Lion Links: 12/2/25

Good morning, everyone. I don’t know how we’re in the month of December, and the fact that we are is, quite frankly, a little terrifying. Regardless, we have no time to slow down and smell the roses, because there’s still plenty of things happening. We’ve got some important Orlando City and Orlando Pride news to cover today, so let’s get into the links.

Robin Jansson Returns

Orlando City announced on Monday morning that the team has re-signed captain Robin Jansson. The center back inked a deal that will keep him in an Orlando jersey through 2027 after the team declined his 2026 option at the end of this season. His return handles one piece of pending business for the Lions, with the team now only needing to wrap up negotiations with Kyle Smith over a new contract, before it can fully turn its attention to other areas of the roster. That being said, while Jansson remains a capable MLS starting center back, other positions around him need to be strengthened. OCSC’s spine needs reinforcing after the departure of Cesar Araujo, and Jansson could use a quick and athletic partner next to him in central defense as he climbs into his mid-30s. For now though, it’s simply good to see him back.

Orlando Pride Postseason Roster Update

Continuing the theme of a busy news day, on Monday afternoon the Orlando Pride announced the club’s roster update following the conclusion of the NWSL season. A lot of contract negotiations were completed during the season, as Zara Chavoshi, Ally Lemos, Luana, Haley McCutcheon, Anna Moorhouse, and Rafaelle all had their contract situations handled over the course of the season. Meanwhile, Amanda Allen, Simone Charley, Elyse Bennett, Mariana Larroquette, Aryssa Mahrt, Morgan Gautrat, Carson Pickett, and Bri Martinez are all out of contract, while Ally Watt is joining the Denver Summit. The Pride did not announce that negotiations are happening with any players who are out of contract with regards to a new deal.

Alex Freeman Garners Big Nomination

The year of Alex Freeman continues, as Orlando City’s young fullback has been nominated for the U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year! The right back seized his chance with both hands in OCSC’s season opener all the way back in February and never looked back, as he locked down a starting spot with the Lions, earned a first United States Men’s National Team call-up, continued to earn more, and capped his year off by scoring his first two goals with the national team. The other nominees for the honor are Max Arfsten, Matt Freese, Chris Richards, and Malik Tillman, so Freeman is up against some stiff competition (particularly from Arfsten and Richards, in my opinion). Regardless, it’s damn good to see him getting more of the recognition he so rightly earned this year.

USWNT Completes Sweep of Italy Friendlies

After blanking the Italians 3-0 in Orlando on Friday, the United States Women’s National Team completed the sweep with a 2-0 win over Italy in Fort Lauderdale Monday night. Cat Macario and Jaedyn Shaw scored the goals in the first half, and the U.S. hit the crossbar twice. Lily Yohannes put the ball in the net but was correctly deemed offside on the play, and Macario should have had a second if not for a dubious whistle chalking off what would have been a second brace in the window. It was a dominant final window of 2025 for the U.S. women, as Emma Hayes got looks at a lot of young players.

Americans in Midweek Action

As usual, there are a number of American players who will be playing games during the working week, with league and domestic cup action being the overarching theme. Things get started later today when Johnny Cardoso and Atletico Madrid travel to Barcelona for a big La Liga match, while Weston McKennie and Juventus host Udinese in the Coppa Italia. Chris Richards and Crystal Palace have a Premier League road match against Burnley on Wednesday, Christian Pulisic and AC Milan square off against Lazio in the Coppa Italia on Thursday, and things finish up on Friday with Folarin Balogun and Monaco taking on Brest in Ligue 1 on Friday.

Free Kicks

• Christian Benteke has announced he’s leaving D.C. United, although Tom Bogert says D.C. hopes to pull a Jansson and re-sign him after declining his option.

• Mr. Scoops also reports that CF Montreal is finalizing a deal to sign defender Brayan Vera from Real Salt Lake for a hefty sum of General Allocation Money.

• Bogert also reports that Michael Bradley is the favored candidate for the New York Red Bulls’ vacant head coaching position.

• The Chicago Stars have signed midfielder Brianna Pinto to a two-year deal.
• Garth Lagerway will reportedly not return as CEO of Atlanta United next season.

That does it for me today. Vamos Orlando!