Happy Tuesday, everyone! What a happy Tuesday it is too, as Orlando City got back to winning ways over the weekend after a string of frustrating results. There’s a ton going on right now with MLS All-Star events galore and Orlando City and Orlando City B both back in action on Friday. That means we’ve got a lot to discuss this morning, so let’s get after it.

Martin Ojeda Garners Weekly Honors

As seems to usually be the case lately, Martin Ojeda has been recognized for his efforts over the weekend with a place in the starting XI of the MLS Team of the Matchday. Ojeda powered Orlando City to a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution by scoring both of the team’s goals. That now gives him 12 goals and 10 assists for an extremely respectable 22 goal contributions in 24 games, which apparently still isn’t good enough for a place on the All-Star Team. Regardless of that snub, he’s a worthy inclusion in this week’s team, and we certainly hope he keeps up the good work!

OCSC Well Represented at All-Star Week

Despite Ojeda not being at All-Star Week, Orlando City as a club is heavily represented. In fact, the Lions are the only club to have representation from every level of the club’s structure. Youth players Dylan Judelson and Gustavo Caraballo participated in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game Monday night, with Caraballo’s golazo helping the East win 4-3 over the west. Check out the 16-year-old’s thunderous strike from distance.

Caraballo’s blast made it 2-1 at the time. The West came back twice, tying the match at 2-2 and 3-3, but a late penalty for a handball in the box allowed the East to claim the victory for Orlando City U-18 coach and academy director Javier Carrillo.

In addition to Carrillo and the academy kids helping the East win the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, Orlando City B’s Carlos Mercado is taking part in Goalie Wars, and Alex Freeman will be in the Skills Challenge and alongside Marco Pasalic in the All-Star Game. It’s great seeing every level of the club get a chance at the spotlight this week.

Predicting the U.S. World Cup Roster

With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, the good folks over at Stars and Stripes FC took an early stab at predicting what the 26-man roster will look like for the United States Men’s National Team. We know it isn’t completely accurate because they didn’t project Alex Freeman to make the plane, but hey, no one’s perfect. Patrick Schulte gets the nod as the third goalkeeper along with Matt Freese and Matt Turner, while they believe Max Arfsten, Malik Tillman, and Diego Luna all did enough at the Gold Cup to secure spots. Gio Reyna is projected to make the cut, which might be generous considering how the last year has gone for him, but I really love the inclusion of Alex Zendejas, and hope he gets a chance under Mauricio Pochettino to show what he can do.

European Transfer Roundup

The summer transfer window is in full swing, and we need to catch up on which European teams are busy doing business ahead of the upcoming campaign. We start with Manchester United, which has completed the signing of Bryan Mbuemo from Brentford for a deal reportedly worth over $94 million. Liverpool is said to be putting a bow on a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, with a transfer fee that could reportedly rise to $106 million if potential add-ons are met. That’s good news for the Reds, because Luis Diaz is reportedly determined to leave the team this summer and is hoping that Bayern Munich will make a new offer for him after Liverpool rejected a bid last week. Moving to the continent, AC Milan has reportedly agreed to sign Pervis Estupinan from Brighton and Hove Albion, while Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly considering a move for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa due to Gianluigi Donnarumma continually rejecting new deals.

Free Kicks

• The Orlando Pride’s Sept. 19 home match against the North Carolina Courage has been flexed to stream nationally, which means the kickoff time has been moved to 8 p.m.
• Orlando City held fast at no.11 in the MLS power rankings, and is at the same exact spot in ESPN.com’s version of the rankings.
• Marta has been vocal in her frustrations about the conditions the players are facing at this year’s Copa America.

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

Orlando City ended a four-game winless run, defeating the New England Revolution 2-1 on the road. Martin Ojeda’s brace was the difference in this one as the Lions were able to hold onto their one-goal lead, something they were unable to do in the two previous matches. It’s a big three points as they look to climb back up the table.

Let’s take a look at the individual performances in this crucial win.

