Advertise on podcast: The Mane Land PawedCast

Orlando City closed out a busy stretch of three games in eight days with a wild 3-3 road draw at Toronto FC and a dominant 4-1 win over D.C. United, building on last week's win over Columbus. While dropping two points at the end of the Toronto game stings a bit, the creativity and flair of Saturday's win makes it easier to move on. We break down the come-from-behind, come-from-behind, come-from-ahead draw at BMO field, as well as the fluid, beautiful team buildups at home against D.C., discuss the key plays, players, and moments, and look back at our score predictions. We also present our choices for Man of the Match for both games and discuss more accolades for the Lions. Our mailbagbox asked us to do the impossible. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we looked ahead to Orlando City's critical penultimate home game of the regular season as New York City FC visits the purple palace on Saturday. The Lions need to keep the train rolling with every point precious in the playoff fight. Orlando has opponents much higher up the table the rest of the way (with two of those on the road), and there are no guarantees in this game, so it's a crucial game. We looked at the series history and the current situations of the clubs, provided our key matchups, and tried to predict the final score. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. Here’s how No. 556 went down: 0:15 – The Lions picked up four of six points but were oh so close to taking all six. 35:45 – The mailbagbox seems to think we're capable of anything. We are not. 41:47 – An important battle against New York City FC looms on Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City came back from a week off (aside from the international players) and had to face a hard-charging Columbus Crew squad that kept the pressure on all night long on Saturday. The Lions struck early, conceded, scored, and conceded again, but the ultimate winning goal came late from the blazing — in both speed and form — Ivan Angulo. The Colombian is in the best form of his OCSC career over the last several weeks and it helped the Lions snap their skid and pick up three critical points over the weekend. We look back at the key plays, players, and moments in the match, review our score predictions from last week's show, and make our selections for Man of the Match. Three Lions were honored on the latest edition of the MLS Team of the Matchday, including two starters. We mention them and the latest signings by Orlando City B to wrap up our first segment. Our mailbagbox asked us about Ted Lasso, coach rankings for Orlando City, what the Lions must do down the final stretch, and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we looked ahead to Orlando's two upcoming matches this week. First up is a trip to Toronto on Wednesday, followed by a visit from D.C. United on Saturday. These are important games, as both clubs are chasing the Lions and playoff spots from below the line. A pair of wins would help build some separation between Orlando City and the teams chasing the postseason spots. We discuss Orlando's history against both teams, check out where the teams are at this stage of the race, provide our key matchups, and do our best to predict the scores. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. Here’s how No. 555 went down: 0:15 – The Lions get a late winner to take down the Crew. 24:55 – The mailbagbox asks us to rank things in sets of four. 37:28 – Toronto and D.C. have given Orlando fits over the years, but with so much on the line, the Lions need a big week to improve their chances of playing postseason soccer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City had a weekend off during the international break, but the Lions are about to pay for that with three matches in eight days, starting Saturday. We begin this episode with discussion of the USMNT winning three games to open the international window and Justin Ellis' first matches in the Red, White & Blue. It's great to see the United States pinging the ball around with some beautiful one-touch soccer. The international break wasn't kind to Orlando City winger Tyrese Spicer, who hurt his foot and underwent surgery. The Lions have plenty of coverage in the wing positions, but Spicer's ability to come off the bench and score critical goals is hard to replace. Our mailbagbox asked us about Lions out on loan, the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we looked ahead to the Lions' home game on Saturday against the Columbus Crew. Orlando City needs every point, but so does Columbus, so it'll be a battle. We looked at the series history, provided our key matchups, and made our predictions for the final score of the match. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. Here’s how No. 554 went down: 0:15 – The USMNT has played well so far this window in Justin Ellis' first call-up, and Tyrese Spicer's season looks like it's over. 13:49 – The mailbagbox suggests an asterisk is in order in 2027. 