective clubs, including Alex Freeman for Orlando City.
USMNT News
There are nine months until the 2026 World Cup and there are still a lot of questions for the USMNT. Forget world rankings, the U.S. is only ranked fourth in the current Concacaf rankings behind Mexico, Canada, and Panama. Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom as several USMNT players are making appearances in the UEFA Champions League including Sergiño Dest, Ricardo Pepi, Weston McKennie, and others. Tim Weah has already made his mark on the competition after scoring the opening goal for Olympique Marseille in the club’s 2-1 loss to Real Madrid.
Free Kicks
- Congratulations to former Orlando Pride defender Toni Pressley who has been named as the new head coach for the U-18 U.S. Women’s National Team. I’m certain she will do a great job.
- Ally MacKay is out as CSO at D.C. United.
- Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended for testing positive for banned substances. He cannot play for either Chelsea or Ukraine. If found guilty, he could face a four-year ban.
- ESPN has upped its coverage of the NWSL starting in 2026. There will be 33 matches shown between ABC and ESPN, which is an increase of 16 regular-season matches.
That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the matches this weekend. Orlando City and the Orlando Pride will be at home and I will be there to watch in person. Hopefully, I’ll get to see some of you when I’m there. Vamos Orlando!