Lion Links: 9/30/26

Welcome to Wednesday and the end of September, Mane Landers. We’re coming down to the end of the season for both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride. I’m not saying the playoffs are out of reach, but I still recommend trying to enjoy the remaining regular-season matches just in case. There are also a bunch of U.S. National Team matches on both the men’s and women’s sides to watch, so things aren’t so bad. Speaking of all of those teams, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City’s Playoff Hopes

Two straight 4-2 losses weren’t what supporters were hoping to see from Orlando City as the team tries to make the playoffs for a seventh straight season. It isn’t helping the club’s MLSsoccer.com’s power rankings either. Things are quite crowded in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings while Nashville SC runs away at the top. Can the Lions — or any team — manage to challenge Nashville if they get to the playoffs? I hope the Lions are able to find out.

Orlando Pride News

The Orlando Pride are currently sitting in 11th place in both the NWSL standings and the Goal.com power rankings. If the Pride are to make the playoffs the club will need to replicate the winning formula found against Bay FC. Unfortunately, things will be tougher going forward as three of the four remaining Pride opponents are currently sitting higher in the table. There is also a short international break, with Oihane getting the call-up for Spain’s friendly matches against the USWNT.

USMNT Defeats Chile

The USMNT played Chile at Energizer Park in St. Louis in the second friendly match of this break. Sebastian Berhalter scored the first goal of the match in the 37th minute, though Chile equalized right before the half. Chile took the lead early in the second half, but the U.S. came back with goals from Julian Hall and Chris Richards to make the score 3-2. The U.S. added to the total with Mathias Albert scoring the fourth goal, becoming the youngest player to score for the USMNT. A 4-2 victory was exactly what Mauricio Pochettino ordered. Orlando City’s Justin Ellis did not make an appearance, but former Lion Alex Freeman did come on in the 62nd minute.

USWNT Roster Announced

Emma Hayes named the 26-player roster for the upcoming friendlies against Spain. Hayes wants her squad to play top-ranked Spain to provide a true test. The usual suspects made the squad, though former Orlando Pride center back Emily Sams did not make the cut. The first match will take place on Oct. 10 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. and the second on Oct. 13 at Subaru Park in Chester, PA.

Free Kicks

• The Vancouver Whitecaps will remain in BC Place through the 2027 sprint season after extending their lease with the venue.

• The Whitecaps got additional good news as Thomas Müller extended his contract with the club through next summer.

• The head of the Turkish refereeing body, Ferhat Gundogdu, has been arrested along with the vice president and five others for a host of violations. And you thought PRO referees were bad.
• I’ll end things with Tim Ream’s announcement that he is retiring from international soccer. Thank you captain, for all you did for the USMNT.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando Pride match on Friday. Vamos Orlando!