28:13 – The Crew arrive in Orlando on Saturday for a match both teams need in the playoff race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City has a losing streak and the goal differential is starting to pile up the wrong direction again after another 4-2 loss on the road. The Lions were second best to the Union all night after a pair of early controversial calls went to the hosts. This isn't the first time there have been some decisions go against Orlando in the City of Brotherly Love, and the Professional Referee Organization might not issue an apology after the fact this time. We look back at the loss to the Union and the continuing story of a defense that just can't seem to lock things down, check on our score predictions, and I think we forgot to make our selections for Man of the Match. I'm going Ivan Angulo, but we can discuss it on next week's show. Our mailbagbox asked us about Lions as chess players, which players were missed the most on Saturday, and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we discuss OCB sending Pedro Leao to a team in the United Arab Emirates. Without an Orlando City game this weekend, we also discuss the USMNT's 4-1 win in Orlando with Justin Ellis scoring the quickest debut goal in the program's history. Finally, we look ahead to the Lions' match in Philadelphia on Saturday. The Union are the hottest team in the Eastern Conference since the restart, but the match is complicated by the international break, which will take players away from both sides. There will be no Cavan Sullivan vs. Justin Ellis matchup as both teens will be with the USMNT in Orlando to face Wilder Cartagena and Peru. We look at the series history against Philly, discuss where the teams sit relative to one another in the table, provide our key matchups, and try our best to predict the final score. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. Here’s how No. 553 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City continued its slide and its bad habit of shipping buckets of goals at Philadelphia on Saturday. 18:48 – The mailbagbox declares a checkmate. 31:24 – OCB sends Pedro Leao to the UAE and Orlando has a badly needed week off. Well, most of the Lions. We discuss Justin Ellis' USMNT debut. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City's unbeaten run came screeching to a halt with two road losses in four days as the Columbus Crew knocked the Lions out of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday and the New England Revolution scored twice in stoppage time to undo a hard-fought comeback in what was eventually a 4-2 loss for City. All of it was made worse by an injury to Antoine Griezmann and the absence of Griffin Dorsey, leaving fans to wonder what might have been if the injury bug hadn't bitten at the least opportune time. We briefly discuss the loss to the Crew that cost Orlando it's best shot at a trophy in 2026 before launching into the discussion of a match the Lions were out of, then back in as the clock hit 90 minutes, and then back out of again in stoppage time. The road has been especially problematic for the defense, which continues to give out goals to opponents like candy to children on Halloween. We look back at our score predictions and provide our picks for Man of the Match for Saturday's game against the Revs, and the latter was a virtual toss-up. Our mailbagbox asked us about international break replacement players, Saturday's loss to New England, how we like our steaks, and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we discuss OCB's Decision Day loss to Atlanta United 2. The Young Lions began Sunday in the playoffs and ended the day in 10th place and outside looking in. It was a thorough beatdown to cap a weekend in which all three Orlando teams lost while shipping four goals and those things are very much related to each other. Finally, we look ahead to the Lions' match in Philadelphia on Saturday. The Union are the hottest team in the Eastern Conference since the restart, but the match is complicated by the international break, which will take players away from both sides. There will be no Cavan Sullivan vs. Justin Ellis matchup as both teens will be with the USMNT in Orlando to face Wilder Cartagena and Peru. We look at the series history against Philly, discuss where the teams sit relative to one another in the table, provide our key matchups, and try our best to predict the final score. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. Here’s how No. 552 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City suddenly has a losing streak and just...not now, OK? Can you not?! 24:01 – The mailbagbox is medium and doesn't mind some sauce. 41:31 – OCB crashes out of the playoffs before they even start (again) which could help the senior Lions make up the numbers that will be missing at Philadelphia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City picked up its second consecutive home shutout win and third win on the bounce, extending its unbeaten run in the process with a 3-0 blanking of Toronto FC on Saturday. It was an important win, as the Lions had to rotate some players to prepare for Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup semifinal match at Columbus, and the kids were more than all right. So was Antoine Griezmann, who scored for the fifth consecutive match, leading to a halftime advantage. Harvey Sarajian and Ivan Angulo put the game to bed late, but there were other good opportunities and although they went wanting, so did all of Toronto's chances. We break down a solid home win over a streaking Toronto club, look back at our score predictions, and make our selections for Man of the Match. Our mailbagbox asked us about Griezmann, our go-to, fast-casual Mexican food orders,Tiago, and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we discuss OCB's home win over Toronto FC II on Sunday, in which Sarajian made it two straight nights with a goal in a professional soccer match. He chipped in an assist on Sunday for good measure as the Young Lions won 3-1 and climbed into a playoff position with one match remaining. OCB can finish anywhere from third to 11th in the Eastern Conference standings depending on Decision Day results Sunday, but a win over Atlanta United 2 would ensure a postseason berth. Finally, we look ahead to two more opponents this week. The Lions will face the Crew on the road, where wins aren't easy to come by. That game could lead to a home USOC final match if things go well, but the Crew have improved and will be a difficult out. The Lions will then proceed to New England to face a rejuvenated Revolution side that currently occupies third spot in the Eastern Conference. That match takes place in the house of horrors they call Gillette Stadium. We provide our key matchups and score predictions for the latter after reviewing the series history against both clubs. