Happy Friday, Mane Landers! I don’t know about you, but it’s been a pretty dismal week for me, and I’m ready to bid it farewell as we get ready for the weekend. I don’t have too many plans lined up, but that’s nice in its own way for some rest and relaxation here and there. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Adds Brazilian Left Back on Loan

Brazilian left back Vinicius Nogueira is joining Orlando City on loan from PFC Ludogorets in Bulgaria. The loan will last through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season and includes an option to buy. Left back has been a position of concern for the Lions throughout the year, with Homegrown Player Zakaria Taifi filling in as of late. Hopefully Nogueira can acclimate quickly and make an impact as the Lions hunt for a playoff spot and silverware in the U.S. Open Cup.

Lions Reportedly Pursued U.S. International Fullback John Tolkin

According to Tom Bogert, Orlando City reportedly reached a deal with Holstein Kiel to sign American left back John Tolkin, but he opted to stay in Germany instead. A wrinkle to the deal though was that St. Louis City held Tolkin’s discovery rights, and so Orlando was set to trade Tahir Reid-Brown to St. Louis for those rights. Despite the deal for Tolkin falling through, Orlando didn’t block that move for Reid-Brown.

As for other Orlando City transfers that don’t seem to be happening, Marco Pasalic’s reported move to Europe this summer seems to be dead in the water. You’ll need to get past The Athletic‘s paywall for the full details, but after the Lions rejected Hull City’s loan offer, the English side reportedly didn’t make an offer for a permanent transfer, which Orlando would prefer over a loan. Other teams are also said to be interested in a loan deal but Bogert writes that if the Croatian is to leave Orlando, OCSC would like it to be a permanent transfer.

Pride Sign Goalkeeper Cara Martin to New Contract

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Cara Martin has signed a new contract with the club through the 2028 season with a mutual option for 2029. The 22-year-old signed with the Pride in January after four years at Georgetown. It’s an interesting decision by the club, considering Cosette Morche had a solid performance shutting out the Washington Spirit and Kat Asman just started for the Denver Summit while on loan.

Lions Hit the Road After Homestand

After six straight games at home, Orlando City is on the road this weekend for its match against Minnesota United. It’s been a grueling month for the Lions, which were spared from having to play yet another midweek match by not qualifying for the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. The Lions have been able to use this week to recover and improve, and interim head coach Martin Perelman praised the club’s staff for helping the team through this stretch.

“Fortunately, here we have a really good mental coach, which is Andrea (Gonzalez),” he said. “She does a really good job and helps us a lot in that area. Here in Orlando, I am proud because we have a really good interdisciplinary staff, and that mental part is well protected and well managed by her.”

UEFA Champions League Draw Unveiled

The draw for this year’s UEFA Champions League’s league phase is complete and there are some exciting matchups to look forward to. Paris Saint-Germain’s quest for three straight titles will feature home games against Barcelona and Roma along with away trips to England to play Manchester City and Aston Villa. Jose Mourinho will see some familiar faces during Real Madrid’s campaign, which includes games against Inter Milan, Roma, and Arsenal. It should be a fun tournament between the best teams in Europe and it will be interesting to see which underdogs make a splash this year.

Free Kicks

• The Orlando Pride moved up a spot to 11th in CBS Sports‘ NWSL power rankings following their 1-0 win against the Washington Spirit.
• MLS NEXT Pro announced that it’s changing its schedule to align with the new fall-to-spring MLS calendar, including the addition of a 2027 Sprint Season of its own.
• Julian Hall signed a four-year contract extension with the New York Red Bulls that lasts until the 2029-2030 season and will be an MLS U22 Initiative player.
• Inter Miami has named Kily Gonzalez as its next head coach, with the Argentinian replacing interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos. Miami is currently on a five-game winless streak after losing 2-1 to Toronto FC.
• UEFA requested discovery of potential evidence as it prepares a criminal complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over his plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.
• Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush was loaned to Tottenham for the remainder of the season, with the move set to become permanent next summer for a reported $68 million transfer fee.

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

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I’ve been having a bit of a hectic week, but the rest of it should be fairly smooth sailing as we get ready for another weekend of Orlando soccer. Apart from the errands and work, I’ve been working on perfecting a buffalo chicken dip as summer nears its end. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Prepares for Minnesota United

The Lions are back in action on Saturday with a road match against Minnesota United to close out what has been a busy month for the team. This will be Orlando’s eighth match in August, but the Lions have at least been able to get some rest this week after winning 2-1 at home against Real Salt Lake on Saturday. Minnesota is also entering this match after a win, beating the San Jose Earthquakes 5-1 thanks to four goals in the second half. Orlando City defender Zakaria Taifi spoke on Orlando’s preparations for this away trip after a long string of games at home.

