Happy Tuesday, everyone. It was a rough weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, as all three sides came up short. Still, the only way out is up, and life goes on. That means that, as usual, we have plenty of things to talk over this morning, so let’s get into today’s links.

Orlando Pride Playoff Game Date Announced

There’s still one more game left to play in the NWSL regular season, but the Orlando Pride know when their quarterfinal matchup will take place. The Pride will host a quarterfinal match on Friday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m against whichever team finishes eighth in the standings. As things currently stand, it would mean a matchup against Bay FC, although the Portland Thorns or Chicago Red Stars could each realistically drop into that spot. The Pride are undefeated against both Bay and Chicago this year, and have beaten Portland once, but also had the team’s undefeated streak ended by the Thorns two games ago.

Pedro Gallese Nominated for Save of the Year

Despite perhaps not hitting his usual heights, Pedro Gallese has still had a pretty good year between the sticks for Orlando City, and he’s been nominated for the Save of the Year to boot. The stop in question came during Orlando’s fifth match of the year on the road against Atlanta United. With OCSC trailing 1-0 on the stroke of halftime, the hosts whipped in a corner which Stian Gregersen met with a strong header down into the ground. Not only did El Pulpo claw it off the line, but he also managed to make a fantastic double save when Xande Silva sent the rebound back towards the goal. Make sure you take the time to vote for Gallese to win!

San Diego FC Announces Two 2025 Matches

San Diego FC will join MLS next season as the league’s newest franchise, and we now know who the team’s first two opponents will be. The expansion side gets an unenviable start to life in the league, as it will play its first game of the 2025 season on the road against the LA Galaxy on either Feb. 22 or 23. It will then play its first ever home match on March 1 against St. Louis City SC at Snapdragon Stadium in a battle of MLS’s two most recent expansion sides. San Diego will likely hope to emulate St. Louis City’s first season in the league, but probably won’t want a repeat of what the team did in 2024. The full league schedule is set to be announced in December, so we have to wait a while before seeing what the schedule holds for Orlando City.

Transfer Rumor Roundup

The transfer rumor mill never stops churning out new stories, and there are certainly some interesting items to examine today. First up is the report from Calciomercato that Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is open to leaving the club during the January window, despite having only signed in July. Then, there’s Juventus needing to make a statement that it was hacked on Monday following a fake announcement that was made on its social media that the club had signed Arda Guler from Real Madrid. Virgil van Dijk has confirmed that he’s begun talks regarding signing a new deal with Liverpool, but also stressed that he does not know if he’ll remain at the club next season. Finally, Bayer Leverkusen is reportedly worried about head coach Xabi Alonso leaving the club for a bigger challenge, with Manchester City and Real Madrid both said to be interested.

Free Kicks

• Following two straight losses, the Orlando Pride slipped one place to second in ESPN‘s NWSL power rankings.
• The same outlet has Orlando City ranked eighth out of the 18 playoff teams in the MLS postseason field.
• Neymar has made his first appearance in over a year after tearing his ACL while playing for Al Hilal.
• A number of women’s soccer players have urged FIFA to end its partnership with Saudi Aramco, a Saudi Arabian oil and gas company.
• La Liga is reportedly pushing hard to hold a league match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in Miami.

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

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I just finished setting up broadcasting for the NISA championship match in California over the weekend. This week, I’m back to staying busy at Under Armour and covering high school sports. It was a rough weekend for Orlando’s soccer teams, and we have plenty to cover today. Let’s get to the links!

Lions Fall to Atlanta United at Home on Decision Day

Orlando City fell 2-1 to Atlanta United on Saturday at Inter&Co Stadium on Decision Day. The Lions trailed 2-0 early in the first half before Martin Ojeda pulled one back for Orlando just before halftime. The Lions thought they had a late equalizer from Duncan McGuire, but the referee overturned the goal after a video review. The loss ended Orlando’s three-match winning streak, but it still clinched fourth place in the Eastern Conference as New York City FC lost to CF Montreal. Orlando’s next match will be in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs at home against Charlotte FC on Sunday.

Orlando Pride Lose to NJ/NY Gotham FC on the Road

The Orlando Pride lost their second straight match with a 3-1 defeat on the road to NJ/NY Gotham FC on Sunday at Red Bull Arena. The Pride were down 1-0 early in the first half before Adriana converted a penalty to tie things up. Gotham added two goals from Rose Lavelle and Ella Stevens to seal the victory and extend its unbeaten streak to seven matches. The Pride’s next game will be on Nov. 2 at home when they face the Seattle Reign in their final match of the regular season.

Seb Hines Speaks on Diversity in Soccer

BBC Sport interviewed Pride Head Coach Seb Hines after the club won its first NWSL Shield. Hines discussed how he’s helped reshape the club’s culture and advocates for more opportunities for black coaches in the sport alongside assistant coaches Giles Barnes and Yolanda Thomas.

“Being a trailblazer comes with a big responsibility because I want to advocate for more black coaches and diversity within the sport.

“It’s a responsibility to fight for more equality globally. It’s less about winning and more about breaking those barriers. I want to continue to give hope to others.”

