Orlando City started the script the old familiar way — scoring an early goal and then missing several chances to double the lead. But then the Lions started scoring again and it didn't seem like they would stop, as Luis Muriel fired home a hat trick in just 11 minutes and Martin Ojeda added a brace in a comprehensive 5-1 beatdown of Liga MX visitors Necaxa. It was a thing of beauty, especially Ojeda's opening goal. We look back at our score predictions, discuss the key plays, players, and moments, and make our selections for Man of the Match.

The Lions made their second move of the 2025 Secondary Transfer Window on Thursday, signing defender Adrian Marin from Portugal's top flight. Marin is a left back who can also fill in at center back, so he fits needs at two positions. We discuss what the move might mean for the roster in the short term and after the season.

The mailbagbox asked us about Muriel's performance, the Orlando City central midfield depth, 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.

OCB will try to stop the bleeding Saturday night when Chattanooga FC visits Kissimmee. It's going to be interesting seeing who plays, considering the Young Lions play the day before the senior squad.

Finally, we previewed the Lions' second Tropic Thunder showdown of 2025, as Inter Miami visits on Sunday. The Herons might once again visit Orlando without their talisman, but they have multiple players who would be Designated Players on other teams, so pulling off a season sweep won't be easy. We look back at the series history, present our key matchups, and make our final score predictions.

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Here’s how No. 496 went down:

0:15 – The Lions destroyed Necaxa as they attempted to stay alive in Leagues Cup, and Orlando City signed a defender.

27:11 – The mailbagbox and a quick preview of OCB vs. Chattanooga.

44:56 - Tropic Thunder returns as the Lions host the Herons on Sunday.

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