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. If you’d like to support our independent writing and podcasting efforts, we’d love to have you as a subscriber or donor over at our Buy Me a Coffee site. Here’s how No. 551 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City extended its streak at the expense of Toronto's. 20:54 – The mailbagbox has had its expectations exceeded. 33:15 – OCB rolls into Decision Day while the senior Lions prepare for two massive matches in the team's pursuit of a trophy and a playoff spot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City met San Diego FC for the first time on Saturday. The Lions needed to come away with all three points at home in a tight race in the Eastern Conference, and Antoine Griezmann's first-half goal made sure they did just that. It wasn't always the prettiest game, and Orlando should definitely have scored more than once, but a win at this stage of the season is valuable regardless of how it comes. We break down the key moments and players, look back at our score predictions, and make our selections for Man of the Match. Our mailbagbox asked us about Luis Otavio, Chris Mueller, and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we discuss OCB's road win over Inter Miami II and look ahead to Sunday's meeting with Toronto FC II. The Young Lions have just two games left and a lot of work to do to finish above the playoff line. Were the last two games a momentary blip or an actual trend? We'll find out over the next two weeks. Finally, we look ahead to two opponents this week. The Lions must travel to rival Atlanta in the midweek before coming home to host Toronto. Both teams have played better recently, and nothing is ever easy in MLS. We look at the series history for both opponents, review the tale of the tape(s), provide our key matchups, and make our final score predictions. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. If you’d like to support our independent writing and podcasting efforts, we’d love to have you as a subscriber or donor over at our Buy Me a Coffee site. Here’s how No. 550 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City might have learned something from the four-minute defensive lapse at Minnesota, because the Lions gave San Diego nothing on Saturday. 21:21 – The mailbagbox gets player specific this week. 33:07 – OCB crushes Inter Miami II, and the senior Lions have two quick turnarounds with games at Atlanta and at home against Toronto FC. We've got your previews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City went to the Land of 10,000 Lakes and somehow found itself up two goals past the hour mark despite only mustering two shot attempts in that time. However, the game normalized as Minnesota United scored three times in a four-minute span and appeared headed to a win that would have been painful for the Lions. Tyrese Spicer had other plans, however, as he scored in stoppage time to snatch a late point for Orlando. We look back at a crazy game against the Loons, reflect on our score predictions, and make our unanimous selections for Man of the Match. Our mailbagbox asked us new fan questions about rivalries as well as old fan questions about squad rotation during fixture congestion, Orlando City's insane rate of conceding goals, and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we discuss a surprise victory for an OCB squad that had been floundering and looked completely out of sorts for weeks. The Young Lions may have one more run in them, and they'll need it as they are below the playoff line with three matches remaining. Finally, we look ahead to the first-ever meeting between Orlando City and San Diego FC. The blandly named California side has some excellent attacking players and has been a success since entering MLS just two years ago (it feels like longer!). We break down the tale of the tape between the teams, provide our key matchups, and try to predict the final score. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. If you’d like to support our independent writing and podcasting efforts, we’d love to have you as a subscriber or donor over at our Buy Me a Coffee site. Here’s how No. 549 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City blew a two-goal lead, fell behind late, and then equalized in stoppage time in a crazy game at Minnesota. It's a draw that should have been a loss that should have been a win. 26:21 – The mailbagbox makes up for last week's oversight. 