Lion Links: 10/16/25

How’s it going, Mane Landers? It’s been a fairly hectic week on my end, but I’m looking forward to watching some soccer this weekend. Orlando City and the Orlando Pride both securing playoff spots definitely takes some of the stress out of things, although there’s still plenty to play for. Today also marks the 11-year anniversary of the groundbreaking at Orlando City SC’s soccer-specific stadium. It’s pretty nice knowing we have one of the best soccer stadiums in the country. Let’s get to the links!

Pride Draw Pachuca, Crash Out of Champions Cup

The Orlando Pride were eliminated from the Concacaf W Champions Cup after a 1-1 draw with CF Pachuca. Marta gave the Pride the lead in the first half, scoring off of a free kick that she tucked into the top right corner. Pachuca equalized things in the second half though, and the Pride were unable to find a needed winner, as finishing chances continues to plague the team in 2025. Pachuca advances to the knockout stage due to goal difference. It was a disappointing tournament from the Pride, as they failed to qualify for the semifinals despite not having another NWSL team in their group. Attention now fully turns towards finishing the season strongly and doing well in the playoffs next month.

Emily Sams Called Up By USWNT

United States Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes called up 26 players for a trio of friendlies this month, and her roster includes Pride defender Emily Sams. However, Kerry Abello, who made her USWNT debut earlier this year, was not called up this time around. European players like Emily Fox, Lindsey Heap, and Catarina Macario return to the fold. The only newcomer to the scene is San Diego Wave center back Kennedy Wesley, while 19-year-old center back Jordyn Bugg is the youngest player called up. The USWNT will play Portugal on Oct. 23 and Oct. 26 before playing New Zealand on Oct. 29.

USMNT Takeaways After Friendlies

The United States Men’s National Team didn’t lose either of its two friendlies in the last week, drawing 1-1 against Ecuador and beating Australia 2-1. While it’s still not a foregone conclusion who will start up top for the Yanks next summer, Haji Wright made a strong case for the job after scoring a brace against Australia. Folarin Balogun also scored this window, so we’ll see if either player can carry this momentum into their club games. Veteran Cristian Roldan assisted on both of Wright’s goals and was a bright spot in the midfield, while James Sands and Tanner Tessman struggled to fill the void left by Tyler Adams. We’re only eight months away from the World Cup and the starting lineup still feels uncertain due to injuries and inconsistent performances. While cohesion is still a bit hard to come by for the U.S., progress is being made.

Christen Press Announces Retirement

USWNT legend Christen Press announced that she will retire from professional soccer following this NWSL season. The 36-year-old won the World Cup with the U.S. in 2015 and 2019 and scored 64 international goals — ninth most in USWNT history. A Los Angeles native, Press was Angel City’s first signing ahead of its inaugural season in 2021, but she’s been plagued by injuries in recent years. She is also still the all-time leading scorer for Stanford, where she scored 71 goals and won the MAC Hermann Trophy in 2010. With her long career coming to a close, we wish her nothing but the best in retirement.

Free Kicks

• Trinity Rodman suffered a leg injury and did not seem able to put weight on it as she exited in the first half of the Washington Spirit’s Concacaf W Champions Cup match against Monterrey on Wednesday.
• Inter Miami signed midfielder David Ruiz to a contract extension that will keep him at the club through 2028, with an option for 2029.
• Botafogo is disputing FIFA’s order for it to pay Atlanta United the $21 million transfer fee for Thiago Almada.
• Ivan Hasek was sacked by Czechia after its 2-1 loss to the Faroe Islands in UEFA World Cup qualifying. Czechia is still in contention to qualify and just needs a win over Gibraltar to secure a spot in at least the playoff.
• Welsh midfielder Jess Fishlock has retired from international soccer. The 38-year-old is Wales’ all-time leading scorer with 48 goals and recently scored for the Seattle Reign in a 1-1 draw against Bay FC as her club aims to secure a playoff spot.

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