Starters

GK, Pedro Gallese, 6 — The shot stopper didn’t have a lot to do in this game since New England only put four shots on frame. He could’ve done better on the goal and was a little lucky that another shot hit the post. But Gallese made saves when he needed to, helping to get the win. He ended up saving three of the four shots he faced, giving up a goal. The goalkeeper had 34 touches, completing 54.2% of his 24 passes, including seven of his 18 long balls. It wasn’t his best game, but Gallese definitely helped claim all three points.

D, David Brekalo, 6.5 — Brekalo started at left back once again, touching the ball 51 times and completing 80% of his 30 passes, including seven of his nine long balls. He was strong defensively, recording a tackle, two interceptions, three clearances, and a blocked shot. The defender also had a shot in the attack that went off target.

D, Robin Jansson, 6 — Jansson had 44 touches in this game, completing 74.3% of his 35 passes, including six of his 12 long balls. Defensively, he recorded an interception, five clearances, and two blocked shots. The center back only went forward once before pulling back and came off with a slight knock for Kyle Smith in the second-half stoppage time.

D, Rodrigo Schlegel, 6 — Schlegel had 41 touches, completing 85.7% of his 28 passes, including one of his two long balls. He recorded a tackle and a team-high seven clearances with two blocked shots defensively. He stepped up to challenge Tomas Chancalay on the New England goal, but it was half-hearted defending, allowing the attacker to shoot at Gallese’s near post. But, overall, it was a strong performance by Schlegel.

D, Alex Freeman, 5.5 — Freeman had 47 touches from his right back position, connecting on 79.3% of his 29 passes, including a key pass. However, he didn’t convert on either of his long balls. He attempted one shot, sailing it well over the crossbar. Defensively, he added a tackle and three clearances. The 20-year-old looked a little lost defensively early in the second half, losing his man multiple times, including on the goal. That knocks his grade down a little in this one.

MF, Ivan Angulo, 6.5 — This was one of Angulo’s better games. He had 41 touches and completed 88.5% of his 26 passes, including two key passes and his lone long ball. He didn’t take any shots but made a great run in the 58th minute to beat his man, get into the box, and find Ojeda for the game-winning goal, earning himself an assist. Defensively, Angulo added four tackles and an interception while being a key contributor to the win. His game ended in second-half stoppage time when he came off for Rafael Santos in a defensive change.

MF, Cesar Araujo, 6 — Araujo touched the ball 47 times and completed 91.4% of his 35 passes, including two key passes, his only cross, and one of his two long balls. His only shot was off target, but he contributed defensively, adding a tackle and a clearance. It wasn’t a stellar game, but a solid one nonetheless.

MF, Eduard Atuesta, 6.5 — Atuesta was the better of the two defensive midfielders in this game, touching the ball 54 times and completing 78.6% of his 28 passes. He had three key passes and connected on one of his two long balls but none of his three crosses. However, it was his excellent long ball forward in the 18th minute that resulted in the opening goal by Ojeda. Neither of his two shots were on target, but he was active defensively, recording three tackles, an interception, and two clearances.

MF, Marco Pasalic, 6.5 — Pasalic had a strong performance, touching the ball 30 times and completing 73.7% of his 19 passes, including three of his five long balls. One of his three shots was on target, and he added an interception defensively. Pasalic’s impact on the game wasn’t all captured statistically as he dribbled at the Revs’ defense, causing problems for the back line and creating opportunities for his teammates. Pasalic was replaced by Zakaria Taifi in the 78th minute as Oscar Pareja looked to hold onto the one-goal lead.

F, Martin Ojeda, 7.5 (MotM) — Ojeda was without question the best player on the field in this game. He had 51 touches and completed 76.7% of his passes with a team-high four key passes. All three of his crosses and two of his three long balls found their targets. The attacker put four of his seven shots on target — both team highs — netting a brace. I’m sure it won’t surprise you that he’s my Man of the Match — and probably everyone else’s.

F, Luis Muriel, 5 — Muriel touched the ball 42 times in this game, completing 56.3% of his 32 passes with a key pass. He didn’t complete his lone cross but was successful on two of his three long balls and his only through ball. However, strikers are judged on goals and Muriel only had one off-target shot in this game. It was another one where you wonder where your Designated Player was when you needed him.

