Welcome to the final day of May, Mane Landers. It’s been a rollercoaster of a month for fans of Orlando’s soccer teams, so hopefully June features more highs than lows. I don’t have many plans this weekend, but am planning on heading to a theater for the first time since this time last year. For now though, enjoy today’s links from around the soccer world!

Orlando Pride Sign Grace Chanda

In a move that’s been reported on throughout this week, the Orlando Pride have officially signed Zambian midfielder Grace Chanda, and she will join the Pride after the Olympics this summer. Chanda signs with the Pride while in her second year with Madrid CFF, and her contract with Orlando lasts through 2025 with an option for 2026. The 26-year-old has been a key part of Zambia’s rise in recent years and will team up with international teammate Barbra Banda in Orlando. Her addition gives the Pride yet another versatile player in the midfield, and Chanda has the talent to take the attack to another level once she settles in.

Yutaro Tsukada Named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month

Orlando City B’s Yutaro Tsukada was selected as MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month after recording three goals and two assists this May. They were important contributions too, as he assisted on the equalizer against Chattanooga FC, bagged a brace to beat New York Red Bulls II, and claimed Player of the Matchweek honors for his recent performance against Huntsville City FC. On top of that, he also made his senior team debut this month after signing a short-term agreement. The rookie has been impressive this season, and it’s nice to see him receive some deserved praise this week.

USWNT Prepares for Friendlies With Korea Republic

The United States Women’s National Team will take on Korea Republic in Colorado tomorrow at 5 p.m. in the first of two friendlies. Most of the focus will be on USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes’ decisions, as these will be her first matches at the helm. Tomorrow’s match will be the 16th between the two nations, and the U.S. has yet to lose in the series. South Korea did not qualify for the Paris Olympics but did hold Germany to a 1-1 draw in last year’s World Cup. Currently ranked 20th in the world, South Korea has a roster that includes veteran midfielders Ji So-Yun and Cho So-Hyun and 16-year-old Angel City FC forward Casey Phair. After tomorrow’s match, the two teams will play again in St. Paul on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Austin FC Signs New Designated Player

Austin FC signed Ghanaian winger Osman Bukari as a Designated Player on a contract through 2027 with an option for 2028. The 25-year-old joins from Red Star Belgrade for a reported transfer fee of $7 million, and he has previously played for Nantes and Gent in Europe as well. He replaces Emiliano Rigoni, who was waived last week after the club exercised its contract buyout on him. Bukari gives Austin’s attack both pace and technical ability out wide and I’m pretty glad that Orlando City doesn’t have to play Austin again this regular season.

Free Kicks

• Kickstand Cocktails was announced as the official spicy canned cocktail of Orlando City and the Orlando Pride. For as silly as having such a specific partner is, it does mean there will be samples for fans to try this season.
• Minnesota United transferred Emanuel Reynoso to Club Tijuana, ending one of the strangest sagas in the league.
• Kansas City Current defender Gabrielle Robinson is out for the remainder of the NWSL season after suffering an ACL injury.
• Red Bull has bought a minority stake in Leeds United and will be the team’s shirt sponsor next year.
• Kieran McKenna is officially staying at Ipswich Town, signing a four-year contract extension with the English club.
• With Copa America less than a month away, Edinson Cavani has retired from playing for Uruguay and will not feature in the tournament.

That’s all I have for you today. Make sure to stay hydrated this weekend, as the heat isn’t playing around.

For those of you who watched Orlando City’s game Wednesday night, I hope the universe repays you with good fortune in some way today. The week rolls on though, as we get ready for more Orlando soccer this weekend, along with international friendlies around the world to enjoy. For now though, let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Draws Against the Chicago Fire

The Lions went on the road and had to settle for a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Fire. Neither goal was anything to write home about in a match that was highlighted by sloppy play and yet another controversial refereeing decision the Lions had to deal with. A draw on the road while on short rest generally isn’t the worst result in the world, but it was a poor performance from the Lions. They’ll aim to get back in the winning column this Saturday when they travel to play the New York Red Bulls.

Duncan McGuire Called Up For Training Camp

Orlando City forward Duncan McGuire was one of 25 players called up for the United States Men’s Olympic Soccer Team’s training camp ahead of a friendly with Japan on June 11. McGuire has earned his spot on the team during a solid second season with the Lions that has included five goals. Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, Koln forward Damion Downs, and LA Galaxy defender Jalen Neal are a few of the other notable players called up. Nashville SC center back Walker Zimmerman is the only player over 23 that was called up for this camp.

Grace Chanda Will Reportedly Join the Pride

An agreement was reportedly reached between the Orlando Pride and Zambian attacker Grace Chanda for her to join the club on a deal through 2025, with an option for 2026 as well. It would be a free transfer, but she would not join the Pride until after the Olympics. Chanda was named to the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Best XI and was also on the shortlist for the 2022 Best CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award. The 26-year-old did not play in last year’s World Cup due to an illness, but has come off the bench in Madrid CFF’s past two games. The Pride are having a historic year and Chanda should help them push for a title if she does end up joining her international teammate, Barbra Banda.

