Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! We have a U.S. Soccer-heavy news day for you, which is in no way a bad thing. I hope you’re staying warm as we get a bit of colder weather in the Sunshine State. I know I’m loving the bit of chill in the air. Let’s get to today’s links.

USWNT Defeats the Netherlands

The USWNT needed to come from behind to defeat the Netherlands 2-1 Tuesday in the Hague. Lynn Williams scored the match-winning goal in the 71st minute, but the U.S. needed some help from an own goal at the end of the first half to secure the victory. Veerle Buurman put the hosts up early, and the Netherlands dominated the first half. Perhaps if Emma Hayes had given Orlando Pride defender and NWSL Defender of the Year Emily Sams the start then that goal could have been prevented. Unfortunately, Sams did not see the pitch.

It was also Alyssa Naeher’s final international match as well as the final game of the year for the U.S. Prior to the match, Dutch captain Daniëlle van de Donk presented Naeher with a jersey and a bouquet. The long time USWNT keeper didn’t keep a clean sheet, but she did make several key saves to help her team to victory.

Award Season is Here

It’s that time of the year when awards and accolades are doled out, including U.S. Soccer End of the Year awards. The voting for the awards starts Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 13. The usual suspects are in contention for the Male and Female Player of the Year awards. On the men’s side you have players like Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, and Ricardo Pepi. On the women’s side you have players like Sophia Smith, Alyssa Naeher, and Naomi Girma.

Former USWNT midfielder Carli Lloyd was voted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on her first year of eligibility. She will be inducted on May 3, 2025. Lloyd making the cut first time isn’t really a big surprise.

The Guardian has released its player rankings (100-71) for the best female footballers of 2024. Players 70-1 are still to come. Orlando Pride center back Rafaelle came in at No. 95. I’m certain we can expect plenty more appearances by Pride players as the rest of the names are revealed.

Pulisic: The Docuseries

Christian Pulisic is one of the most famous American footballers in the world. Now, he has his own docuseries coming out Dec. 9 on Paramount+. The series will provide behind-the-scenes access to Pulisic as he navigates his time with club and country while preparing for the 2026 World Cup. Former USMNT stiker Jozy Altidore might be watching it as he stated his admiration for Pulisic during a recent visit with the U.S. squad in St. Louis.

Jill Ellis’ New Gig

With the allegations of a toxic and hostile work environment at the San Diego Wave under Jill Ellis’ watch, the former USWNT boss left her position with the club to assume the position of Chief of Football at FIFA. There’s nothing quite like leaving a toxic and hostile work environment for an office with FIFA. Hopefully, Ellis will be able to tell the difference between the two. Ellis’ departure is part of a transition period for the Wave.

Free Kicks

• The MLS Best XI was announced, and you’ll be shocked to hear that no Orlando City players made the list. Just so shocking, I say.
• The NWSL now has Bobbie Baby Formula as the exclusive infant formula partner of the league. The company provided dedicated on-site feeding and lactation areas for mothers who attended the 2024 NWSL Championship.
• Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca stated that his team can dominate the English Premier League over the next five to 10 years, but the Blues are not quite ready yet. That’s oil money club talk if you ask me.
• There’s a bit of controversy surrounding the rainbow armbands in the English Premier League after Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy opted out of wearing one on religious grounds.
• Speaking of the FIFA Club World Cup, the procedures for the draw have been set. The draw takes place Dec. 5 in Miami.

That will do it for today. Make sure you check out our Season in Review articles for the Orlando Pride players, already underway, and the upcoming ones for Orlando City. Vamos Orlando!

Happy Tuesday, everyone. I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving, and aren’t too crestfallen to be back at work if you were lucky enough to get some time off. Saturday’s game may not have gone the way we wanted it to, but it was still a vastly enjoyable season that I’ll look back on fondly. We have a lot to talk over today, so let’s wish David Brekalo a happy birthday and get into the links!

