Lion Links: 10/3/25

Happy Friday! Hopefully, October has been treating you well as we get ready for three straight days of Orlando soccer. I was able to get some fall decorating done this week, although my cat has been taking joy in undoing it when I’m away. This is the price I pay for putting him in any pet costume I can get my hands on ahead of Halloween. But enough about him, let’s get to the links!

Alex Freeman’s Young Player of the Year Credentials

MLS legend Bradley Wright-Phillips weighed in on the league’s award races and named Orlando City right back Alex Freeman as his current choice for Young Player of the Year. The 21-year-old has scored six goals so far this season and has been a dynamic force for Orlando during this breakout year. Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas will serve as stiff competition for the award, but Freeman could solidify his case with more goal contributions in Orlando’s final games of the regular season.

Lions Called Up for International Duty

Speaking of Freeman, he was called up by United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino for the USMNT’s friendlies against Ecuador and Australia this month. Freeman should have a chance to impress, considering Sergino Dest is injured and Joe Scally was left off the roster. He’s one of 10 MLS players called up and the roster also includes Christian Pulisic, Alex Zendejas, and Antonee Robinson. This call-up means Freeman will miss the Vancouver Whitecaps match on Oct. 11.

There are Lions heading to Europe for the international break as well. Defender David Brekalo was called up by Slovenia for its World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Switzerland. Croatia called up winger Marco Pasalic ahead of its qualifiers this month against Czechia and Gibraltar.

Orlando Pride Take On the Houston Dash Tonight

The Orlando Pride will wrap up a rollercoaster of a road trip tonight when they play the Houston Dash. A needed win against the San Diego Wave last weekend was followed up by a disappointing loss to Club America in the Concacaf W Champions Cup. Meanwhile, the Dash are coming off a 4-0 loss to the Washington Spirit. Jacquie Ovalle scored her first NWSL goal for the Pride in San Diego, so hopefully she can get on the scoresheet again tonight.

As for other notable NWSL games this weekend, Racing Louisville’s match on Saturday against the North Carolina Courage should be a good one between playoff hopefuls. Sunday will pit two of the top four teams in the standings against each other when NJ/NY Gotham FC hosts the Seattle Reign.

U.S. Shuts Out France at U-20 World Cup

The U-20 United States Men’s National Team pulled off quite the upset in the group stage of the U-20 World Cup, winning 3-0 against France to take control of Group E. It was a scoreless affair for most of the game, but the U.S. made a late surge to score three goals in quick succession. The defense was stellar, with France being held to just two shots for the whole match. The U.S. will win its group with a victory or a draw against South Africa on Sunday.

Free Kicks

• The folks over at Hudson River Blue detailed how former Lion Andres Perea has been doing with New York City FC. Spoiler alert, he’s been pretty good.
• The Tampa Bay Rowdies are under new ownership, with a group led by Patrick Zalupski taking over both the Rowdies and the Tampa Bay Rays.

• Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman was named NWSL Player of the Month after she recorded five goal contributions amid her team’s unbeaten run through September. Her teammate, Deborah Abiodun, also won Rookie of the Month for dominating the midfield for the Spirit.
• The San Diego Wave are suing former team president Jill Ellis regarding her resignation from the club after it was sold to new owners.
• Mexican right back Rodrigo Huescas is out for the rest of FC Copenhagen’s season due to a knee injury and it’s unclear if he will be recovered in time for the World Cup next summer.

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