Lion Links: 10/24/25

How are we all hanging in there? It’s been a rough week as Orlando City supporters and it’s going to sting a bit watching the other playoff teams do their thing this weekend. I don’t have any teams I’m rooting for to win it all at this point, but I am hoping there are some good goals to watch along the way. Let’s get to the links!

Alex Freeman Up For MLS Young Player of the Year

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman was one of three players nominated for this year’s MLS Young Player of the Year Award. It was a breakout year for the 21-year-old, as he claimed the starting spot at right back for the Lions and recorded six goals and three assists this season. He also helped the club reach the Leagues Cup semifinals and ranked second on this year’s MLS 22 Under 22 list. It would be surprising if Freeman wins this award though, considering Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas claimed the top spot on that 22 Under 22 list and was nominated as well. Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna is the third finalist and had nine goals and seven assists over the course of the season.

All MLS Year-End Award Finalists Announced

The nominees for the other MLS awards were revealed as well. Martin Ojeda’s 31 goal contributions weren’t enough to earn an MVP nomination during a competitive year for the award, with Evander, Anders Dreyer, Lionel Messi, Sam Surridge, and Denis Bouanga all up for the award. Dreyer was also nominated for MLS Newcomer of the Year alongside Philip Zinckernagel and Son Heung-Min. The Philadelphia Union have two MLS Defender of the Year nominees in Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner, with Vancouver Whitecaps center back Tristan Blackmon as the third finalist. Former Lion Richie Laryea is up for MLS Comeback Player of the Year after battling back from a hamstring injury.

USWNT Loses to Portugal in Friendly

The USWNT fell 2-1 to Portugal in its first of three friendlies this month. The Yanks got off to a dream start thanks to a goal from Rose Lavelle in the first minute of the game. However, Portugal scored right before halftime off of a corner kick to equalize. The visitors scored the winner off of a deflected shot by Fatima Pinto on another corner in the second half, and the USWNT wasn’t able to get back on the scoresheet. It was the USWNT’s third loss under Head Coach Emma Hayes and we’ll see how the team responds when it faces Portugal again on Sunday.

Underdogs Impress in the Europa League

There were some notable upsets in the latest round of Europa League matches. Dutch club Go Ahead Eagles rallied to beat Aston Villa 2-1, while Lille lost 4-3 at home to Greece’s PAOK. RB Salzburg lost 3-2 to Hungarian club Ferencvárosi, and Roma was beaten 2-1 by Viktoria Plzen as well. Nottingham Forest won though, getting a new coach boost with Sean Dyche at the helm in a 2-0 win over Porto. As for how the Scottish teams are doing, Celtic picked up its first win of the tournament after beating Sturm Graz 2-1 and Rangers lost 3-0 to Brann. Midtjylland, Braga, and Lyon remain perfect so far and lead the table after three rounds.

Free Kicks

• Lionel Messi extended his contract with Inter Miami through 2028. He’ll be 41 in the final year of that deal.
• The Chicago Stars re-signed defender Sam Staab to a new contract that will last through 2029. She was drafted by Chicago with the fourth overall pick in the 2019 NWSL Draft and her previous contract was set to expire after the 2026 season.
• Sporting Kansas City announced its roster moves following the season and Erik Thommy is a notable player who won’t be with the club next year.
• Antonee Robinson will continue to miss time with Fulham after being ruled out of the team’s match against Newcastle United on Saturday due to a knee injury.
• El Clasico is on Sunday and the rivalry game may come down to who shines brightest between Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Barcelona’s Pedri.

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