Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s MLS All-Star time, and if you’re like me, you think that the MLS All-Star Game should pit players from the Eastern Conference versus the Western Conference so that fans of the MLS teams can see more of the players in MLS compete. There could even be some sort of reward for the conference that wins the match. Wouldn’t that be cool? Unfortunately, that isn’t what we get. Since I can’t change it, let’s get to the links.

It’s Good to Be Alex

It’s been a heck of a year for Alex Freeman. He made his first start for Orlando City in March, earned his first call-up to the USMNT, got his first cap and first start for the USMNT, and now will appear in the MLS All-Star Game. Even for those of us that follow Orlando City, it’s been a meteoric rise for the defender, and there’s every expectation that he still has room to improve. His next opportunity to shine comes tonight.

Goalie Wars/Skills Challenge

MLS defeated Liga MX in the MLS All-Star Skills challenge in the last event — the crossbar challenge. Freeman provided crosses in the first competition, and then beat iShowSpeed — an online personality — in the “Speed” passing contest. Carlos Mercado did Orlando City B proud, making it to the final of Goalie Wars. Unfortunately he lost to Pedro Cruz of Houston Dynamo 2.

Almost All the All-Stars

The MLS All-Stars take on the Liga MX All-Stars in the MLS “All-Star” Game at 9 p.m. on Apple TV. Freeman won’t be the only USMNT player in the competition. The many story lines around the match include USMNT representatives facing some of their Mexican National Team rivals in the match. I’m certain that the promoters have been hyping Lionel Messi’s inclusion in the match. Unfortunately for them, he may miss the match despite being invited.

Marta and Brazil Victorious

The Brazilian Women’s National Team defeated Paraguay 4-1 in a first-round Group B match of the Copa América Femenina. The Orlando Pride’s Marta got the start for her country, though Angelina did not. Yasmim scored a brace for Brazil with Amanda Gutierres and Duda Sampaio adding the other two goals. Paraguay’s Camila Gomez was sent off in the 50th minute, making things easier for Brazil, which will face Colombia in its second match Friday at 8 p.m.

Free Kicks

• The Denver NWSL expansion team now has an official identity — Denver Summit FC. I like the logo, but they missed an opportunity to be The Denver Summit and forego “FC.” Oh well, it’s definitely better than some others.

• It turns out that NWSL teams can sign new players right now to improve their rosters. Who knew? The Houston Dash, that’s who. The club completed the transfer of Canadian international Clarissa Larisey from Crystal Palace FC.
• I don’t usually recommend taking lessons from FIFA on…well, anything, but perhaps there are some things MLS can take from FIFA’s Club World Cup.
• LA Galaxy and LAFC players received fines for violating the leagues mass confrontation policy.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for Orlando City’s match this Friday against the Columbus Crew. Vamos Orlando!

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.

Happy Friday! It’s been a long week, but the weekend is nearly upon us. My parents are in town on vacation, so I’m looking forward to having an excuse to go out to brunch. It should be a nice few days with plenty of soccer to keep us all entertained. Let’s get to the links!

Justin Ellis Named U-19 MLS NEXT MVP

Orlando City B forward Justin Ellis was named MLS NEXT MVP for the U-19 age group after a stellar season that included 18 goals for the Lions. The 18-year-old was the top scorer of this year’s Generation Adidas Cup to help his team lift the trophy and helped the team reach the semifinals of the MLS NEXT Cup. In MLS NEXT Pro action, Ellis has recorded seven goals and three assists in 11 appearances for OCB. It’s quite the accolade for the forward and hopefully he can continue to make strides in his development to make an impact with the first team.

Orlando Pride Announce Full-Team Apparel Collection

The Orlando Pride became the first NWSL club to offer a merchandise line featuring every player on the roster after announcing a new apparel collection. The Pride, in collaboration with apparel brand 500 Level, will offer over 500 player-specific items to form the largest player collection across the major U.S. sports leagues. As someone who is usually a fan of the unsung heroes when it comes to sports, I think it’s pretty great that fans are now able to get apparel representing their favorite Pride player no matter who that is.

Ideal Transfer Landing Spots for USMNT Players

ESPN took a stab at identifying the best fits for United States Men’s National Team players with transfer buzz following the Concacaf Gold Cup. Orlando City right back Alex Freeman was listed but could need a bit more time solidifying his game with the Lions before big clubs come knocking. Midfielder Diego Luna had a strong tournament with the U.S. this summer and could fit in well with Celta Vigo’s rebuilding plans. As for other intriguing things to keep an eye on, a move to MLS could give Giovanni Reyna the playing time he desperately needs; Ricardo Pepi may be best off staying at PSV Eindhoven; and Marseille may be just what the doctor ordered for Tim Weah.

England Comes Back to Reach Euro Semifinals

England secured its spot in the Women’s European Championship semifinals in dramatic fashion, advancing on penalties against Sweden after a 2-2 draw. A pair of goals in the first half by Sweden had the Scandinavian nation on top for most of the match, but Lucy Bronze scored in the 79th minute, before 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang scored the equalizer in the 81st. The penalty shootout included nine misses, but the defending champs prevailed in the end. It’s a brutal way for Peter Gerhardsson’s tenure as Sweden’s head coach to come to a close. England will face Italy in the semifinals on Tuesday.

Free Kicks

• Alex Freeman will take part in this year’s MLS All-Star Skills Challenge and here’s everything you need to know before it takes place on Tuesday.
• Arsenal signed Canadian forward Olivia Smith from Liverpool for a reported record $1.34 million transfer fee. The 20-year-old was Liverpool’s Player of the Season after scoring nine goals in 25 appearances this past season.
• FC Cincinnati’s Evander was named MLS Player of the Matchday, forcing me to once again wonder what life would be like if he was playing in Orlando. The Brazilian had a brace in a 3-0 win over Inter Miami, furthering his case for MLS MVP.
• A 12-year ban of away fans in Argentina’s leagues will gradually be lifted, starting with Rosario Central’s match against Lanus on Saturday.

That’s all I have for you this time around. I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and rest of your weekend!