Thomas, who joined the Pride’s coaching staff in 2023, also spoke on her passion to drive change and how she was inspired by former England manager Hope Powell.

OCB Eliminated from MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs

Orlando City B was eliminated from postseason play after losing 5-4 on penalties to Chicago Fire FC II following a 1-1 draw at SeatGeek Stadium in the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs . The Young Lions got off to a great start with a goal from Jack Lynn to take the lead in the first half. However, scored an equalizer just before halftime. After 90 minutes and extra time, the game went to penalties, where both teams exchanged goals until sudden death. OCB’s Favian Loyola missed his penalty, while Jean Diouf scored to send Chicago into the conference semifinals. OCB missed out on a chance to get its first postseason win and its 2024 season came to an end.

Orlando City and Pride Announce Hurricane Relief Efforts

Orlando City and the Pride announced hurricane relief effort plans over the weekend so fans can get involved and support those in need following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The club also announced that the Wilf Family Foundations contributed $450,000 towards relief efforts, with $350,000 going to the American Red Cross and $100,000 to Heart of Florida United Way, a charity partner for the Pride.

Free Kicks

• Check out Orlando City’s hype video on social media leading up to its playoff match.

• Major League Soccer has reportedly not surpassed the needed number of MLS Season Pass subscriptions in its deal with Apple to trigger the revenue share agreement.
• Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez is reportedly in talks with the club about extending his contract.
• FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that Inter Miami will play in the 2025 Club World Cup, joining the Seattle Sounders as the only MLS clubs in the competition. Miami will host the opening match at Hard Rock Stadium on July 15.
• Arsenal U-18 manager and former England midfielder Jack Wilshere is reportedly set to leave the club to join EFL Championship side Norwich City as its new manager.

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

Happy Friday! It’s been a long week, but we’ve made it. We’re rewarded with a thrilling slate of Orlando soccer that begins when Orlando City hosts Atlanta United on Decision Day. Orlando City B also kicks off its playoff campaign Sunday before the Orlando Pride take on NJ/NY Gotham FC. Plan your weekend accordingly and have some fun out there!

Pride Exercise Summer Yates Contract Option

The Orlando Pride and midfielder Summer Yates agreed to exercise the option on her contract to keep her at the club through 2026. The Pride selected Yates in the fourth round of the 2023 NWSL Draft in what was quite the coup for the club. The 24-year-old has scored five goals this season, including three winners to help the Pride gain valuable points en route to winning the NWSL Shield. She just signed a new contract with the club in July and it seems the club has wasted no time securing her talents for 2026.

Orlando Pride Prepare for Gotham

For the first time this year, the Orlando Pride will aim to bounce back from a loss when they take on NJ/NY Gotham FC Sunday. With the top seed in the playoffs locked up, this will be the Pride’s final road game of the year. Sunday’s match is a heavyweight showdown between two of the league’s top teams, as Gotham sits third in the standings and hasn’t lost since the Pride beat the defending champs 2-0 in Orlando on Sept. 1. Pride Head Coach Seb Hines spoke on how the team is getting ready for this match while keeping the postseason in mind.

Emily Sams Called Up for USWNT Friendlies

Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams was one of 26 players called up for the United States Women’s National Team’s training camp this month ahead of friendlies against Iceland and Argentina. Sams could make her first USWNT appearance this month, although she did receive a gold medal for being on a game day roster at this summer’s Olympics. She’s been one of the best players in the NWSL this year, so it’s great to see her called up by USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes. Of those called up, 14 players have fewer than 20 appearances with the USWNT, including forward Emma Sears, defender Eva Gaetino, and midfielder Olivia Moultrie. Forward Jaedyn Shaw is also back after missing out on playing in the Olympics due to an injury right before the tournament began.

Man Charged With Arson at Orlando City Game

Federal prosecutors announced that Giovanni Isai Ramirez Reyes has been charged with arson for releasing two flares into the supporters’ section at Orlando City’s home game against CF Montreal in this season’s opener. A child suffered burns as a result of the incident according to the indictment, and Orlando City stated it’s been working with law enforcement to identify those responsible. The arrest was made earlier this week and Ramirez Reyes pleaded not guilty to the charges. He faces up to 40 years in federal prison if convicted.

Free Kicks

• Kansas City Current midfielder Desiree Scott will retire once this season is over after a career that’s included three stints playing in Kansas City.
• Here’s a breakdown of the playoff scenarios heading into the penultimate week of the NWSL regular season. Bay FC and the Portland Thorns can clinch the final playoff spots this weekend.
• The Levine Leichtman family has completed its acquisition of the San Diego Wave from Ron Burkle.
• West Ham’s Rehanne Skinner, who is just one of two English women managers in the Women’s Super League, spoke on how there should be more support and opportunities for women to receive coaching experience.
• French midfielder Paul Pogba spoke on how he considered retirement after being handed a four-year ban, which was later reduced to 18 months earlier this month.
• Atletico Madrid was successful in its appeal regarding fans throwing items on the field in a derby match with Real Madrid. As a result, the three-game partial stadium ban was reduced to one game and the fine was changed from $49,000 to just $3,200.

That’ll do it for me today. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend. Go Orlando!