Lion Links: 11/19/25

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Also, welcome to the off-season, although that doesn’t mean the news stops. In fact, Tuesday was a busy day as you will see below. You might not know this, but today is the anniversary of Orlando City being announced as 21st MLS franchise back in 2013. How time flies. Let’s get to the links.

Haley Carter Leaving Orlando Pride

In a surprise move, Orlando Pride Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter is leaving the club to pursue other opportunities. Carter was one of the architects of the Orlando Pride’s turnaround and ultimately the club’s successes in 2024. There’s been no announcement regarding what Carter will do next. As for the Pride, the club will now begin the search for Carter’s replacement. This may be the most impactful off-season move for the Pride.

USMNT Defeats Uruguay Behind Freeman’s Brace

The USMNT romped Uruguay 5-1 in Tampa in the final friendly of the November camp. Alex Freeman got the start for the U.S. and scored his first two USMNT goals. Freeman scored his first international goal in the 20th minute with an assist from Sebastian Berhalter.

Freeman enjoyed his first international goal so much he decided to get his second.

Berhalter scored his first international goal to start things off in the 17th minute. Freeman and Berhalter are making a case to include them on the World Cup squad. Diego Luna contributed the fourth goal in the 42nd minute to finish off a first half goal extravaganza. In the second half, Tanner Tessmann joined Berhalter and Freeman in the 68th minute by scoring his first international goal. Former Orlando City attacker Facundo Torres subbed on for Uruguay in the 72nd minute, but by that time his team was down a man and four goals.

USMNT Stood Up for Freeman in Fracas

The USMNT demonstrated unity in the last two victories, but where it really showed up was in the dust-up between Freeman and Paraguay captain Gustavo Gómez. Both players went to pick up the ball prior to a U.S. throw-in, neither wanted to give it up, and then Gomez put Freeman in a headlock. Freeman didn’t take kindly to it and the pushing began. Quicker than you could count the three players Freeman was fending off, Berhalter arrived with other U.S. players to back up their teammate. It’s the type of passion for the badge and for teammates that Mauricio Pochettino has been hoping to foster.

NWSL General Managers Reveal Candid Thoughts

The annual NWSL general manager survey from ESPN has dropped, and as always it is an interesting read. The GMs answer anonymously to allow them to be truthful without fear of retribution by the league or individual clubs. The highlights include thoughts on the salary cap, the loss of the draft, Jessica Berman’s leadership, and which clubs are breaking the rules financially. I have my own thoughts on that, which you can hear on this week’s SkoPurp Soccer: An Orlando Pride Pawedcast which will be available later today.

Free Kicks

• If watching the USMNT defeat Uruguay has you excited for the World Cup, check out the schedule and possible opponents and venues for the USMNT.
• If you’re wondering what the fallout — both good and bad — from the MLS calendar shift will be, look no further.
• You heard from the NWSL GMs above. Here’s Jessica Berman’s take on a lot of the same topics.
• I’m going to try not to get too excited about the proposition of Don Garber no longer being the commissioner of MLS. Evidently there is a succession plan, which is honestly not filling me with hope.

That will do it for today. I hope you have a great week. Vamos Orlando!