Merry Monday morning, Mane Landers. I was feeling a bit under the weather starting Saturday afternoon, but that huge comeback win definitely helped. I was starting to feel better by Sunday afternoon, but by the end of the Pride match I was right as rain. Winning really does make everything better. Let’s get to the links.

Enrique’s Very Good, Not Bad Day

Ramiro Enrique was already a hero for scoring the equalizer in the 86th minute against the visiting Columbus Crew. It wasn’t enough for the young striker, as he earned a free kick close enough to goal to give Orlando City the opportunity to win the match. That still wasn’t enough for Enrique, so he decided to score the winner. If you somehow forgot what it looked like, please enjoy watching it over and over again.

Oscar Pareja said he was proud of his team and confident that the Lions could not only earn a draw but actually win in the last 15 minutes of the match. That belief was held by the players as well. Enrique experienced a moment of pure joy after scoring the winner — you can see it in his celebration — though he was most happy for the three points. Mauricio Pereyra said he is just proud to be the captain of this team. I think it is safe to say that after that result we’re all proud of this team.

Orlando Pride Stun Courage

Two first-half goals were enough to give the Orlando Pride a rare 2-1 win against the North Carolina Courage and in September. Neither of those things have historically come easy for the Pride, but given the fact that Ally Watt scoring the earliest goal in Pride history set the right tone for the evening. The win moved the the Pride into seventh place and — just as importantly — only one spot out of the playoffs. The Pride will be in action next on Oct. 2 at Angel City. If you missed our recap late last night, click the link above and enjoy Sean Rollins’ description of the match.

How USMNT Players Fared Abroad

Folarin Balogun went right from scoring a goal for the USMNT to scoring a goal for AS Monaco in a 2-2 draw with Lorient. Balogun came on as a sub and provided the equalizer for his new club. The USMNT striker is red hot, as is Ricardo Pepi, which makes Gregg Berhalter’s choice difficult going forward. Weston McKennie made his 100th appearance for Juventus and provided an assist in a 3-1 win over Lazio. Much like he did for the USMNT, McKennie played an excellent match.

English Premier League Highlights

Manchester City and Liverpool each scored three goals to win easily against West Ham United and Wolves, respectively. The two top four clubs earned easy, controversy-free victories. However, both Tottenham and Arsenal won, but they did not do so easily or without controversy.

Everton is not good. The Toffees are sitting in the relegation zone with zero wins and only one draw so far this season. Despite that, it took Arsenal until the 69th minute to score the only goal of the match to get the win. It was even harder for Tottenham, given it took two second-half, stoppage-time goals to defeat Sheffield United. United manager Paul Heckingbottom was furious with the officiating.

Free Kicks

• Do you think you can play in most pick-up soccer matches? You almost certainly cannot make the cut for this one in Manchester, England. The players were once paid to play, though they now pay to play — they play a whopping £5.
• FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the Dallas Cowboys game on Sunday. AT&T Stadium is a possible venue for the next World Cup. Does anyone else think — and I say this as a Cowboys fan — that this was a meeting of the sports equivalent of the Legion of Doom?
• Never mind that, this is the actual Axis of Evil. I can’t believe I’m giving Atlanta United credit, but this was well done at Inter Miami’s expense.

Check back with The Mane Land as we get you ready for the midweek match Wednesday against New York City FC. That will do it for today other than one plea to the Orlando City front office and the Wilf family: please give Oscar Pareja, Luiz Muzzi, and Ricardo Moreira new contracts. Vamos Orlando!

It’s finally Friday! I don’t know about you, but this week has felt like forever for me. I don’t have many plans this weekend beyond touring some apartments, packing, and working. Regardless, I’m looking forward to checking out some soccer when I can and enjoying being outside without melting into a puddle. Let’s get into today’s links!

Pedro Gallese Impressed During International Break

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese stood out among the many MLS players who represented their countries during the recent international break. Gallese came up with six saves in Peru’s scoreless draw on the road against Paraguay, and then did well against Brazil in a 1-0 loss. It was further proof towards how important it was that the Lions signed him to a new contract last December, as Gallese’s form is consistent at the club and international level. Wilder Cartagena and Facundo Torres were also noted for receiving some valuable minutes with Peru and Uruguay, respectively.

Orlando Pride Focused Ahead of Sunday’s Match

The Orlando Pride are back in action Sunday night for a pivotal match with the North Carolina Courage at Exploria Stadium. After losing their past two games, the Pride are ninth in the league standings and need a win to insert themselves back in the playoff race. They take on a Courage team that is third in the league and just won the NWSL Challenge Cup. However, the Courage enter this game on short rest and have not won a league game since July 1 (0-2-2). Pride defender Emily Madril spoke on how the team is focused on winning its remaining four matches, starting with Sunday’s.

Orlando City and Orlando Pride Partner With Inter&Co

Inter&Co, which offers finance solutions and digital commerce services, was named the official financial institution of both Orlando City and the Orlando Pride as part of a new partnership. It’s the Brazilian company’s first partnership with an NWSL club, and it’ll be interesting to see what kinds of collaborations come from this partnership in the future. Fans can learn more about the company at tomorrow’s game between Orlando City and the Columbus Crew. It does feel a little wrong to partner with a company named Inter though.

