Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers. Did you know the NWSL season is almost upon us? I’d all but forgotten since we haven’t really heard much from the Orlando Pride, but that changes today — sort of. If recent soccer events have you feeling down, just remember that we’re supposed to get season four of Ted Lasso sometime this summer. That’s pretty cool, right? Until then, let’s get to the links, but not before we wish Orlando Pride midfielder Ally Lemos a happy 22nd birthday.

Orlando City Reflects

I know you want to move on from Sunday’s match between our beloved Lions and Inter Miami. I also want to put it behind us, but it’s my job to share information on the club. We did learn some things from the post-match presser. The coaches and players are as disappointed with the result as we are, but Oscar Pareja rightly took some positives from the loss while acknowledging the challenges facing the team — injuries mostly — are still no excuse. I think Marco Pasalic summed it up nicely when he said, “Now we have to train more, do everything we can to win the next game, and stay positive. I’m not positive at all right now, but I will be.” I also hope to get to positive before the next match, but we’ll see.

Scarf the City is Back

We’re not far out from the start of the NWSL regular season and we finally got some news from the Orlando Pride. No new signings, or training updates, or anything like that. Instead, the club announced that the Scarf the City scavenger hunt is back. The event will kick off at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10. There will be 3,000 scarves hidden throughout the city, including the return of some golden scarves. Those are worth four season tickets for the 2026 season. Good luck for those who are participating.

USMNT News

The 2026 World Cup is only months away, meaning it’s a good time to take a look at the state of the USMNT. There will be a lot of pressure to perform as hosts, and how far this team goes in the competition will be highly scrutinized. We know that the final roster will be announced at the end of May.

USMNT World Cup squad will be announced May 26 at a roster reveal party in New York open to public, per USSF. Details tba. The event will stream nationwide and include player appearances and guests.

— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) March 3, 2026

There are players like Yunus Musah who are still hoping to make the squad even though he hasn’t received a call up since Concacaf Nations League back in March 2025. Meanwhile, Noahkai Banks is still trying to decide if he will represent the U.S. or make the switch to represent Germany.

USWNT Notes

USWNT supporters were rightfully worried when Trinity Rodman was injured in second-half stoppage time on Sunday against Argentina. Rodman was holding her lower back after Milagro Martin fouled her. Fortunately, USWNT Head Coach Emma Hayes said that Rodman is fine and fully training for the next SheBelieves match against Canada. That match is tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Columbus, OH.

Free Kicks

West Ham United’s Adama Traore has been banned from lifting weights at the training ground by manager Nuno Espirito Santo. If anyone doesn’t need to put on more muscle it’s Traore.

Former Orlando City center back Antonio Carlos was fined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee after not leaving the field quickly enough after his red card.

The MLS Disciplinary Commitee has fined both Antonio Carlos and Agustin Bouzat for failing to leave the field in a timely manner after their red cards in Saturday’s match.

(📷Ricky Vega) pic.twitter.com/BbhJjSQnel

— Bayou City Soccer (@BayouCitySoccer) March 3, 2026

Toronto FC is shoring up the center back position with Chile international Benjamin Kuscevic. Must be nice.

🇨🇱 BREAKING: Toronto FC is finalizing a deal to sign Chile int’l center back Benjamin Kuscevic from Fortaleza, per sources.

Loan with purchase option, I’m told.

Kuscevic, 29, has 14 caps for Chile. Regular in Brazil’s top flight. Formerly with Palmeiras too. Key signing. pic.twitter.com/li0W5XD1TM

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) March 3, 2026

The Antione Griezmann drama continues. Take stuff like this with a big grain of salt, given that both clubs, the player, and his manager are all negotiating the particulars. In other words, don’t panic.

That will do it for today. Check back as we get you ready for Orlando City’s match against New York City FC this weekend. Vamos Orlando!