Orlando City addressed an area of need ahead of the transfer window closing by acquiring left back Vinícius Nogueira on loan through the end of the 2027 MLS Sprint Season. The 24-year-old Brazilian arrives from a stint with PFC Ludogorets in Bulgaria’s top flight, with the Lions holding an option to make the move permanent at the end of the loan period. Nogueira’s availability is pending the receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

“Vinícius is a dynamic left back with the pace, technical quality, and work ethic to impact the game on both sides of the ball,” Orlando City General Manager and Sporting Director Ricardo Moreira said in a club press release. “He comes from a top academy and has further developed in competitive environments in both Brazil and Europe. His versatility makes him an excellent fit for our group, and having a new left-sided player will also provide more options and flexibility to the first-team lineup. We believe he can contribute right away while continuing to develop within our environment, and we’re excited to welcome him to Orlando.”

Nogueira came up through the Palmeiras academy system in Brazil, and also spent time in the Atletico Minero and Ponte Preta youth systems. The Penápolis, Brazil, native has made a combined 139 appearances at the U-20 and senior levels, scoring four career goals and adding 16 assists. He made 20 appearances for Swedish club Varberg in 2023, before Halmstad BK bought him ahead of the 2024-2025 season. He made 29 appearances with Halmstad and was loaned to Norwegian side Vålerenga in 2025, where he played in 25 more games, scoring two goals. He joined Ludogorets in 2026, where he was part of a club that won the 2025-2026 Bulgarian Super Cup.

He will wear jersey No. 27 for Orlando, worn by previous Lions Rafael Ramos, R.J. Allen, Kamal Miller, and Jack Lynn.

What It Means for Orlando City

If left back hadn’t already been one of the team’s biggest, most glaring needs, a recent thigh injury to Homegrown Bernardo Rhein just as he was surpassing on the depth chart the inconsistent (at best, and ineffective at worst) Adrian Marin, who also sustained a recent knock, and the trade of Tahir Reid-Brown to St. Louis City would have made it so. It’s been a problem spot for Orlando for a while. Center back David Brekalo played that spot most of 2025, although Kyle Smith was also tried there. Luca Petrasso and Rafael Santos were unable to lock down the position during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The last reliable player Orlando had at left back was João Moutinho from 2019-2022, but his health was far less reliable.

At just 24 years old, Nogueira is entering his prime. On video, his closing speed and ball skills stand out. These are traits that will suit him well in Major League Soccer. But it’s difficult to know how (and how quickly) his play will translate to MLS. By making the loan through the 2027 Sprint Season, the Lions look to believe they have a player that they can develop and integrate into the team, and if they’re happy with him, they can make the move permanent. However, the loan is short enough that if things don’t work out, it won’t be a long-term gamble.

Being Brazilian, he’ll have teammates who can help him get acclimated to the culture, and having played abroad in Sweden, Norway, and Bulgaria, he’s had experience with that part of professional life before.

Orlando City has recently deputized Homegrown right back Zakaria Taifi at left back in the wake of injuries to Rhein and Marin, and while the energy and desire is there, it’s unclear if Taifi is even ready for major minutes on his natural right side, let alone on the left, where he’s been victimized by attacking players the last two games against the Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake. A remedy has been necessary in that spot for multiple seasons, and only time and minutes will tell if Nogueira could be that remedy.

Below is a 2023 highlight film. As always, highlight films don’t/can’t tell the whole story, and this one is a few years old, but it at least provides glimpses of the kinds of skills the player has.

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!