Orlando City B Plays Chicago Fire II Tonight

Orlando City B has a chance to clinch a spot in the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs when it takes on Chicago Fire II tonight at 7 p.m. The same can be said for Chicago, making tonight’s match a critical one for both sides. The Young Lions have excelled offensively this year, recording 236 key passes and 56 goals. Of those goals, 11 have come from outside the box, the second most in the league. Forward Jack Lynn remains tied in the Golden Boot race with New York City FC II’s Matt Myers, with both sitting on 18 goals. Lynn is expected on the bench in Orlando on Saturday night, however, so he may not make the trip to Chicago. Hopefully the Young Lions can get the job done tonight on the road and qualify for the playoffs for the first time.

Free Kicks

•  EA Sports FC 24 player ratings are out and Martin Ojeda has the highest rating of Orlando City players. As for NWSL players, Marta has the 11th highest rating, while former Pride forward Alex Morgan takes the top spot.
• Sporting Kansas City re-signed Designated Player Alan Pulido to a three-year contract. The forward has been great this year, scoring 13 goals for Kansas City.
• The Vancouver Whitecaps signed versatile attacker Junior Hoilett on a deal through the rest of the 2023 season. A free agent, the 33-year-old most recently played for Reading in England and should give Vancouver a boost to its attack.
• Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara had a successful appendectomy and may miss multiple games while he recovers.
• A Colorado Rapids supporters group released a statement showing its dissatisfaction with the club and ownership during an abysmal season.

• American defender Sam Vines won’t be taking part in Antwerp’s Champions League games in the group stage due to an error.

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

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope you’re all ready for a weekend packed with Orlando soccer to enjoy. There’s a match taking place over the next three nights, starting with Orlando City B’s game with Chicago Fire II tomorrow night. It should be a fun next few days, as each match will carry some importance. But for now, let’s dive into today’s links!

Getting to Know Dagur Dan Thorhallsson

Orlando City’s Dagur Dan Thorhallsson was the latest Lion to sit down for the club’s video series focused on learning more about the players. Soccer has always been a part of his life, as his father played professionally for various clubs in Iceland. Thorhallsson, who has played at right back in recent weeks for the Lions, spoke on his versatility and how it was used often in Breidablik’s championship run before he joined Orlando from Iceland’s top flight. The 23-year-old admitted that the heat was the first thing on his mind when he was asked to play in Orlando, but noted the club’s stadium and atmosphere as well. Thorhallson also talked about his fear of sharks, Duncan McGuire’s golf game, and how his teammates are teaching him Spanish curse words.

Lions Drop in Latest MLS Power Rankings

Despite not playing this past weekend, Orlando City fell a spot to sixth in the MLS power rankings. St. Louis City, which blew a lead and held on for a 2-2 draw with LA Galaxy, jumped up three spots to overtake both Orlando and the Columbus Crew. The Lions beat both league-leading FC Cincinnati and St. Louis in recent weeks and have only lost two of their past 17 league games, yet somehow remain outside the top five in the power rankings. I don’t think Orlando is the only team that probably deserves to be a bit higher either. Minnesota United is on a seven-game unbeaten run, but is down in 14th. The New England Revolution have the second-most points per game in the league and still dropped four spots to 12th after a draw with the Loons.

Orlando Pride Sign McKinley Crone Through 2023 Season

The Orlando Pride have inked goalkeeper McKinley Crone to a deal that will last through the remainder of this season. Crone has previously been a National Team Replacement Player for the Pride and has trained with the team throughout this season. The decision to sign her comes after the Pride signed goalkeeper Kaylie Collins to a new contract and loaned her to Sydney Wanderers FC in the A-League Women in Australia. It’s unlikely we will see Crone in action for the Pride, as Anna Moorhouse and Carly Nelson both sit above her in the depth chart.

A Tale of Two American Goalkeepers

Ethan Horvath was not named to Nottingham Forest’s 25-player roster for the English Premier League season, meaning he can’t play in the league until at least the winter transfer window. It’s tough news for Horvath, as he was a crucial part of Luton Town’s promotion last season while on loan, only for Luton Town to decide not to exercise the option to buy on his loan. Meanwhile, fellow American Zack Steffen was included in Manchester City’s roster, joining Ederson and Stefan Ortega as the club’s goalkeeping unit. The 28-year-old still remains out due to undergoing knee surgery this summer

Free Kicks

• Orlando City is seventh in the league in terms of outperforming its expected goals so far this season. St. Louis tops the list, while no team has underperformed its expected goals more than the Colorado Rapids.
• Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi were a couple of the players who had strong performances in the USMNT’s past two friendlies.
• Fernando Santos’ tenure as Poland’s manager lasted less than nine months, as he was fired during a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign that has included losses to Moldova, Albania, and the Czech Republic.
• Here’s a list of potential candidates to become Germany’s next manager before the nation takes on the USMNT in a friendly on Oct. 14.
• We’ll end today’s links with truly bizarre news. CF Montreal midfielder Matko Miljevic has reportedly been playing in an amateur league under a false name and was then suspended for punching a player.

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