ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Major League Soccer announced today that Orlando City SC defender Alex Freeman has been named the 2025 MLS Young Player of the Year, capping off a breakout campaign that showcased his skill, leadership, and rising star power.

Freeman, 21, becomes the first Academy graduate in Orlando City history to earn the league’s Young Player of the Year award and the second player overall to receive a top MLS rookie or young player honor, following Cyle Larin, who was named MLS Rookie of the Year in 2015.

Breakout Season for Orlando’s Homegrown Star

In his first full MLS season, Freeman delivered a career-best nine goal contributions—six goals and three assists—while emerging as one of the league’s most complete defenders. His attacking performance ranked among the best in MLS defenders, tying for second-most goals (6) and recording 42 key passes, the fourth-highest total among all defenders.

Freeman’s influence extended beyond offense: he led the Lions in aerial duels (110) and ranked fourth in clearances (19). When Freeman scored or assisted, Orlando City held a strong 4-2-2 record, reflecting his impact on match outcomes.

Rising to the National Stage

Freeman’s stellar form in Orlando earned him his first call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) in June 2025, making his international debut as a starter against Turkey. He went on to represent the U.S. at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, starting all six matches and helping the team reach the final.

The young defender was also the youngest player selected for the 2025 MLS All-Star Team, which triumphed over the LIGA MX All-Stars in Austin, Texas. His success highlights Orlando City’s robust player development system, having advanced through MLS NEXT (Academy) and MLS NEXT Pro (Orlando City B) before earning a consistent starting role in MLS.

Freeman Tops Voting Over Vargas and Luna

The MLS Young Player of the Year Award recognizes the league’s best player aged 22 or younger (born on or after January 1, 2003). Freeman topped the voting categories among media (31.07%), players (23.21%), and club staff (36%), earning an overall average of 30.10% to defeat Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders FC) and Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), the 2024 winner.

Freeman becomes the fourth American to win the award since its 2020 inception, joining Jesús Ferreira, Ricardo Pepi, and Diego Rossi.

A full list of previous MLS Young Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year winners can be found on MLSsoccer.com.

Stay connected with Florida National News and the FNN News Network for continuing coverage of Orlando City SC, MLS awards, and U.S. Men’s National Team updates.

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FNN Reporter Javier Garcia | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

LONDON & NEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) – The LIV Golf League has officially entered its offseason transfer window, giving team captains and general managers the opportunity to reshape their rosters ahead of what promises to be the biggest and most competitive season yet in 2026.

This crucial period allows teams to secure players who finished in the Top 24 of the individual standings (Lock Zone), offer contract extensions to those in the Open Zone, and make strategic trades, free-agent signings, or recruitments from new talent pools, including the LIV Golf Promotions and International Series.

A Dynamic Offseason for Teams and Players

The offseason marks a time of transformation across the league, with several teams losing key players while others seek to strengthen their lineups. Captains and general managers now have the chance to evaluate talent and build squads capable of contending for championships in 2026.

HyFlyers GC Captain Phil Mickelson shared his excitement about the roster window:

“Every team has the chance to re-evaluate and build something special in the offseason, just like in other major sports. It keeps fans invested and engaged, and there’s terrific excitement heading into next year.”

He added, “Losing a player on HyFlyers GC this season opens the door to bring in someone who can elevate our team even more. I love the culture we’ve built, and I’m excited to add to our camaraderie and commitment to championship-caliber golf.”

Individual Standings Determine Player Status

LIV Golf’s Individual Championship standings play a key role in determining each player’s status:

• Lock Zone (Top 24): Guaranteed a roster spot in 2026, with at least a one-year contract extension offer.

• Open Zone (25–48): Players may be re-signed, traded, or enter free agency.

• Drop Zone (49+): Players are relegated but can requalify through LIV Golf Promotions or the International Series.

Spanish superstar Jon Rahm capped an impressive 2025 season by claiming both the Individual Title and the Team Championship with Legion XIII, followed by Joaquin Niemann (Torque GC) and Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC).

The 24 players finishing the 2025 LIV Golf season in the Lock Zone, securing their place in the League for the 2026 season (image: LIV Golf)

Free Agency, Trades, and the Road to 2026

Free agency includes Lock Zone players declining extensions, Open Zone players without renewed contracts, or external recruits. Teams can also pursue trades or sign talent from the Asian Tour-sanctioned International Series, which continues to serve as a key pipeline for rising players.

The 24 players finishing the 2025 LIV Golf season in the Open Zone, eligible for potential contract extensions, trades, or new team signings ahead of the 2026 season (image: LIV Golf)

Players relegated to the Drop Zone—ranked 49th or lower—can earn their way back through LIV Golf Promotions, an elite qualifying event that will soon announce its next edition.

The players finishing the 2025 LIV Golf season in the Drop Zone, facing relegation from the League and potential replacement ahead of the 2026 season (image: LIV Golf)

The 2026 LIV Golf season will feature tournaments across 10 countries and five continents, kicking off with the season opener in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Feb. 5–7, 2026). All events will include live concert performances, with tickets and the full schedule available now at LIVGolf.com.

Children aged 12 and under receive complimentary Grounds Pass admission (two per paying adult). Fans are encouraged to buy early as ticket inventory is limited.

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Stay connected with Florida National News and FNN News Network for the latest updates on LIV Golf, offseason roster moves, and the 2026 global schedule.

Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Orlando Magic fell to the Chicago Bulls 110-98 Friday night at Kia Center, struggling to find their rhythm despite several strong drives to the basket. Head Coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized that turnovers and missed shots at the rim were key factors in the loss, underscoring the team’s ongoing focus on converting defensive stops into offensive momentum.

Turnovers Disrupt Momentum

Coach Mosley acknowledged that turnovers significantly disrupted the Magic’s offensive flow and transition game. “A ton,” Mosley said. “Between turnovers and missed shots at the rim, you give them what says on the stat sheet 22 fast break points, but it’s probably more than that. We were getting to the rim, which I love, but now we’ve got to convert those defensive stops into offense—something we’ve emphasized since training camp.”

The Bulls capitalized on those mistakes, creating transition opportunities that kept the Magic on their heels for much of the game.

Frustrations and Finishing Challenges

When asked about the team’s frustration with missed looks, Mosley remained optimistic, calling it part of the process. “If we weren’t getting great looks, there’d be something to talk about. But the fact that we were getting downhill, touching the paint—that’s positive. Now, we’ve got to finish. That’s something we can fix with extra reps and gym work.”

Despite the offensive struggles, Mosley praised the team’s resilience. “It’s not going to be your night every night from a shot-making standpoint. But we’ve got to make sure we sit down and get stops. That’s what got us back into it.”

Rookie Jase Richardson Provides a Spark

Rookie guard Jase Richardson impressed fans and teammates alike with his high energy and confidence off the bench. “He came in with a great amount of energy,” said Mosley. “You heard the crowd when he checked in. He’s not afraid of the moment and was ready for the opportunity.”

Mosley added that lineup rotations will continue to evolve early in the season as the coaching staff tests different combinations. “At the beginning of the year, you’re looking at rotations—what works and when. It’s going to keep fluctuating, and our guys need to be ready to step into each moment.”

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Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com