Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. The weather is getting a bit nicer. I’m actually able to have the windows open at night, which is delightful. However, the temperatures are rising a bit this week, which I find sad. I know we live in Florida, but gosh darn it, we’re only 10 days from Halloween. I should be wearing sweaters rather than shorts. I appreciate you allowing me to rant, now let’s get to the links.

Justin Ellis Named No. 5 of MLS 22 Under 22

Justin Ellis was rightly named to Major League Soccer’s 2026 22 Under 22 list. The Orlando City striker came in at No. 5 on the list. It’s not surprising, given the year he’s had. He’s busted into the starting lineup for Orlando City, and he has 16 goal contributions so far. He also received his first call-up to the USMNT, scoring a goal in his first match and two goals in the four-game window. He’s joined on the list by fellow USMNT teammates Cavan Sullivan and Julian Hall. This is his second accolade in the last week as he was also named 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Pathway Player of the Year.

New Orlando Soccer School Announced

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are expanding the Orlando Youth Soccer Network with the addition of the Orlando Soccer School – Winter Haven. The organization is formerly known as the Winter Haven Soccer Club. The school will provide programming for boys and girls ages 3-19. This is an example of the top-to-bottom pipeline the organization is building to develop players for both the men’s and women’s clubs.

Orlando City B Season in Review

Like the Orlando Pride, Orlando City B did not make the post season in 2026. That doesn’t necessarily mean it wasn’t a success in other ways. Orlando City B is a developmental squad, and the reserve side did its job in developing prospects this season. Some OCB players made it into the first team, there were a record number of academy debuts, and the team saw several international call-ups. Given how inconsistent the squad was because of all the shuffling around, it’s not surprising the team struggled on the pitch at times. Hopefully, all the younger players getting time will set the team up for success next season.

USMNT to Face Jamaica in December

The USMNT added a friendly against Jamaica on December 13 in Miami. The match takes place outside of the international window, so we can expect Mauricio Pochettino to call up MLS players whose clubs have been eliminated from the playoffs. There’s also a possibility for some European-based players, but clubs are not required to release them. Prior to that, the team will be in action in against Haiti in the two quarterfinal legs of the Concacaf Nations League.

Free Kicks

• The Lions are up to 11th in the MLS power rankings following their 4-1 victory over D.C. United. Even the writer got distracted by Martin Ojeda’s amazing goal.
• Orlando City midfielder Luis Otavio is on the list to potentially be on next year’s MLS 22 Under 22. Hopefully, he plays well enough for that to come to pass.
• Pride striker Barbra Banda is on the list for the Women’s Ballon d’Or. The award ceremony takes place on Oct. 26.
• The Bundesliga has a new broadcast rights deal in the U.S. The league will try to leverage the visibility of soccer following the World Cup.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for the matches this weekend. Vamos Orlando!

Hello, Mane Landers! It was a great weekend for the Lions, while the Pride won but were finally knocked out of the playoffs with Seattle Reign FC’s defeat of the Chicago Stars. Let’s start today off by wishing Pride goalkeeper McKinley Crone a happy 28th birthday. It’s been a busy past few days, so let’s get to the links.

Griezmann, Ojeda Honored

For their efforts (and spectacular goals) in Orlando City’s 4-1 win over D.C. United on Saturday, both Antoine Griezmann and Martin Ojeda have received deserved honors. Griezmann was named MLS Player of the Matchday for his two-goal, one-assist performance, leading the way once again in what has been an impressive start to his career as a Lion. The man they call Grizi is up to 19 goal contributions in 14 matches. Griezmann was obviously also honored with a starting spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday, joining fellow Lion Martin Ojeda, who chipped in a goal and an assist against D.C. And what a goal it was! Ojeda’s crazy, leaping, spinning backheel goal from Griezmann’s chipped pass over the top is deservedly up for MLS Goal of the Matchday. There’s still time to cast your vote on Twitter.

In addition to Goal of the Matchday, Ojeda’s magical moment will likely be up for MLS Goal of the Year. Marco Pasalic’s late insurance goal was also important, and it gave the Lions a goal from all three Designated Players in the same game.

Lions Deemed Powerful, Entertaining

Orlando City is up to No. 9 in the latest version of the ESPN MLS power rankings after Wednesday’s road draw in Toronto and Saturday’s lopsided home win over D.C. United. It’s been a long climb up those power rankings, just like it’s been a long climb above the playoff line after Orlando’s terrible start to the season. The Lions still have a lot to do to secure a postseason spot, but at least at home, they’ve been strong in the second half of the season.

Additionally, the Lions are an entertaining watch, win or lose, according to Joseph Lowery over at the league’s website. Lowery’s argument is compelling, noting that both the Orlando attack and the defense keep things exciting by either scoring or conceding in bunches. He also notes the number of ways the Lions can operate with personnel moving around to give the team multiple attacking options.

