The loss to the Philadelphia Union was not at all how Orlando City wanted to start the 2025 season. Now, the club must move on from the 4-2 defeat in order to deal with a visiting Toronto FC Saturday night. The Lions are notorious for having slow starts to the season, but after last week, getting some points against Toronto is imperative.

How the Lions bounce back from an embarrassing defeat to start the season will determine how big the climb up to the top will be. What does Orlando City need to do to earn all three points at home against Toronto FC?

Deal with the Italian

Toronto has a forward named Federico Bernadeschi. Perhaps you’ve heard of him. He scored eight goals for Toronto last season, and he already has one this season. Granted, he scored that goal on a penalty kick against D.C. United, but he is still a dangerous player for the Canadian side.

My worry is that Bernadeschi typically lines up on the right side of Toronto’s attack, meaning it will be up to Rafael Santos to deal with him. I mentioned last week that we need “Good” Rafa to show up earlier this season. Unfortunately, it was still “Bad” Rafa we saw against the Union. His job doesn’t get any easier this week, making his performance crucial in limiting Bernadeschi’s impact.

Limit the Lapses

It took less than four minutes for Philadelphia to put the match out of reach last Saturday. Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines often speaks of the importance of the times right before and right after the half. Two Union goals in the first six minutes of the second half determined the match. Orlando City cannot let that happen again.

There is a real possibility that the Lions will once again be without Robin Jansson against Toronto. The back line must limit the mistakes and mental lapses that doomed them on Saturday. In particular, Rodrigo Schlegel and David Brekalo need to find the necessary chemistry to solidify the defense against Toronto’s attack.

Keep Creating Chances

Another match, another good keeper for the opposition. This week, Orlando City will need to put the ball past Toronto’s Sean Johnson. Last weekend, the Lions created plenty of chances with 22 shots, putting nine on target, and two in the net. In many matches, that is enough to at least get a result if not a win. They need to do more of that against Toronto.

I’m not expecting Marco Pasalic to equal his production from his first match, but I liked his willingness to take shots. I was worried about Orlando City’s offensive capabilities without Duncan McGuire or another prototypical striker. Actually, I’m still worried about it, but if the Lions can continue to create chances against Toronto like they did last week against Philadelphia, that will be a good thing. Of course, finishing those chances will always be key.

That is what I will be looking for Saturday night. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I haven’t done too much this week beyond working, but I did manage to put together a cat tree that my cat has already sent crashing into a wall twice so far. Pet ownership has been a joy, I must say. Let’s dive right into today’s links from around the soccer world!

Learning More About Ramiro Enrique

Orlando City put a spotlight on forward Ramiro Enrique with a nice video showcasing what he brings to the team for the 2025 season. Along with interviews from Enrique and Head Coach Oscar Pareja, the video includes highlights of his some of his biggest moments as a Lion so far. The 23-year-old spoke on how his father, World Cup winner Hector Enrique, is a major inspiration for him and how he’s both a scorer and Orlando’s first line of defense. Pareja praised both Enrique’s natural talent and his commitment to improving himself moving forward. It’s a pretty well-produced video and I’m looking forward to seeing the profiles for other Lions as well throughout the season.

USWNT Falls to Japan in SheBelieves Cup

The United States Women’s National Team lost its final game of the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, falling 2-1 to Japan in San Diego. Japan took an early lead, but Ally Sentnor tied things up soon after with her second goal of the tournament. Toko Koga then scored for Japan in the 50th minute and the U.S. was unable to find the back of the net again against Japan’s solid defense. Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams did not play in the match despite a strong showing against Australia on Sunday. It’s the USWNT’s first loss under Head Coach Emma Hayes and its first time losing the tournament since England won it in 2019.

In what was effectively the third-place match, Colombia beat Australia 2-1 to finish the tournament on a high note. Australia’s Hayley Raso equalized things in the second half, but Catalina Usme gave Colombia its winner a few minutes later.

Bay FC Scouting Director Resigns Amid Backlash

Graeme Abel, who was hired as Bay FC’s director of domestic scouting last week, has resigned from his position. This decision comes after backlash from his hiring due to reported allegations of abuse by former players from his time as the University of Oregon’s women’s soccer coach. A report last April detailed allegations of verbal abuse that included threatening to revoke scholarships, having players kicked off the team, and throwing objects, with players stating that they dealt with suicidal ideation while playing there.

Concacaf Champions Cup Results

Real Salt Lake was eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup after losing 2-1 at home to Costa Rican club Herediano. The MLS side took the lead in the first half, but Herediano leveled things in the second half and sealed victory with a late penalty kick. FC Cincinnati took care of business at home in a 1-1 draw against Honduran club Motagua, with Kevin Denkey scoring in his third straight game for his new team. The Seattle Sounders also reached the next round, beating Guatemala’s Antigua GFC 3-1. Cincinnati will face Tigres in the round of 16, while the Sounders will take on Cruz Azul. The first round wraps up tonight when the Vancouver Whitecaps host Saprissa for the final spot in the round of 16, which kicks off on Tuesday.

