Lion Links: 10/30/25

It’s been a bit of a rough week, but I’m enjoying this cooler weather here in Florida. I’m not sure how long it will last, but I’m getting some mileage out of my sweaters until the sun tells me otherwise. There’s also an extra hour of sleep awaiting us this weekend due to the time change that I’m excited about. Let’s get to the links.

Orlando Pride Prepare for Decision Day

The Orlando Pride will wrap up their regular season with a home game on Saturday against the Seattle Reign. Both teams are unbeaten in their past four league games and enter Decision Day with plenty to play for as the winner of this match will secure home-field advantage in the first round of the NWSL playoffs. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how the team is preparing for this match following the international break, as well as the importance of playing at home in the playoffs.

MLSPA Shares Player Salary Information

The Major League Soccer Players Association released the salary information of all players under contract as of Oct. 1. Son Heung-Min, who joined LAFC this summer, is the second-highest-paid player in the league with a guaranteed compensation of $11.2 million. As for Orlando City’s summer signings, Tyrese Spicer’s base salary is listed at $80,622 and Adrian Marin’s is $325,000. Spicer became a weapon off the bench for the Lions late in the season and scored in the team’s playoff game against the Chicago Fire.

In terms of total team spending, Orlando City is 21st in the league at $16.11 million. Inter Miami predictably tops the list with $48.97 million, while the Supporters’ Shield-winning Philadelphia Union are 28th with just $13.43 million.

USWNT Crushes New Zealand in Friendly

The United States Women’s National Team wrapped up its trio of friendlies this month with a 6-0 win over New Zealand in Kansas City. Emma Sears had a hat trick, scoring the first and last goals of the game. Catarina Macario had a brace before being subbed out in the second half, with Rose Lavelle also scoring and Michelle Cooper providing a pair of assists. After not featuring in either of the friendlies against Portugal, Pride defender Emily Sams started in this game at right back and helped the U.S. earn a clean sheet. It was a dominant way to end the window. The USWNT’s next match will be against Italy at Inter&Co Stadium on Nov. 28.

Nick Hagglund Named MLS Comeback Player of the Year

It’s awards season in MLS and FC Cincinnati defender Nick Hagglund was announced as 2025 Comeback Player of the Year. Hagglund’s 2024 season came to an end in June due to an ankle injury, which was his third season-ending injury over the past four years. He also missed time this year after sustaining a collapsed lung and two broken ribs in May, but he rallied back to take the field again in August and helped Cincinnati claim second place in the Eastern Conference. The 33-year-old garnered 34.48% of the voting for the award, with former Lion Richie Laryea finishing second with 19.44% of the vote.

Free Kicks

• North Texas SC forward Sam Sarver was named 2025 MLS NEXT Pro MVP after scoring 19 goals this past season. The 22-year-old set multiple club records with North Texas and recently appeared for FC Dallas in a playoff match against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
• Liverpool fell 3-0 to Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup’s fourth round, with Ismaila Sarr scoring twice right before halftime. Manchester City, Newcastle, Arsenal, and Chelsea all advanced to the quarterfinals, which will take place in December.
• French forward Desire Doue exited Paris Saint-Germain’s game against Lorient on a stretcher after grabbing his right thigh.
• Bayern Munich beat Cologne 4-1 for its 14th straight win this season, making it the best start to a season by any team from one of Europe’s five biggest leagues.

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