Pride in the Power Rankings

The Orlando Pride picked up a 2-1 win in Houston on a big day from Solai Washington, but it wasn’t enough to keep the team in contention for the postseason as Seattle defeated Chicago to seal the Pride’s fate. In addition to the Pride being 11th in the standings after the win, the latest version of ESPN’s NWSL power rankings have them in the same spot, which seems fair. Orlando will play out the string starting Sunday with a matinee against first-place Gotham FC before finishing the season on Nov. 1 at Seattle.

Americans Abroad in European Tournaments

Several Americans will be in action this week, so make sure you’ve got all the games you need to see written down somewhere, so you won’t miss any of the action. Tyler Adams faces Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah in Europa League action Thursday as AC Milan travels to AFC Bournemouth. Chris Richards and Crystal Palace also play in a Europa League tilt against Besiktas, and the defense is being held up as a reason for their struggles. Tanner Tessman is also one to look for in Lyon’s matchup against Hoffenheim in a Europa League tilt. Villarreal heads to Liverpool in Champions League action and we’ll see if the club’s manager continues to ride Alex Freeman’s hot run as he has yet to start a Champions League game.

Free Kicks

• UEFA is asking for answers about the relationship between U.S. President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino
• The U.S. U-17 women set a record in a 17-0 win over Samoa, posting the most lopsided win in World Cup history at any level. The Yanks had 10 different goal scorers in the match.
• Atlanta City FC has hired its first chief soccer officer for the club’s NWSL debut in 2028.

That’s the wrapup for today. Check back with us tomorrow for more futbol news.

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy at work covering high school playoff football games. The Lions and Pride were in action over the weekend and both got results. Before we get started, let’s wish a happy birthday to Orlando Pride forward Jacquie Ovalle, who turns 27 today. We’ve got plenty to cover, so let’s get to the links.

Lions Defeat D.C. United at Home

Orlando City defeated D.C. United 4-1 on Saturday at Inter.co Stadium with another big performance from Antoine Griezmann. The club’s newest Designated Player scored the opening goal for the Lions and set up Martin Ojeda’s goal to double Orlando’s lead in the first half. D.C. United pulled one back with a penalty kick from Tai Baribo to make it 2-1 before the break. In the second half, Griezmann scored his second goal of the match, and Marco Pasalic added a goal late in stoppage time as the Lions picked up a crucial three points at home. Orlando City will host New York City FC on Saturday.

Pride Win at Houston Dash

The Orlando Pride got back in the win column on Sunday, beating the Houston Dash 2-1 at Shell Energy Stadium. The Pride struck first when Luana buried an early penalty kick on a foul won by Solai Washington, who later added another for Orlando to extend the lead to 2-0. In the second half, Houston pulled one back on a goal from Danielle Colaprico, but Orlando held on for the win. With the Seattle Reign’s win against the Chicago Stars on Sunday night, Orlando was officially eliminated from contention for a spot in the 2026 NWSL playoffs. The Pride will be back in action for their home finale on Sunday against Gotham FC.

Robin Jansson Has Successful Foot Surgery

Orlando City captain and defender Robin Jansson underwent successful foot surgery for a fracture in his right foot, the club announced on Friday. Jansson’s last match for the Lions was Oct. 10 against the Columbus Crew, where he played a full 90 minutes in a 3-2 win. The Swedish defender will miss the rest of the 2026 MLS season. We at The Mane Land wish Jansson a speedy recovery.

Americans Abroad

On Saturday, former Lion Alex Freeman played a full 90 minutes for Villarreal in a scoreless draw against Elche in La Liga. Gio Reyna scored for RC Strasbourg in the first half, but his side fell 3-1 to Paris Saint-Germain. On Sunday, Tyler Adams played 89 minutes for AFC Bournemouth in a 2-0 win against Sunderland. Christian Pulisic played 75 minutes for AC Milan in a 3-2 win against Atalanta, extending the club’s unbeaten streak to seven Serie A matches. Meanwhile, Weston McKennie played a full 90 minutes for Juventus in a 3-0 defeat against Lazio. Timothy Weah notched two assists for Olympique Marseille in a 5-2 victory against Angers in Ligue 1.

Free Kicks

• In case you missed it, here is another look at Martin Ojeda’s flying backheel goal, a potential goal-of-the-season candidate, in Orlando’s win against D.C. United over the weekend.

• Austin FC and forward Christian Ramirez have reached an agreement on a new contract extension that will keep him at the club through the 2027-2028 MLS season.
• Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is expected to return to the club in a few weeks after reportedly undergoing surgery for a fractured jaw sustained in a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during Saturday’s English Premier League match.
• FIFA’s controversial Peace Prize could be scrapped by year’s end after the inaugural award was given to U.S. President Donald Trump. The FIFA committee has reportedly told President Gianni Infantino to make major changes, such as depoliticizing the award or abolishing it.
• The U.S. Men’s Cerebral Palsy National Team defeated the Netherlands 4-1 on Sunday to win its group in the 2026 IFCPF World Cup and advanced to the knockout round.

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