Dylan Judelson Loaned to Genoa CFC

Orlando City B midfielder Dylan Judelson was loaned to Genoa CFC in Italy’s Serie A through June of 2027. The loan includes an option to buy, with Orlando receiving undisclosed financial compensation and retaining a sell-on fee if Genoa exercises that option. Judelson helped the academy’s U-18 team win the Generation Adidas Cup in 2025 and participated in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game as well. The Canadian has also played internationally at the youth level, including at the Concacaf U-20 Championship this summer. Best of luck in Italy, Dylan!

Keeping Up With the Americans Abroad

American defender Naomi Girma scored in Chelsea’s 5-2 victory over Real Sociedad in Women’s Champions League qualifying. She captained the squad and Alyssa Thompson started for Chelsea as well. In men’s soccer, the EFL Cup third-round matchups were unveiled and Americans may clash when Chris Richards and Crystal Palace play against Middlesbrough, which has a trio of Yanks in Aidan Morris, Sebastian Berhalter, and Max Arfsten. Speaking of Middlesbrough, it’s reportedly close to signing American midfielder Rokas Pukstas from Hajduk Split as well. The club might have to start calling it soccer if this keeps up.

UEFA’s Boycott Reportedly Set to End

UEFA’s members are meeting today and are reportedly expected to end the confederation’s boycott of FIFA competitions. The possibility of a boycott has loomed over the sport due to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes of the World Cup to private investors, but UEFA has reportedly received assurances that the failed scheme won’t be revived. This news comes at an important time as six UEFA nations are set to take part in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off in Poland on Sept. 5.

Free Kicks

• Enjoy this crazy goal courtesy of Ivan Angulo’s left foot in Orlando City’s training. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was inspired by Marco Pasalic constantly making that move.

• You’ll now be able to watch exclusive NWSL games for free on the Roku Sports Channel. It will be the home for eight Sunday night games this season and then 25 more games in 2027.
• Minnesota United midfielder Joaquin Pereyra won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his tricky rabona that beat San Jose goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
• Sporting Kansas City traded away up to $7.6 million to Austin FC in exchange for midfielder Owen Wolff. It’s a hefty amount of money, although only $4.5 million of it is guaranteed.
• The draw for this year’s UEFA Champions League takes place today at noon. The lack of groups takes some of the excitement out of the draw, but it should still be interesting to see how the chips fall.

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

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Yesterday, we lost a great human being. Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80, and even though I’m not a country music fan I am still a fan of Dolly. She was a humanitarian who brought joy to many through her music, her philanthropy, and her genuine good nature. The world is a darker place without her glittering rhinestones and she will be missed by many.

I also feel that Dolly would want all of us to find our joy in life, and for me, that often involves soccer, and in particular, Orlando City and the Orlando Pride. So in Dolly’s honor, let’s get to the links.

Orlando City Climbs

Orlando City has inched above the playoff line thanks to a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake. The Lions have also climbed four spots to 18th in MLSsoccer.com’s MLS power rankings. Given how the season started, this is all good news. Next up for Orlando City is a trip to Minnesota. I always find it fascinating to see how the opposition looks at a matchup, and you can also check out what we expect to see on Saturday on the latest episode of The Mane Land PawedCast.

Orlando Pride News and Notes

Barbra Banda has yet to score a goal since returning from WAFCON, though she provided the assist to Haley McCutcheon in the Orlando Pride’s 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit. As such, Ashley Sanchez has taken the lead in the Golden Boot race. While there were plenty of interesting facts from NWSL Week 18, an important one for Pride fans is that Cosette Morché became the first keeper in Pride history to record a shutout in her debut. Next up for the Pride is a home match against the Utah Royals.

MLS Roundup

People in Europe are shocked by Breel Embolo’s move to Atlanta United. I assume it’s because he’s under 30 years old. The Seattle Sounders acquired striker Dejan Joveljić from Sporting Kansas City for $6 million. He will be a Designated Player. LA Galaxy goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski has been fined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for failing to leave the field in a timely manner. Here is the video of the incident.

USMNT Player Stock Rising/Falling

With midweek matches looming, let’s look back at how USMNT players — including Orlando City’s Justin Ellis — did both abroad and here in the States. Some players, like Zavier Gozo and Matt Freese, saw their stock rise, while others, like Tyler Adams, did not. Stu Holden shared who he thinks should be the faces of the USMNT going forward, and it’s hard for me to disagree with his assessment.

Free Kicks

• The Portland Thorns and the WNBA’s Portland Fire opened the first joint women’s sports complex. The training facility will have two soccer pitches and two full-sized basketball courts along with other amenities.
• The Chicago (Red) Stars will play their 2027 home schedule at Northwestern’s Martin Stadium.

• Austin FC named Khaled El-Ahmad the club’s new chief soccer officer & sporting director. He recently held a similar position with Minnesota United.
• Finally, proof that Mason Stadjuhar is Forever a Lion. Well done, StadjuHeart. You make us proud.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the Orlando City and Orlando Pride matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!