Lion Links: 12/3/25

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s a little hard to believe it’s already December, but hopefully the weather will cool off a bit so at least it feels like winter — or as close as we get to it in Florida. We want to wish Orlando City defender David Brekalo a very happy birthday. It might be the off-season, but that doesn’t keep the news from happening, so let’s get to the links.

Pride Sign Hailie Mace

The Orlando Pride signed USWNT and former Kansas City Current defender Hailie Mace to a three-year deal through 2028. Mace brings a ton of experience both internationally and in the NWSL to an already good Pride defensive unit. In her career Mace has played right back, some center back and even forward in college. She is the type of versatile player that Seb Hines loves to have on his roster. Welcome to the Pride, Hailie.

USMNT Friendlies Announced

The USMNT will play four friendlies ahead of the World Cup, facing Belgium, Portugal, Germany, and one opponent yet to be determined. The first two matches will take place in Atlanta against Belgium and Portugal on March 28 and March 30, respectively. Then the team heads to Charlotte for a match on May 31 and finishes the slate against Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago on June 6. Those are some pretty good tests ahead of the World Cup.

USWNT Notes

It’s been quite a year for the Emma Hayes and the USWNT. Hayes has worked on building a deep pool of players for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. She has given so many young players their first caps, including the Orlando Pride’s Emily Sams. Several players made a case for a spot in the friendly against Italy. Hayes is also trying to bolster the U-23 squad so she can build long-term stability in the team.

MLS Technical Staff News

There have been a lot of front office moves in MLS recently. New York City FC hired Todd Dunivant as the club’s new sporting director. Elsewhere, Sporting Kansas City announced that the club “mutually agreed to part ways” with interim coach Kerry Zavagnin.

Free Kicks

• Chicago Fire FC acquired defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi from South African Premiership side Orlando Pirates.
• Spain defeated Germany 3-0 on aggregate to win the 2025 Women’s Nations League for the second year in a row.
• The Canadian Women’s National Team has been having a rough time of it, losing 3-0 to Japan and ending the season on a five-match losing streak.
• Erling Haaland became the fastest player in EPL history to score 100 goals, breaking Alan Shearer’s old record in Manchester City’s wild 5-4 win Tuesday over Fulham. Shearer’s record of 100 goals in 124 games stood for 30 years before Haaland netted No. 100 in his 111th match.

That will do it for today. It might be the off-season, but we’ll keep bringing you all the soccer-related news in the City Beautiful. Vamos Orlando!