Well, Wednesday night could have gone better. It’s disappointing that we won’t be able to see the U.S. Open Cup final in Orlando, but there’s still plenty of soccer left to play this year for us to get excited about. Before we dive into Orlando City’s game and the rest of today’s links, let’s all wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride defender Kerry Abello!

Orlando City Falls in Columbus

The Lions were eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup after losing 2-1 on the road to the Columbus Crew in the semifinals. Orlando City nemesis Josef Martinez gave the Crew an early lead, but the Lions managed to level things before halftime through Martin Ojeda. Unfortunately, Antoine Griezmann had to exit the match and the Lions were subpar without him, conceding another goal and failing to muster a single shot on target, let alone find another equalizer. All attention now turns towards securing a spot in the playoffs with nine games left in the regular season.

Orlando Pride, Gabi Nunes Agree to Part Ways

The Orlando Pride announced Wednesday that the club and forward Gabi Nunes have mutually agreed to terminate her contract. The 29-year-old had only just signed with the Pride on Aug. 4 on a contract through the 2026 season, but she managed just two appearances for 16 total minutes while in Orlando. Nunes joined the club after stints in Europe with Aston Villa, Levante UD, and Madrid CFF.

Barbra Banda Details Her Time in the NWSL

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda signed a new contract with the club through the 2029 season and she spoke on how she’s grown as a player since joining the league in 2024.

“Honestly, I’ve learned a lot from this league. I would say it’s one of the best leagues in the world because the teams are so competitive, and you never go into a game relaxed,” Banda said. “You need to up your game each and every time. You need to be mentally fit, physically fit. It’s a battle you need to win, and you have to be smart at the end of the day. I feel I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve improved myself in so many ways. And, not forgetting my teammates, who have helped me to improve, and the technical staff as well. I can feel it myself, this level, it’s different.”

Banda has been phenomenal for the Pride, scoring 41 goals in 62 appearances across all competitions and helping the club win the double in her first year in the league. She’s been one of the best strikers in the league’s history, and it’s great to see her sticking around in the City Beautiful.

U.S. Eliminated From U-20 Women’s World Cup

The United States U-20 Women’s National Team drew 1-1 against Brazil but lost in the ensuing penalty shootout in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup’s round of 16. Brazil took the lead in the 59th minute off of a corner kick, but the U.S. equalized in the 63rd minute, thanks to a strike from Seattle Reign midfielder Ainsley McCammon. The Yanks made four of their attempts in the shootout, but Brazil ultimately prevailed by making all five. It’s a tough way to exit the tournament for the U.S., which was matched up against Brazil in the knockout stage after finishing third in its group.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City forward Justin Ellis was noted as an American expected to be called up for the United States Men’s National Team’s friendlies later this month, which would include the match against Peru in Orlando on Sept. 26.

• Orlando City academy player Lennox Alvarado was called up to the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team’s training camp in Spain, where the team will play against Scotland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.
• The New England Revolution will be without both forward Jack Harrison and midfielder Alhassan Yusuf when they play Orlando City this weekend. Both players are expected to miss over a month due to injuries.
• The NWSL reportedly received eight complaints of either sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or retaliation so far this year according to reports, but no club names were available.
• The Kansas City Current traded rookie forward Gianna Paul to the North Carolina Courage in exchange for $150,000 in intra-league funds.
• Chelsea announced that Todd Boehly and Mark Walter have sold their stakes in the club, giving Clearlake Capital full control in the process.

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. It’s match day as Orlando City looks to advance to the final of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. If the Lions are able to win tonight, they will host the final at Inter.co Stadium. That is something I’d greatly like to see again. Hopefully, Orlando City can continue the good run of form for at least another match. For now, let’s get to the links.

Orlando’s Open Cup Continues

Antione Griezmann got a whole 25 minutes or so of rest in the match against Toronto FC. As such, I know he will be fully rested for the U.S. Open Cup match against the Columbus Crew. Orlando City is one victory away from playing for a second Open Cup trophy. St. Louis City and the Colorado Rapids play in the other semifinal match. Orlando City and the Columbus Crew are both looking for a second title in the competition.

Summer of Crepeau

Maxime Crepeau has professionally had a great summer since the World Cup began. He was the starting goalkeeper for Canada and acquitted himself well. Upon returning to Orlando City, he has been one of the best players on the team. He did, sadly, lose his father earlier this month, and as such, he wasn’t called up for Canada’s fall friendlies. As tough a time as it must be for Crepeau, he has performed admirably for Orlando City.

Orlando Pride News

The Orlando Pride maintained their 11th place in the standings and in the Goal.com NWSL power rankings. Of course, the future is brighter thank to the Pride signing Barbra Banda through 2029. On the back of that good news, season ticket memberships for 2027 are now on sale. Marta made an appearance in the latest match, and she and former Pride striker Alex Morgan, along with Crystal Dunn, sent an open letter to FIFA asking the organization to line up the U-20 Women’s World Cup with the international calendar.

USMNT News

U.S. Soccer has selected TQL Stadium in Cincinnati to host the home leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal round in November. The opponent will be determined following the conclusion of the Concacaf Nations League group stage League A matches. Unfortunately, Diego Luna won’t be available for selection, as he will be out for months due to a knee injury that may require surgery. Over in Europe, other USMNT players are getting ready for the Europa League competition.

Free Kicks

• Former Orlando Pride defender Caitlin Cosme has signed with Crystal Palace on a one-year deal.
• Former Orlando City striker Cyle Larin has seven goals in seven league matches for Southampton to lead the English Championship.
• Racing Louisville FC midfielder Savannah DeMelo is suing after suffering a cardiac arrest on the field during a match in September 2025 against the Seattle Reign. University of Louisville Health and two physicians are the defendants and DeMelo’s suit alleges they failed to diagnose a heart condition that led to the incident.
• Catarina Macario will miss the remainder of the NWSL season as she has been placed on Season Ending Injury list due to a knee injury.
• Other USWNT players have seen their stock rise or fall.

That will do it for today. You can follow The Mane Land on Bluesky for live match updates, and we will also have a recap of the match tonight. Vamos Orlando!

Good morning, everyone. It was another solid weekend of action for Orlando’s soccer teams, as Orlando City and Orlando City B picked up victories over Toronto FC and Toronto FC II, respectively, while the Orlando Pride battled to a 2-2 draw with the Kansas City Current on the road. We’ve got another busy week ahead of us, as the Lions have a U.S. Open Cup semifinal match with the Columbus Crew Wednesday night, before all three teams are in action over the weekend. There’s lots to talk about today, so let’s get into the links.

Lions Earn Recognition for Performances vs. Toronto

Orlando City turned in another winning performance on Saturday night, and a couple of Lions are getting some love for their part in securing the three points. Ivan Angulo turned in a Man of the Match performance from left back and left wing, and he would have had an assist to add to his goal if not for a bad miss by Daryl Dike. He’s been rewarded with a starting spot in the MLS Team of the Matchday, and it’s a well-deserved inclusion. Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann scored in a fifth game running, and his diving effort has earned him a nomination for the MLS Goal of the Matchday. Congrats to both men, and keep up the good work!

Praise for Pride Players

Not to be outdone, the Orlando Pride have not one, not two, but three players who are getting some just recognition for their efforts over the weekend. We start with Cosette Morche, who is up for the NWSL Save of the Week thanks to the diving, fingertip save she made in the 29th minute to deny Vanessa DiBernardo.

Then, there’s Ally Lemos, who is up for the NWSL Assist of the Week thanks to the long ball over the top that she played on Barbra Banda’s first goal.

Finally, there’s Banda herself, who is up for both the NWSL Goal of the Week, thanks to the spectacular first goal she scored, as well as the NWSL Player of the Week. Make sure you go vote for all three players!

Lessons from Matchday 26

Major League Soccer’s 26th matchday is done and dusted, and there are plenty of things to take away from the weekend’s action. For one thing, Nashville’s draw with Inter Miami kept the ‘Yotes eight points clear in the Supporters’ Shield race, although the Vancouver Whitecaps’ victory allowed them to make up some ground. Out west, the Colorado Rapids had a busy summer transfer window, and some of their new additions came good in the team’s 1-0 win over CF Montreal. Finally, much closer to home, Griezmann scored his third straight game-winning goal on Saturday, and OCSC is now 6-2-2 since the Frenchman’s arrival.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are plenty of Americans set to take part in games during the working week, so make sure you have some of these highlighted on the calendar. Things get started later today when Antonee Robinson and Fulham face West Ham in the Carabao Cup. The action continues tomorrow when Johnny Cardoso and Atletico Madrid take on Osasuna in La Liga, while Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan host Benfica to start their Europa League campaign. The latter part of the week has Alex Freeman and Villarreal playing Malaga in La Liga, with Folarin Balogun and Monaco taking on Lens in Ligue 1 play on Friday.

Free Kicks

• Orlando City rose one spot to no.12 on ESPN.com’s MLS power rankings.
• Meanwhile the Orlando Pride slid one spot to no.12 in the same publication’s NWSL power rankings.
• The San Diego Wave have placed USWNT forward Catarina Macario on the season-ending injury list.
• The video assistant referee from Sunday’s Manchester derby has not been given a Premier League game assignment for the upcoming round of fixtures.

That’s all I’ve got for you this morning. Vamos Orlando!