Free Kicks

• The Orlando Pride will unveil their new home jersey for the 2025 season today and I’m pretty excited to see what they’ve come up with. I’m also looking forward to seeing the team sport a shiny new star after winning last year, as teased by Marta.

• The Pride gave a shoutout to coaches Seb Hines, Giles Barnes, and Yolanda Thomas this Black History Month.

• In its hunt for a striker, Real Salt Lake reportedly inquired about Duncan McGuire, with Orlando City rejecting the offer.
• The U.S. U-19 Women’s National Team beat Spain in a penalty shootout in its last game of the L’Albir U-19 Women’s International Tournament.

• The MLS season’s first Goal of the Matchday went to Atlanta United midfielder Edwin Mosquera for his late winner against CF Montreal.
• The Portland Thorns announced that Morgan Weaver, Nicole Payne, and Marie Muller were all placed on the season-ending injury list.
• D.C. United added 18-year-old winger Fidel Barajas on loan from Chivas Guadalajara through June of this year, with an option to extend the loan through the rest of 2025.
• Brian White, who has led the Whitecaps with 55 goals across all competitions since joining the team in 2021, signed a contract extension that will keep him in Vancouver through 2027.
• Australian radio host Marty Sheargold was fired for his disparaging remarks about Australia’s women’s soccer team and the SheBelieves Cup.
• Juventus was eliminated by Empoli in the Italian Cup quarterfinals, falling in the penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Americans Weston McKennie and Tim Weah both started, but neither took penalty kicks in the shootout.
• Marseille President Pablo Longoria was suspended for 15 games by Ligue 1 after accusing referees of corruption following his team’s 3-0 loss to Auxerre.
• We end our links with some Pictionary between Enrique and Rodrigo Schlegel. While I’m convinced neither of them know how to play beyond Enrique’s insistence on drawing nothing but shirts, it’s entertaining.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Thursday and rest of your week!

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. I hope you’re recovering from the season opener. I find it best to look for the positives or just pretend none of it ever happened. I’m certain one of those two is a healthy way to process your feelings. The good news is that the season is underway, the Orlando Pride are close to starting their new campaign, and we get to watch the USWNT play tonight. See? It isn’t all bad. Let’s get to the links, but first, let’s wish Pride midfielder Morgan Gautrat a happy birthday.

Tsukada Out for the Season

Yutaro Tsukada has been placed on the Season-Ending Injury list for Orlando City following successful surgery on his left ACL. The young midfielder sustained the injury in the preseason match against CF Montreal. While we expected this news, it doesn’t make it any easier for Tsukada, the club, or any of us. It’s another blow to the depth of Orlando City in a season that has only just begun. We wish Tsukada a full and speedy recovery.

OCB Striker Signing

When I said I wanted Orlando City to sign a new striker, I should have been more specific. The club acquired the SuperDraft Priority to forward Dyson Clapier from Sporting Kansas City. In return, Sporting Kansas City gets Orlando City’s natural second-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. Following the acquisition, Clapier was signed to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through 2025, with a club option in 2026.

SheBelieves Cup Finishes Tonight

The USWNT will need a victory against Japan tonight to win the 2025 SheBelieves Cup. Japan holds the advantage thanks to a plus-seven goal differential as compared to the plus-three goal differential of the U.S. The match is set for 7:30 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. There are on air and streaming options available to watch the match. If the USWNT can pull out the victory, it will be the sixth SheBelieves title in a row. Emily Sams got the start and went the full 90 minutes against Australia on Sunday. Hopefully, the Orlando Pride defender will see more action this evening.

Ream is a Believer

With the 2026 World Cup coming up next year, the USMNT wants to make a big splash. Longtime U.S. defender Tim Ream says that Mauricio Pochettino is the right man to do the job. Ream will certainly be an integral part of the next World Cup squad, and he asserts that Pochettino will evolve the USMNT to the next level.

Free Kicks

• Linda Henry has left the ownership group of Boston’s NWSL expansion club. It was the whole “BosNation FC” thing, wasn’t it Linda?
• San Diego FC continues to build its new squad.

• Casey Krueger’s time with the USWNT appears to be done. Emma Hayes is going younger.
• The MLS Disciplinary Committee suspended and fined Chicago Fire midfielder Brian Gutiérrez for one match.

• Gutierrez wasn’t the only player fined by DisCo. The only thing I’m certain of is that the fine wasn’t big enough.

• Congratulations to Chris and Alyssa Mueller on the birth of their new baby.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the match this weekend. As for today, go USA!