Lion Links: 10/29/25

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Even though we don’t have an Orlando City match this week, we do have a USWNT match tonight and an Orlando Pride match Sunday. It is the benefit of being a soccer fan that we get to watch the sport we love nearly year-round. For now, let’s get to the links.

OCSC Designated Player News & Notes

Marco Pasalic has been called up by the Croatian National Team for the upcoming World Cup qualification matches against the Faroe Islands and Montenegro. If you’re looking for a silver lining to Orlando City crashing out of the playoffs, it’s that Pasalic won’t miss any matches for the Lions.

The season might be over, but Martin Ojeda has a message for all the supporters.

Marta and Banda Nominated for FIFPRO World 11

Both Marta and Barbra Banda have been nominated for the 2025 FIFPRO World 11. Marta has previously been named to the team in 2019, 2021, and 2024. Banda was also selected in 2024. The players are nominated based on their play between Aug. 11, 2024 to Aug. 3, 2025. That works out well for the two Orlando Pride players given Banda’s injury, and the Pride’s run of form starting in August.

Orlando City B Roster Status

Orlando City B has released the roster status for all players on MLS NEXT Pro deals. Six players are under contract, one contract option year was exercised, and seven players are out of contract. It doesn’t mean that those out of contract won’t re-sign, but as of now Orlando City B will be looking to sign players prior to the new season. There will also be players with first-team contracts that will play for OCB next season.

USWNT Hosts New Zealand Tonight

Following two matches against Portugal (one win and one loss), the USWNT takes on New Zealand in the final match of this camp. Emily Sams is with the team, though she didn’t see the field in the last match. Emma Hayes has been known to rotate, so there’s a chance she’ll get some minutes. The USWNT is 19-1-1 against New Zealand in the all-time series. The match is set for 8 p.m. in Kansas City, MO.

Free Kicks

• The Orlando Pride have extended the lease at Sanford’s Sylvan Lake Park until 2028. Seminole County leaders voted unanimously during Tuesday’s board of county commissioners meeting to grant the extension.
• Sadly, an RB Leipzig fan fell ill at the team’s German Cup game at Energie Cottbus. The fan later died at a medical clinic. We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the fan and the Leipzig community.
• The U-17 U.S. Women’s National Team lost on penalty kicks 7-6 to the Netherlands and ends its run in the U-17 Women’s World Cup. It’s an unfortunate result as the U.S. outshot the Netherlands 24-9 in the match.
• Vancouver Whitecaps defender Tristan Blackmon has been named the 2025 MLS Defender of the Year.
• FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano has won the 2025 MLS Save of the Year for a multi-save effort against Nashville SC.

That will do it for today. Hopefully, we’ll get a U.S. win tonight. Check back as we get you ready for the Pride’s Decision Day match against the Seattle Reign. Vamos Orlando!