Lion Links: 10/9/25

The MLS and NWSL regular seasons are starting to near their conclusions and important matches for both teams are on the horizon. This is also an international break in men’s soccer, meaning we have plenty of soccer from all over the world to enjoy as well. Let’s dive right into today’s links!

Alex Freeman Second On MLS 22 Under 22 List

The 2025 MLS 22 Under 22 rankings are out and Orlando City right back Alex Freeman placed second on the list. It’s been a breakout year for the American, who claimed a regular starting spot for the Lions and has recorded six goals and two assists so far this season. He’s the only Lion on this year’s list, which was voted on by a panel of MLS staff and club technical staff to determine the top players under the age of 22 in the league.

The only player to finish above Freeman is Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas, while the Philadelphia Union placed three players on the list. The youngest player listed is 17-year-old New England Revolution left back Peyton Miller, who is currently in Chile for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Orlando Pride Prepare for the Portland Thorns

Following a 1-1 draw with the Houston Dash, the Orlando Pride are back in action on Friday with a home game against the Portland Thorns. The Pride are only a point back from the fourth-place Thorns as both teams aim for playoff qualification and hosting rights in the postseason. The Thorns head into this match following a 2-1 home win over Bay FC that included Olivia Moultrie’s first career brace. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how Orlando will have to prevent giving Moultrie opportunities from set pieces on Friday, as well as the team’s mentality after its three-game road trip.

Analyzing Ecuador Ahead of USMNT Game

The United States Men’s National Team will take on Ecuador Friday in Austin in the first of two friendlies this month. Ecuador did well to qualify for next year’s World Cup, finishing second in the CONMEBOL table. The South American side has plenty of young and dynamic talent that could use Friday’s match as a chance to stand out, including Strasbourg midfielder Kendry Paez and Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez. Veteran forward Enner Valencia is Ecuador’s all-time leading scorer, and it is likely he will spearhead the team’s attack again on Friday.

Keeping Up with World Cup Qualifying

Egypt became the 16th team to qualify for the 2025 World Cup after a 3-0 win over Djibouti, with Mohamed Salah scoring a brace. The Ivory Coast, Senegal, Algeria, and Ghana can all qualify this week if results go their way. European qualifying is still taking shape, and there are eight matches today, including a battle between the top two teams in Group L when Czechia hosts Croatia. Things are also still fairly open in Concacaf qualifying, although Jamaica could clinch a spot in the World Cup so long as it wins its two games and Curacao doesn’t beat Trinidad & Tobago. AFC qualifying has been whittled down to just two groups of three with two spots left to grab and Saudi Arabia will qualify if it beats Iraq on Tuesday.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City’s Martin Ojeda and Alex Freeman were noted as snubs on Dax McCarty’s MLS Best XI.
• Former Canada Women’s National Soccer Team assistant coach Jasmine Mander shared her side of the story regarding the team’s drone scandal at the Paris Olympics.
• FC Cincinnati forward Kevin Denkey won Goal of the Matchday for his strike from distance that beat New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel in a 1-0 win.
• The Women’s Champions League’s league phase kicked off and former Pride manager Marc Skinner coached Manchester United to a win in its tournament debut. Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid also began their campaigns with wins, while Wolfsburg crushed Paris Saint-Germain 4-0.
• Former Lion Richie Laryea was fined an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s policy on hands to the head and neck area.

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