Substitutes

D, Zakaria Taifi (78′), 6 — Taifi was the first change in a surprise move, replacing Pasalic in the 78th minute. The 19-year-old touched the ball nine times and completed 85.7% of his seven passes, including his lone long ball. To his credit, Taifi sent a dangerous ball in from the right that was just beyond the reach of Muriel. Defensively he added a tackle in a game that should give the academy product some confidence moving forward.

D, Kyle Smith (90′ + 2), N/A — Smith came on for Jansson in the second minute of second-half stoppage time. He didn’t touch the ball in his few minutes on the field.

D, Rafael Santos (90′ + 4), N/A — Santos replaced Angulo in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time, touching the ball once. It was a complete long ball and the only time he was noticed on the field in his short appearance.

That’s how I saw Orlando City’s 2-1 win over the New England Revolution. Let us know how you saw the game and don’t forget to vote for your Man of the Match.

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you in Florida. I’ve been busy working, and I finally got to see the Jurassic World Rebirth movie over the weekend. Our Lions secured a much-needed win, while OCB suffered a defeat over the weekend. We’ve got plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Ojeda’s Two Goals Carry Lions over Revolution

Orlando City defeated the New England Revolution 2-1 Saturday at Gillette Stadium. Martin Ojeda scored the opening goal as Orlando held onto a 1-0 lead going into halftime. In the second half, New England found the equalizer, but Ojeda added another goal for the Lions, who held on for the win. New England is winless in its last eight matches, while Orlando bounces back after losing to New York City FC midweek. The Lions will be back in action on the road at the Columbus Crew Friday at Lower.com Field.

Pride Players in Action Abroad

Orlando Pride forwards Barbra Banda, Prisca Chilufya, and midfielder Grace Chanda were all in action for Zambia Friday but fell 5-0 to Nigeria in the quarterfinals in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. During Zambia’s run in the tournament, Banda scored three goals and added an assist. Bay FC’s Racheal Kundananji also scored three goals for Zambia in the group stage. On Tuesday, Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse and England will face Italy in the semifinals of the 2025 Women’s Euros. Orlando Pride forward Marta and midfielder Angelina will also be in action Tuesday as Brazil takes on Paraguay in the group stage of the 2025 Copa America Femenina.

OCB Falls to New England Revolution II on the Road

Orlando City B fell 3-0 to New England Revolution II Sunday at Gillette Stadium. Gevork Diarbian scored a goal in the run of play and converted a penalty from the spot, and Alex Monis added a third as New England dominated the match and ended OCB’s three-match unbeaten streak. The Young Lions came out flat and were unable to get anything going offensively throughout the match. Orlando City B will be back on the road Friday to face Huntsville City FC at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium.

MLS Weekend Recap

We had another week of exciting matches in Major League Soccer just before the MLS All-Star break. Charlotte FC edged Atlanta United 3-2, and the Seattle Sounders beat the San Jose Earthquakes by the same scoreline. The Chicago Fire beat CF Montreal 2-0 on the road, while the Columbus Crew held on for a 2-1 win over D.C. United. Lionel Messi scored twice and added two assists as Inter Miami crushed the New York Red Bulls 5-1 on the road. FC Dallas defeated St. Louis City 3-0, and Sam Surridge’s lone goal was enough for Nashville SC to beat Toronto FC 1-0. FC Cincinnati held on for a 1-0 win on the road against Real Salt Lake. The Houston Dynamo and Philadelphia Union, Sporting Kansas City vs. New York City FC, Minnesota United at Portland Timbers, and San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps matches all ended in 1-1 draws. The LA Galaxy fought back with a late equalizer in stoppage time from Maya Yoshida against rival LAFC in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Free Kicks

• Alex Freeman and Marco Pasalic have arrived in Austin to get ready for the MLS All-Star Game. The MLS All-Stars will face the Liga MX All-Stars Wednesday at Q2 Stadium.

• USWNT and Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman has returned to training with the club for the first time in three months. Rodman has been out since mid-April, dealing with a back injury.
• USMNT forward Josh Sargent is reportedly close to a transfer move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.
• Marcus Rashford is reportedly on his way to FC Barcelona after an agreement was reached between the club and Manchester United for a season-long loan deal.

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