Lion Links: 11/27/25

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope it’s a nice and easy holiday for all of you out there, especially those of you who will be hosting guests. It should be a nice day of good food and time spent with friends and family. Before we get to today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando City star Martin Ojeda!

A Look Ahead to the 2026 NWSL Season

The 2025 NWSL season is done and dusted, and now our attention turns to what should be an exciting off-season. Haley Carter’s exit may already be the biggest news of the Orlando Pride’s off-season, but more changes may be coming as the Pride aim to improve their roster. Barbra Banda’s health and Marta’s fight against Father Time are other big questions buzzing around the club. As for the rest of the league, it will be interesting to see how well clubs manage to retain talented players who may be seeking a move to Europe.

Analyzing Italy Ahead of USWNT’s Orlando Friendly

The United States Women’s National Team will take on Italy Friday at Inter&Co Stadium in the first of two friendlies to close out 2025. While Italy may not be viewed as one of the top teams in the world, it’s on the rise and plays with a gritty style under Head Coach Andrea Soncin. Most of the players who were called up play in Italy, but Elena Linari plays for London City Lionesses and is a leader on defense. Juventus striker Cristiani Girelli and Washington Spirit forward Sofia Cantore will likely bring the firepower for Italy up top.

Keeping Up With MLS Roster Decisions

More MLS clubs are announcing their end-of-year roster decisions as they get ready for 2026. Christian Benteke, who scored just nine goals this past season, had his contract option declined by D.C. United, although his representatives are still in discussions with the club for a potential return. United declined the option of former Orlando City draft pick Derek Dodson. Brenner is in talks for a return to FC Cincinnati, which declined the options of Kei Kamara, Yuya Kubo, and Brad Smith. The Philadelphia Union signed Indiana Vassilev to a new contract, exercised the option on Olwethu Makhanya’s contract, and are in negotiations for Alejandro Bedoya, Ben Bender, and Mikael Uhre to return.

The Seattle Sounders announced their decisions as well and goalkeeper Stefan Frei is out of contract after 12 years with the club. Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel won’t be returning to the New York Red Bulls after 180 appearances across all competitions. Orlando City is likely in the market for a goalkeeper after Pedro Gallese’s departure, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for who is available.

Portland Thorns Fire Rob Gale

Rob Gale is no longer the head coach of the Portland Thorns after the club announced his firing. He’s been the team’s head coach since July of 2024, leading the team to the playoffs in both of his seasons at the helm. The Thorns finished third in this year’s standings and made the semifinals in the playoffs. Assistant Coach Sarah Lowdon will serve as the team’s interim coach while the club searches for a replacement.

UEFA Champions League Roundup

Arsenal is the only team still perfect in this year’s UEFA Champions League after beating Bayern Munich 3-1, handing the German club its first loss across all competitions this season. Atletico Madrid also had a big win, with Jose Maria Gimenez scoring in stoppage time to beat Inter 2-1. Kylian Mbappe bagged all four goals in Real Madrid’s 4-3 win over Olympiacos, scoring three goals in a six-minute span in the first half. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha also had a good day, scoring a hat trick in his team’s 5-3 win against Tottenham. The biggest upset of the week was in England, as Liverpool was thrashed 4-1 by PSV Eindhoven.

Free Kicks

• Here’s a useful calendar if you plan on doing some holiday shopping at The Den this year.

• The Orlando Pride were fourth in CBS Sports‘ too-early NWSL power rankings for 2026. Hopefully more time for Jacquie Ovalle to settle in will help the Pride next year.
• Omar Gonzalez was named as an assistant coach for Chicago Fire II, a role that may include him taking the field as a player as well.
• Leeds United Head Coach Daniel Farke has spoken out against the social media abuse American midfielder Brenden Aaronson has been receiving this season.

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