Lion Links: 10/10/25

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! It’s been a fun week of international soccer and even more of it is coming right up, with both the Orlando Pride and the United States Men’s National Team in action tonight. It should be a nice Friday night to lead into what is hopefully a nice weekend. Let’s get the day started with today’s links!

Prisca Chilufya Traded to Angel City FC

The Orlando Pride traded forward Prisca Chilufya and an international roster spot to Angel City FC in exchange for $50,000 in 2025 intraleague transfer funds on Thursday. Chilufya signed a three-year deal with Orlando in January and started in just four of her 16 NWSL appearances, scoring two goals. Orlando’s offense has struggled during the second half of the season, and trading away an attacker isn’t likely to alleviate that issue as the playoffs near. Chilufya now joins an Angel City team that is on a five-game winless streak and would need a miracle to make the playoffs.

Orlando City Gets Ready to Host the Vancouver Whitecaps

Orlando City will play the Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday in its final home game of the MLS regular season. The match was originally scheduled for Aug. 30 but was rescheduled due to Orlando’s inclusion in the Leagues Cup semifinals. A win would ensure Orlando doesn’t play in the dreaded wild card round, while Vancouver is still in the hunt for the top seed in the Western Conference. Many Lions are away on international duty, including Alex Freeman, Marco Pasalic, and David Brekalo. Head Coach Oscar Pareja spoke on how this game will be an opportunity for other players, as well as the team’s preparations to stop Thomas Muller and the Whitecaps.

USMNT Takes on Ecuador Tonight

The United States Men’s National Team plays Ecuador tonight as it continues to prepare for next summer’s World Cup. It’s been a year since Mauricio Pochettino’s first game as USMNT head coach, a 2-0 win against Panama in Austin last October. The USMNT has won all six of its games played at Q2 Stadium and will need that home-field advantage tonight against a talented Ecuador team that qualified for the World Cup. Hopefully Orlando’s Freeman can make an impact. Unfortunately, Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, and Alex Zendejas may not play tonight according to comments by Pochettino. The USMNT will play its second friendly of the month on Tuesday against Australia in Colorado.

U.S. Advances to U-20 World Cup Quarterfinals

The United States U-20 Men’s National Team beat Italy 3-0 at the U-20 World Cup to advance to the quarterfinals. Benjamin Cremaschi, who plays in Italy with Parma, scored a brace, giving the U.S. the lead in the 15th minute and putting the nail in the coffin in stoppage time. San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Niko Tsakiris also scored off a nice free kick into the bottom left corner, so be sure to check out the highlights below.

It was another great result from the U.S. in this tournament. The Baby Yanks have only conceded three goals in their four games while scoring 16 goals, the most in this World Cup. The U.S. will take on Morocco in the quarterfinals Sunday and the winner of that match will play either Norway or France in the semifinals.

Free Kicks

• A new, all-inclusive experience is coming to Inter&Co Stadium for Orlando City regular-season games next year. Dubbed the Sideline Social, the 266-seat area will feature swivel seats with armrests, a grab-and-go market for concessions, and a drink rail.
• The Pride can clinch a playoff spot this weekend if they beat the Thorns and neither the North Carolina Courage or Houston Dash score.
• In partnership with Space Coast Pro Soccer, the United Soccer League announced its intention to bring both men’s and women’s pro soccer to Brevard County. Space Coast Pro Soccer’s leadership includes some familiar faces in former Orlando City head coach Adrian Heath and former Orlando City minority owner and director John Bonner.
• Algeria joined the list of nations that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, beating Somalia 3-0 to win its group in CAF qualifying.
• American forward Emma Sears signed a new contract with Racing Louisville through the 2028 season. The 24-year-old was selected in the second round of the 2024 NWSL Draft and has scored 10 goals so far this season.
• Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams invested in Boston Legacy FC, joining a list of celebrity investors for the club that also includes Elizabeth Banks and WNBA star Aliyah Boston.
• Real Oviedo fired Veljko Paunovic as its head coach, which is a bit of a shock considering he was appointed in March and helped the club earn promotion to La Liga for the first time in over 20 years.

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