Lion Links: 10/30/26

Happy Friday, Mane Landers! Let’s all hope this weekend has more treats than tricks as both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are in action. If you plan on celebrating Halloween this year, be sure to stay hydrated and safe while also having plenty of fun. Let’s get to the links!

Antoine Griezmann Makes MLS Team of the Matchday

Orlando City attacker Antoine Griezmann was the only Lion to make the MLS Team of the Matchday after the slate of midweek games. He scored a goal and added an assist in the club’s 2-2 draw on the road against the Chicago Fire as he continues to excel in the league since joining this summer. It was his 12th consecutive game with a goal contribution and he now has 14 goals and eight assists in 16 games this season. The Frenchman’s audacious strike from distance is also up for MLS Goal of the Matchday, though he faces tough competition from Kenji Mboma Dem, Kristoffer Velde, and Luis Suarez. Be sure to vote!

Orlando City’s 2027 Sprint Schedule Unveiled

MLS announced its schedule for the 2027 Sprint Season, which is formatted so that each club plays one game against each of the 14 other clubs in its conference. Orlando City revealed its slate for the shortened campaign for your convenience, and the Lions will open the season at home against the New England Revolution on Feb. 20, continuing the streak of hosting their season opener every year since joining the league in 2015. City will alternate playing at home and on the road throughout the season, with the final game coming on May 8 against Charlotte FC. The only games on Orlando’s schedule that don’t take place on a Saturday are a pair of Wednesday games at home against Toronto FC on March 3 and the Philadelphia Union on April 7. As for the postseason, eight teams will make the playoffs and compete in a single-elimination tournament to determine which team will represent the Eastern Conference in the MLS Cup final.

Orlando Pride Prepare for Decision Day

The Orlando Pride will play their final game of the season on the road Sunday against the Seattle Reign. While the Pride are already eliminated from the postseason, they can potentially spoil things for the Reign with a strong showing to close out the year. Interim head coach Yolanda Thomas spoke on how the team has embraced that role and has prepared to match the intensity it will face from the Reign. It’s been a rough year for the Pride, so hopefully they can end things on a high note.

U.S. Beats Spain to Advance in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

The United States U-17 Women’s National Team won 2-1 against Spain in the FIFA U-17 World Cup to advance to the quarterfinals. Deus Stanislaus got the scoring started with a goal right before halftime and Maddie DiMaria doubled the U.S. lead in the 48th minute. Spain rallied back with a goal from Vera Molina, but the U.S. was able to hold on for the win. The U.S. will play Korea DPR in the quarterfinals on Sunday.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City can clinch a spot in the playoffs with a win against Charlotte FC on Saturday. It can also qualify with a win or draw depending on how the New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC, and New York City FC fare this weekend.
• Washington Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt tore her ACL and was placed on the season-ending injury list. She made 31 appearances for the club across all competitions this year, helping the Spirit reach third in the NWSL standings.
• Nashville SC goalkeeper Joe Willis announced that he will retire at the end of the season. He’s been with Nashville since the club’s inaugural season in 2020.
• A high school soccer referee was body-checked by a player during a game in Ohio, sustaining broken ribs and a collapsed lung. It’s a pretty shocking video and there’s absolutely no place for it in soccer.
• CAF announced that the Africa Cup of Nations will go back to taking place every two years rather than every four years.
• Jack Grealish wasn’t available for Everton’s English League Cup game due to a breach of club discipline. Everton beat Newcastle 3-1 regardless and will face fourth-division club Fleetwood Town in the quarterfinals.

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