48:58 – OCB beats the top team in the conference to snap a five-game losing streak and the senior Lions prepare to face San Diego FC for the first time ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City again played a pair of matches in between episodes of our podcast (sorry, PawedCast), and they both ended in the same scoreline but with different results. The Lions hosted the Chicago Fire in the midweek before welcoming Real Salt Lake on Saturday. The Lions fought back from 1-0 deficits in both matches, but whereas an ill-advised and poorly timed challenge by Robin Jansson handed Robert Lewandowski the chance to put Chicago ahead in the second half, which he did, Orlando City completed the comeback Saturday against RSL, with Antoine Griezmann scoring his first MLS brace en route to an MLS Player of the Matchday award and a spot on the MLS Team of the Week. That win came after an opening 45 minutes that saw the Lions bang their heads against Real Salt Lake's low block, but the second-half subs and a more aggressive approach was the difference over the weekend. We discussed both matches, looked back at our score predictions (one of us got Saturday's match exactly right), and made our selections for Man of the Match. Our mailbagbox (Dave's birthday edition) asked us about TV shows, movies, substitutes off the bench, and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we mention OCB's lopsided loss at Atlanta United 2 and move on quickly out of a commitment to self care. Finally, we look ahead to the Lions' trip to Minnesota on Saturday. Orlando City will need to sharpen up a bit to get a road result against the Loons on the road, and it will be nice to see what some of these players can do with a full week's rest between games for a change. We looked back at the history of the series, check out where the teams are in the standings, provide our key matchups, and try our hand at predicting the final score. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. If you’d like to support our independent writing and podcasting efforts, we’d love to have you as a subscriber or donor over at our Buy Me a Coffee site. Here’s how No. 548 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City loses 2-1 and wins 2-1 in a span of just a few days. There were highs and lows. 31:52 – The mailbagbox wants to avoid jump scares. 43:45 – OCB loses again and the senior Lions head north to face Minnesota United. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City has a new third kit, and it's a good one. The Lions have already worn it once, and they looked good in it (because it's a good-looking kit). The Lions played twice since our last show, including closing out Leagues Cup with a 2-2 draw followed by a 5-3 penalty shootout win against Atletico de San Luis. Orlando City threw away a 2-0 lead late in the second half after two chances to put it away were uncharacteristically misplayed by new Designated Player Antoine Griezmann, who was perhaps a bit too unselfish and definitely was too trusting of his teammates being where he thought they should be. He'll likely adjust, but it was a rough lead to let slip away, and if we're being fair, there was no need to send him into what was essentially a meaningless game in terms of Orlando's chances of advancing through the group. We also discussed Saturday's home draw against FC Cincinnati. Both teams left the match thinking it should have been three points instead of one, but that's how it ended up. The Lions came from behind on Tyrese Spicer's goal. We look back at our score predictions and make our selections for Man of the Match. Our mailbagbox asked us about the Lions making the extra pass, where our EPL teams will finish in the table, and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we mention OCB's latest shutout loss and quickly move on for the sake of our mental health. Finally, we look ahead to the Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake on Wednesday and Saturday, respectively. The Lions will have their work cut out for them against both sides on continued short rest. We looked back at the series history against both clubs, provide our key matchups, and make our final score predictions. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. If you’d like to support our independent writing and podcasting efforts, we’d love to have you as a subscriber or donor over at our Buy Me a Coffee site. Here’s how No. 547 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City gets a new kit and a pair of draws in the span of a few days. 37:07 – The mailbagbox makes the extra, extra, extra pass. 48:00 – OCB loses again and the senior Lions will host Chicago and Real Salt Lake this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City started its Leagues Cup campaign over the last week, posting a pair of 2-1 games, with a win by that score over CF Monterrey and a loss by the same count against Club Leon. The Lions didn't rotate much between the two matches, and the legs looked a bit heavy in the second half against Leon. Both games had their share of chippy play and controversy, and now it'll be difficult (though not impossible) for Orlando to advance to the knockouts. We discuss both matches, how the goals came about, and some of the controversies that shaped them. We also touched on the rotation and how much of it we'd like to see Wednesday against Atletico de San Luis before league action returns Saturday with the arrival of FC Cincinnati. Our mailbagbox asked us which Lion will transfer to Europe next, the team's starting XI if everyone is healthy at the same time, and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we briefly touch on OCB's game today at New York City FC II, providing a tale of the tape for a reserve side that has been decimated by call-ups in recent weeks. Finally, we get ready for another Leagues Cup game (against San Luis) on Wednesday and the next MLS match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. We look at the history of Cincy vs. Orlando, provide our key matchups, and make our score predictions. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. If you’d like to support our independent writing and podcasting efforts, we’d love to have you as a subscriber or donor over at our Buy Me a Coffee site. Here’s how No. 546 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City may not get to the knockouts of Leagues Cup, and based on a reluctance to rotate much so far, that might be best for the rest of the MLS season. 24:34 – The mailbagbox has another strong showing. 37:52 – OCB, more Leagues Cup, and our FC Cincinnati preview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City was capable of beating two of the three best teams in MLS a week ago, but on Saturday, the Lions weren't good enough in a terrible first half that led to a 3-2 road loss at the New York Red Bulls. The defensive problems the team has experienced on the road all season resurfaced, with New York hardly having to work up a sweat to find runners behind the Lions' leaky back line. We break down Orlando City's latest road defeat, which at least showed a little fight in the second half, look back at our score predictions, and make our selections for Man of the Match. We also chatted briefly about Maxime Crepeau's fine showing at the MLS All-Star Game and Skills Challenge. Our mailbagbox asked us about Orlando City's top three goal scorers at season's end, Justin Ellis, and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we go through the OCB minute, as the Young Lions continue to spiral without Harvey Sarajian, Gustavo Caraballo, and Bernardo Rhein. They're off this weekend, so there is time to fix some things before the next match. Finally, we get ready for the Don Garber cash grab Leagues Cup tournament. Orlando has a difficult first opponent before playing two clubs near the bottom of the Liga MX table. We'd like to see the kids play for the Lions to retain focus on the MLS season, but that's not typically in this club's DNA. Monterrey and Leon are up this week for Orlando City, and the first of those teams just signed both Diego Rossi and Hugo Cuypers, so...it could be another rough outing for Orlando's defense. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. If you’d like to support our independent writing and podcasting efforts, we’d love to have you as a subscriber or donor over at our Buy Me a Coffee site. Here’s how No. 545 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City gets swept by the Red Bulls and can't stop letting teenagers score, but at least Crepeau had some fun at the All-Star Game. 22:49 – The mailbagbox asks about Justin Ellis and wants us to predict things even though we're bad at predicting things. 31:46 – OCB continues to struggle and the senior Lions head into Leagues Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City is coming off its best week of the season after going on the road and beating the Western Division co-leaders (second on goal differential, technically) and returning home a few days later to beat the MLS Supporters' Shield leaders. It was something we didn't see coming, and even the most optimistic fans out there didn't likely expect six points out of six this week, despite the presence of Antoine Griezmann. We break down both matches, discussing the key players, moments, and plays, as well as the new tactical setup of the team. We touch on Bernardo Rhein signing a Homegrown Player deal ahead of Saturday's match. And we look back on our understandably pessimistic score predictions and make our selections for Man of the Match for both outings. Our mailbagbox asked us about Orlando City left backs from now until the end of the season, and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we go through the OCB minute, as the Young Lions are struggling offensively and were fortunate to lose only 1-0 at home on Sunday against Huntsville City. We also look ahead to OCB's trip to CT United FC. It's All-Star Week, and there's no doubt Orlando fans will be keeping an eye out to see how well Maxime Crepeau plays after his fantastic week in which he kept the team's first two MLS clean sheets in over a year. Finally, we look ahead to Orlando City's matchup on the road against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night. Can Martin Perelman and Antoine Griezmann keep the good vibes going in the final game before the Leagues Cup kicks off? We look at the history of the series, present our key matchups, and make our score predictions. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. If you’d like to support our independent writing and podcasting efforts, we’d love to have you as a subscriber or donor over at our Buy Me a Coffee site. Here’s how No. 544 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City played two games against two of the three best teams in MLS and beat them both without allowing a goal. That was...unexpected. 40:07 – The mailbagbox is left-handed. 