Getting to Know Emily Sams

Pride defender Emily Sams is the latest player to field questions as part of the club’s video series for fans to learn more about the players. Sams spoke about the disappointment in how the team’s season ended last year after missing out on the playoffs on a goal differential tiebreaker. She also talked about the team’s aspiration to not only make the playoffs but contend for a title this year. It’s her second season with the Pride and she’s been a key reason why Orlando has done so well so far. Sams discussed what the team’s atmosphere is like, as well as how she likes to spend time outdoors exploring Orlando’s many lakes when not on the field.

Free Kicks

• In a battle of free kicks, Orlando City B’s Yutaro Tsukada missed out on MLS NEXT Pro Goal of Matchweek by only a few votes, with Philadelphia Union II midfielder David Vazquez receiving the honor.
• Goalkeeper Brandon Austin, who made five starts while on loan with Orlando City back in 2021, has signed a new contract with Tottenham Hotspur through 2029.
• Former Orlando Pride goalkeeper Carly Nelson is taking a mental health break from the Utah Royals.

• Real Salt Lake forward Anderson Julio won MLS Goal of the Matchday for his strike from a difficult angle outside the box in the team’s 3-3 draw with FC Dallas.
• The Crew will have forward Cucho Hernandez available for the Concacaf Champions Cup final on Saturday.
• Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake is out for four to six weeks after undergoing surgery, meaning Jamaica may be without him for the upcoming Copa America tournament.
• American attacker Ashley Sanchez spoke on how difficult her experience at last year’s World Cup was, particularly because the coaching staff told her she wouldn’t be playing at all in the tournament.
• Olympiakos gave Greece its first European club trophy after beating Fiorentina 1-0 in extra time to win the Europa Conference League.
• Bayern Munich announced Vincent Kompany as the team’s next manager. Kompany now joins one of the biggest clubs in Europe after leading Burnley to the relegation zone this season.
• In other coaching news, Barcelona named Hansi Flick as the manager, replacing Xavi Hernandez. Flick has not coached since being sacked as Germany’s manager last year.
• Greenland applied to become the 42nd member of Concacaf. Sure, the USMNT is routinely beating Mexico these days, but can the Yanks win on a cold, rainy night in Nuuk?

That’s all I have for you today. I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. It’s match day for Orlando City as the Lions travel to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Fire. Orlando City looks to get back to its winning ways in the midweek matchup and we will have all the coverage you need during the match on our Twitter account, and after the match right here at The Mane Land.

We would also like to wish Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines a very happy birthday! Frankly, it’s the least we can do given everything he has done so far this NWSL season. For now, let’s get to the links.

Lions Prepare for the Fire

Orlando City faces the Chicago Fire tonight at 8:30 p.m. at Soldier Field. The Lions will look to extend a three-match winning streak over the Fire. Facundo Torres has been particularly effective against Chicago, so hopefully he can start scoring some more goals as well. We will have our match preview a little later today.

Kaká to Become First Member of Legends Terrace at Inter&Co Stadium

Orlando City and the Orlando Pride are creating a “Legends Terrace” at Inter&Co Stadium to permanently honor those who have made a lasting impact with either club. Unsurprisingly, the first inductee will be the one and only Kaká. The ceremony will take place following the July 6 match against D.C. United. There will also be a concert featuring Latin performer Jota Quest in the Publix Mane Street Plaza outside the stadium prior to the match.

Orlando Pride Linked With Grace Chanda

Do you like Barbra Banda and what she has done since joining the Pride? Do you find yourself wondering, “got anymore of those Zambian strikers?” Well, it just so happens that the Orlando Pride are reportedly interested in signing Zambian forward Grace Chanda. According to the report, the San Diego Wave, Racing Louisville, and the Pride are all interested in signing Chanda. Given the Pride are serious about contending for a title this season, adding another quality attacker is a good move. Let’s hope the rumor is true.

Pride’s Summer Cup Schedule Adjusted

The Olympics won’t be the only women’s soccer competition this summer, as the inaugural NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup will start on July 19. We have learned that the Orlando Pride match against C.F. Monterrey at Inter&Co Stadium has been moved up from Sunday, July 28 to Saturday, July 27. The move does not affect Orlando City’s schedule, as the Lions play a rare Friday match that week. You can check out more information on the competition here.

Free Kicks

• I know that there are those who are upset with the Leagues Cup as it definitely impacted the U.S. Open Cup this year. However, if you do decide to go to a match, at least part of the ticket price will go to a good cause.

• Congratulations to Felipe. That is a lot of matches and we appreciate him being with our beloved Orlando City.

• Congratulations also go out to Orlando City academy player Camilio Guerrero for earning a call-up to a U.S. U-14 national talent identification camp.
• USMNT winger Tim Weah is making money moves in the Big Apple.

• St. Louis City has signed German forward Cedric Teuchert, who has most recently played for Hannover 96 in Germany’s second division.

• Timo Werner is headed back to Tottenham Hotspur from RB Leipzig on a loan with an option to buy for next season.
• Julieta Cruz, Lorena Benítez, and Laurina Oliveiros have quit Argentina’s women’s soccer team over not being paid and the conditions at camp prior to the upcoming friendlies.

That will do it for today. We will see you on the other side of the match tonight. Vamos Orlando!