Orlando Pride Top Early 2025 NWSL Rankings

The National Women’s Soccer League season has only just ended, but it’s never too soon to start looking ahead to next year, so let’s have a look at how the teams are stacking up at the moment. As is right and just, the Orlando Pride top the list after winning both the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship this year, although there’s the question of whether Marta will be with the team in 2025 now that she’s a free agent. The runner-up Washington Spirit come in at second, with other semifinalists NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Kansas City Current at third and fourth, respectively. The Houston Dash are at the other end of the list, as they currently don’t have a coach, general manager, or sporting director after a rough season.

What to Watch for Against the Netherlands

The United States Women’s National Team takes on the Netherlands today in the team’s final match of 2024. Even though it’s a friendly there are still plenty of things to keep an eye on. Alyssa Naeher’s final international match will rightly grab a lot of the headlines, considering how long and illustrious her career has been with the USWNT. Newly committed Lily Yohannes will have a chance to show what she can do in the attack in the absence of big names like Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson. Jaedyn Shaw finds herself in a similar situation as well. If that wasn’t enough, we may also have a chance to see Pride defender Emily Sams, who didn’t appear in the team’s previous game against England.

Americans in Midweek Action

There are a number of Americans who are in action this week, so make sure you have everything noted and marked down on your calendar. Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan get things started today when they take on Sassuolo in the Coppa Italia’s round of 16. Thursday has Antonee Robinson and Fulham welcoming Brighton and Hove Albion to Craven Cottage in English Premier League play, while Tyler Adams and Bournemouth travel to play Tottenham Hotspur. Things wrap up on Friday with Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman, Richy Ledezma, and PSV Eindhoven hosting FC Twente in Eredivisie play.

MLS Transfer Roundup

Plenty of MLS teams are busy making off-season moves, and we have a few that we need to cover. We start in the realm of rumor, where new San Jose Earthquakes coach Bruce Arena has reportedly traded for Mark Anthony-Kaye, Dave Romney, and Ian Harkes from the New England Revolution. Arena worked with all three during his time with the Revs, and Tom Bogert reports that San Jose is giving around $500,000 in General Allocation Money and an international roster spot in exchange. We then shift to confirmed moves, where we know that FC Cincinnati has permanently acquired Luca Orellana after he spent 2024 on loan with the Knifey Lions to great effect. Cincy also announced that it signed defender Bret Halsey to a contract extension.

Free Kicks

• Barba Banda and Marta are both finalists for the 2024 FIFPRO World 11.

• Congratulations to Orlando City defender Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, who announced on Instagram that his family has a little one is on the way.

• Barcelona fan groups have accused the team’s board of selling out after they were not allowed to be in the team’s stadium for the last two home games.
• Speaking of Barcelona, Hansi Flick reportedly held an emergency meeting with the team after a shocking loss to Las Palmas.
• A horrifying crowd crush at a stadium in Guinea has left at least 56 people dead.
• Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has reportedly been in contact with Mohamed Salah’s agent with a view to signing the Egyptian winger at the end of the season.

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

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all of you had a good Thanksgiving weekend spent with your family and loved ones. Under Armour kept me busy all weekend, along with working at Wrigley Field for the Northwestern and Illinois college football game. Let’s all wish Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar a happy birthday! It was frustrating to see Orlando City’s season end over the weekend, but let’s get to the links to catch up on all of the action.

Lions Fall to the New York Red Bulls in MLS Playoffs

Orlando City’s 2024 MLS playoff run ended on Saturday after a 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls at Inter&Co Stadium in the Eastern Conference final. Andres Reyes scored the lone goal to seal the win for the Red Bulls to advance to the MLS Cup final for the second time in club history. It’s the second time this postseason that the Lions have been shut out. Orlando didn’t beat the Red Bulls at all this year, drawing 1-1 at home and falling 1-0 on the road during the regular season prior to this playoff match. Orlando’s 2024 season ends just one round before reaching what would have been its first MLS Cup final appearance. Considering how Orlando’s season started, turning things around to finish as one of the final four teams in the playoffs gives the Lions something to build on next year.

Barbra Banda Nominated for Best FIFA Women’s Player Award

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been nominated for the 2024 Best FIFA Women’s Player Award. Banda is coming off a stellar season in her first year with the Pride, leading the club with 17 goals and scoring the winning goal against the Washington Spirit to seal Orlando’s first NWSL Championship title. She scored a hat trick for Zambia in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris against Australia as well. USWNT players Sophia Smith, Lindsey Horan, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman are also in contention for the award. Other notable players nominated are last year’s winner, Aitana Bonmati, Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze, and Jamaican forward Khadija Shaw.

LA Galaxy Beat Seattle Sounders to Reach MLS Cup Final

In the Western Conference final, the LA Galaxy defeated the Seattle Sounders 1-0 on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park. Dejan Joveljic scored a late goal in the second half to seal the win for the Galaxy and clinch a spot in the MLS Cup final. Joveljic has scored five goals in the postseason and the Galaxy return to the MLS Cup final for the first time since 2014. Riqui Puig added the assist on Joveljic’s goal and has three assists and four goals this postseason. Unfortunately, Puig suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during the match and will miss the final when the Galaxy host the Red Bulls on Saturday.

USWNT and England Play to Scoreless Draw in Friendly

On Saturday, the United States Women’s National Team fought to a scoreless draw against England in front of a record crowd at Wembley Stadium. The USWNT thought it had scored a goal in the second half courtesy of Lindsey Horan, but it was waved off due to offside. The USWNT was also given a penalty kick after it appeared defender Alex Greenwood handled the ball, but the decision was overturned after video review. The USWNT will travel to The Hague to take on the Netherlands Tuesday at ADO Den Haag Stadium at 2:45 p.m. for the team’s final match to close out the year.

Scouting Report on the Netherlands

Stars and Stripes FC unveiled its scouting report on the Netherlands. The USWNT will face the Dutch for the 12th time, winning eight of the first 11 meetings. Their last matchup was a 1-1 draw in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage. Some notable names on the Dutch roster include forward Chasity Grant, goalkeeper Lize Kop, and defender Dominique Janssen. Kop is known for her quickness to get to the ground and possesses the physical strength to absorb contact from her opponents when going after aerial balls. Veteran defender Danielle van de Donk is another player to keep an eye out for, as she can still provide a spark and identify gaps in the opposition’s defense. Even though this is a friendly, this match will provide another test for Head Coach Emma Hayes to give opportunities to the younger players while building chemistry for the squad.

Free Kicks

• Orlando Pride midfielder Angelina and forward Adriana were both in action for Brazil in a friendly on Sunday. Brazil won 2-1 over Australia.

• Christian Pulisic added an assist over the weekend to help AC Milan defeat Empoli 3-0 and extend its unbeaten run to six matches across all competitions.
• The match between Fiorentina and Inter Milan was suspended in the first half after midfielder Edoardo Bove collapsed during the match and was rushed to the hospital. The match was abandoned shortly afterward.
• Bayern Munich defender and Canadian national team captain Alphonso Davies has been banned from driving in Germany for one month after being found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane strained his hamstring during Saturday’s match against Borussia Dortmund and had to be subbed off in the first half. The club didn’t indicate when he could return.
• Despite being down to 10 men early in the first half, Botafogo defeated Atletico Mineiro 3-1 to win its first Copa Libertadores title.
• Manchester City was defeated by Liverpool 2-0 on Sunday, extending its winless streak to seven matches across all competitions.
• Toronto FC Head Coach John Herdman resigned over the weekend, leaving the club after just 15 months.
• Saudi Arabia is reportedly set to host the 2034 World Cup, which would be played in the winter months. FIFA is expected to announce the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 World Cups on Dec. 11.

• That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.