50:51 – OCB was bad on Sunday, but another match awaits on Saturday. Meanwhile, the senior Lions will be on the road in New Jersey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City is set to resume its 2026 MLS season with a pair of games this week and they are both doozies, as the Lions will travel to California to face Western Conference co-leaders and Supporters' Shield-contending San Jose, before returning to face Supporters' Shield and Eastern Conference leader Nashville SC. It's not going to be a cakewalk, folks, but it will tell us quickly if any progress has been made by Martin Perelman in fixing his defense, especially away from home. In the meantime, Orlando finished its "second preseason" by beating FC Dallas away on Wednesday in a friendly. Antoine Griezmann and Martin Ojeda scored the goals for the Lions, and it was nice to get some news out of a friendly for a change. After discussing the friendly, we chat about Daryl Dike's return to Orlando. The big striker is coming home in the prime of his career, looking to stay healthy and re-establish himself. If Dike can regain his old form and stay on the pitch, he'll be an outstanding midseason signing. We also discussed Orlando City's newest Homegrown Player signings — goalkeeper Tristan Himes and defender Clovis Archange. It's always nice to have players coming up through the pipeline to follow as they try to make their way to the first team. Our mailbagbox asked us another (multi-part) question about Thomas the Train, when Marco Pasalic might play his last game for Orlando City this season, and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we dive into OCB's 1-1 draw at Chattanooga FC and the ensuing shootout win as the Young Lions bring back two out of three points from Tennessee. Up next for OCB is a match against Huntsville City at home on Sunday. We briefly discussed the Chattanooga game and previewed the Huntsville match. Finally, Orlando City has two huge games against teams at the top of the league just a few days apart. The trip to San Jose on Wednesday could be ugly if the Lions haven't fixed their defensive issues, as the Earthquakes are just as capable of burying Orlando with five or six goals as some of the previous teams that have done so this season. Additionally, the second game may be even tougher, as it will be against a team that destroyed the Lions 5-0 earlier this season. Nashville SC has the starpower, the firepower, and the league's stingiest defense. Getting any points from this pair of games will be difficult. We present our key matchups and score predictions for both matches, and we're not feeling super confident until we see what the team can do after several weeks working toward Martin Perelman's vision. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. If you’d like to support our independent writing and podcasting efforts, we’d love to have you as a subscriber or donor over at our Buy Me a Coffee site. Here’s how No. 543 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City beat Dallas in a road friendly, Daryl Dike is back, and we've got some new Homegrown Players. 13:20 – The mailbagbox is a little train-centric these days. 24:45 – The Young Lions didn't play their best but they battled for two points on the road against a good team. The senior Lions will play two of the three best teams in MLS this week, but the additions of Griezmann and Dike should help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orlando City welcomed I-4 Derby rival Tampa Bay to Inter&Co Stadium for a friendly match on Wednesday and then proceeded to bludgeon the Rowdies with a couple of hammers named Antoine Griezmann and Justin Ellis. The two attackers combined for a goal and four assists in a 6-0 beatdown of the team from the Gulf Coast, with five different Lions scoring and Griffin Dorsey forcing an own goal. We discuss Griezmann's first minutes with Orlando City, what the team showed in its formation, and how good Justin Ellis' vision is. Oh, and it's also transfer season now. Duncan McGuire is on his way out and Marco Pasalic reportedly will follow soon, while a new left back may be headed from Spain to Orlando. Following all of that, we discuss Maxime Crepeau being added to the MLS All-Star Team and the announcement that he'll participate in the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge. Our mailbagbox asked us about which World Cup semifinalist players we'd want to join Orlando this season (if we could only pick one), and more. Remember, if there’s anything — and we do mean anything — you want us to address on the show, just ask us by tweeting it to us at @TheManeLand with the hashtag #AskTMLPC, or hitting us up on Bluesky Social with that same hashtag. After the mailbagbox, we dive into OCB's 2-1 road win at FC Cincinnati 2. It wasn't the prettiest game by the Young Lions, but they managed to do enough to earn three points on the road, where they'll stay to face Chattanooga on Saturday. We briefly preview that game. Finally, Orlando City will be in Dallas Wednesday for the second of two friendlies leading up to the restart of the MLS season. It's unlikely we'll get a lot of details about that one, but we'll see what happens. Maybe the FC Dallas folks will help us out. Be sure to rate and review our show wherever you get your podcasts. Remember, we'll read any five-star reviews we get on Apple Podcasts on the next show. If you’d like to support our independent writing and podcasting efforts, we’d love to have you as a subscriber or donor over at our Buy Me a Coffee site. Here’s how No. 542 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City crushed the Rowdies, the transfer season is in full swing, plus: hey now, Crepeau's an all-star. 28:50 – The mailbagbox is always good for a hypothetical scenario. 36:54 – The Young Lions slipped past Cincy and head to Chattanooga, while the senior Lions head to Dallas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices