Orlando City returned to regular-season play on Sunday night and ran into a stingy Chicago Fire defense that kept the Lions stymied for the first half. The second half was a different story, even though it started out on the wrong foot. The Lions fell behind just moments after the restart but were resilient enough to come back against the Fire on the road, ending a string of three consecutive Chicago shutout wins in MLS play and winning 3-1 at Soldier Field. It's the first time Orlando City has won on that ground, and we're excited to break down a rather entertaining game with a lot of drama.

We welcomed Junior Urso back to the field for Orlando City and also welcomed Michael Halliday back to the field for the first time in quite a while. Plus, justice for Wilder Cartagena!

After our breakdown of the game, we handed out our Man of the Match selections.

Our mailbagbox asked about our EPL predictions and Marvel superheroes as soccer players. 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.

With the return of the MLS regular season, we are back to our twice-a-week format, so be sure to get your questions in for our next recording on Thursday night. As always, thanks for listening.

Here’s how No. 370 went down:

0:15 – The Lions looked lively to start the match but the first half was scoreless only due to a mistake by Chicago's striker.

16:12 – Orlando City needed a slap in the face early in the second half to wake up, but once the Lions did that, it was glorious.

35:09 – A brief look ahead to the next Orlando City and OCB matches and our mailbagbox.

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With another off week for the senior Lions, we turn our attention to the Young Lions of Orlando City B. OCB headed northeast to face New York City FC II in Queens and it was yet another wild affair for the Young Lions. They grabbed an early lead, threw that away, went down multiple goals, and then stormed back for a much-needed three points on the road. We break down the proceedings as "drunk OCB" is back and we got two goals each from Shak and Jack!

That wasn't all the OCB news, as Orlando City signed 14-year-old midfielder Gustavo Caraballo to a multi-year MLS NEXT Pro contract. Caraballo becomes the youngest professional signing in the club's history and hopefully he can make his way from the academy through OCB to a career with the first team.

Our mailbagbox asked about tracking Lionel Messi favoritism, Doctor Who, and baby names. 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.

Finally, Orlando City returns to action this Sunday on the road against the Chicago Fire. We provided our key matchups for the game and made attempts to predict the final score this weekend. We'll have to check to see how wrong we were next week.

As a programming note, there will not be a second show this week. We'll return to our normal two-shows-per-week schedule next week.

Here’s how No. 369 went down:

0:15 – OCB got a pair of braces in a wild, comeback victory in New York City.

24:49 – A new Young Lion appears!

29:38 – The mailbagbox and what we think will happen at Soldier Field on Sunday night.

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We're still in the limbo between Leagues Cup and the resumption of the Major League Soccer season, so it's time for the Young Lions to take center stage. Unfortunately, this week that means having to rehash an unsatisfying 1-1 draw against an Inter Miami II side that was down a man for more than half an hour. That draw was followed by an even less satisfying shootout loss. We break down the match and implore Javier Otero to vary his approach a bit more when it comes to spot kicks.

Our mailbagbox asked about European teams and players, as well as what constitutes success for Orlando City in 2023. 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.

Finally, Orlando City B midfielder Alejandro Granados was sold to Belgian side Club Brugge. The club did not release the financial details but multiple online reports had the Lions making a cool $2 million for the Spanish youth international. We discuss the rare academy business the club wrapped up.

As a programming note, there will not be a second show this week, as there is no Orlando City match. We'll recap tonight's OCB game next week, combining it with the Young Lions' trip to play NYCFC II.

Here’s how No. 368 went down:

0:15 – OCB struggled to score on the road despite opportunities.

18:45 – The mailbagbox beckons and we've got answers to all questions.

35:15 – An academy sale!

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The Lions got got. It's difficult enough to deal with an Inter Miami team getting not only the new coach bump, but also adding three former Barcelona stars through whatever financial gymnastics MLS employed, but it's even worse when you have to take on the officiating crew as well. Another downy soft penalty, an uncalled second yellow on Lionel Messi, a chalked-off goal, a forcible hand to Kyle Smith's throat (also uncalled), and more combined to take an exciting, contentious, rivalry knockout match out of the hands of the players on the field.

We broke down Orlando City's breakdowns and those of the officiating crew, made our Man of the Match selections, and look forward to catching our breath during the down time between now and Aug. 20. We also discussed how I told you so with regard to Messi, only it was worse than I even imagined it could be.

Our mailbagbox asked about Orlando City player name pronunciations and Marvel's Secret Invasion. 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.

Finally, we discussed OCB's 2-1 loss at New York Red Bulls II, and looked ahead to their upcoming trip to face Inter Miami II. And we wrapped up by discussing this strange down time we suddenly have midseason.

Here’s how No. 367 went down:

0:15 – A night we'll never forget for all the wrong reasons (a.k.a. why Ivan Barton will never be welcome in Orlando).

30:55 – The mailbagbox calls, and since we love it, we obviously answer.

44:05 – Time for some OCB talk and how we'll spend the time between Orlando City matches.

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The Lions found a way. Orlando City came back from a first-half deficit, then responded late after Santos Laguna had erased its own one-goal deficit in the second half. There was one likely hero and two less likely ones accounting for Orlando's goals, and a vital tackle turned Santos Laguna's potential game-winning transition opportunity into the Lions' game-winner on the counter instead. We look back at a historic night for Orlando City SC, which beat a Liga MX team for the first time, won its group in Leagues Cup, and advanced to the Round of 32 to face Inter Miami on short rest. Great prize for winning the group, huh?

We also discussed how the Lions' group shook out after the round robin matches were played and made our selections for Man of the Match.

We then checked our mailbagbox, which featured questions from our listeners about injuries, contracts, and Leagues Cup picks. 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.

OCB was in the process of playing New York Red Bulls II on the road while we were recording, so we'll have to save that breakdown for our next show.

Finally, we gave our key matchups and score predictions for Orlando City's road match in the Tropic Thunder series against Inter Miami on Wednesday.

Here’s how No. 366 went down:

0:15 – A three-goal outburst to oust Liga MX's Santos Laguna and claim the group.

21:03 – The mailbagbox demands our responses, we touch on what was happening in the OCB match, and we denigrated Inter Miami for a few minutes.

41:22 – Our key matchups and score predictions for the Leagues Cup Round of 32 match Wednesday at Inter Miami. 

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With Orlando City having the midweek off, a wet Exploria Stadium welcomed English Premier League sides Aston Villa and Fulham on Wednesday night as the Summer Series came to Orlando. Despite a late start due to typical inclement Central Florida weather, the 16,000+ fans in attendance were treated to a fairly feisty friendly between the teams from Birmingham and London. It started out a bit cagey but chances were created, although only one team took advantage of those. We provide a brief overview of a top-notch friendly at the Purple Palace.

The only Leagues Cup South 2 group stage match that doesn't involve Orlando City took place in Houston on Tuesday night, as the Dynamo played copycat and drew Santos Laguna, before then beating the Liga MX side in penalties. We scouted the game and have the scenarios for advancing for you.

We then dove into our mailbagbox, which asked us about a potential expansion slot for Louisville. 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.

OCB is off to face New York Red Bulls II on the road Monday. After a brief parley about that, we dive into our key matchups and score predictions for Orlando City's home match against Santos Laguna in 2023 Leagues Cup play on Saturday.

Here’s how No. 365 went down:

0:15 – EPL teams duked it out at Exploria Stadium and we discuss Houston vs. Santos Laguna in Leagues Cup play.

23:26 – A visit to the mailbagbox.

36:47 – Key matchups and score predictions 

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Orlando City did just about enough against the Houston Dynamo on Friday night but a highly questionable penalty call spoiled Pedro Gallese's clean sheet and ultimately cost the Lions a point in the South 2 group of the 2023 Leagues Cup. That makes the road to the knockout stages slightly more difficult with a big match coming up against Santos Laguna.

We break down a game Orlando should not have needed penalty kick heroics (although those were fun and exciting to watch). We also select our Man of the Match and check back on our score predictions.

We then dove into our mailbagbox to answer questions about coaches' challenges and whether or not Martin Ojeda should have given up No. 11 for Junior Urso. 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.

After the mailbagbox, we discuss the upcoming Fulham-Aston Villa friendly at Exploria Stadium on Wednesday. And finally, we dissected another crazy Orlando City B match. The Young Lions took the early lead, fell behind, then rallied for a big 3-2 home win over Chicago Fire FC II, and it was just OCB being OCB. Get to one of the Young Lions' games soon because you never know what's going to happen.

Here’s how No. 364 went down:

0:15 – The Lions probably deserved all three points against the Dynamo but they'll have to settle for two.

19:37 – We dip into the mailbagbox and touch on a midweek club friendly at Exploria Stadium.

33:52 – OCB plays yet another wild game and comes out on top. 

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When we went to our two-shows-per-week format, we intended to cut the average length of our episodes. With that in mind, we think you won't mind too much about this episode being a little longer than usual. First of all, we're giving it to you a day early and second...well, we are extremely excited to bring you our extended interview with Orlando City Technical Director and Assistant General Manager Ricardo Moreira.

Ricardo was extremely generous with his time in giving us thoughtful and comprehensive answers to the questions we asked him, as well as the questions sent in by our TML Founders. Huge thanks to Ricardo and the Orlando City communications staff for facilitating the interview. It was a lot of fun and informative as well.

Before our chat with our special guest, we discussed what Junior Urso's return means to Orlando City. It's great to have the Bear back, bringing depth and experience to a young team. We are excited to see how he fits into the rotation. We also discussed a couple of transfer rumors — one that seems likely regarding Alejandro Granados potentially heading to Europe, and one that seems less likely about the Lions being interested in USMNT fullback Bryan Reynolds.

We also discuss what the Leagues Cup is, a bit about the format, what Orlando City's path is to the knockout round, and what might wait for the Lions if they reach the Round of 32.

After our discussion with Moreira, we answered several of your questions in our mailbagbox. 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.

Finally, we touched on what OCB has coming up this weekend and gave our key matchups and score predictions for Orlando City vs. the Houston Dynamo in Leagues Cup action Friday night.

Here’s how No. 363 went down:

0:15 – The Bear is back, some transfer rumors, and Leagues Cup talk.

25:20 – Ricardo Moreira drops some knowledge on us.

57:31 – Our mailbagbox, OCB, and what we expect to see on Friday.

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Orlando City went to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and did something the Lions have only done once in their history in the series — they claimed all three points on the road against Atlanta United. From Mauricio Pereyra's string-pulling to Duncan McGuire's strong finishing, to Wilder Cartagena and Cesar Araujo starving forwards of service, to Antonio Carlos doing everything he possibly could on both ends, the Lions played a complete road match and got a deserved three points. At least, I think they did. It's possible the game is still in stoppage time.

We discussed the key talking points of the game, checked in on our predictions (which were wrong), and made our selections for Man of the Match.

This week's mailbagbox was impressively full, and you guys had a lot of variety in your questions. We did our best to answer them fully, if not succinctly. 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.

Finally, we broke down a crazy game in Kissimmee between OCB and Atlanta United 2. Just when you thought the Young Lions were going up a man, they went down a man instead, and despite falling behind in the second half with fewer players on the field, they still managed to control most of the 90 minutes against their rivals to the north. It was an absolutely bananas game and we can't wait to see what OCB does next.

Here’s how No. 362 went down:

0:15 – Our breakdown of an enjoyable win on the road against Atlanta United.

34:59 – This week's mailbagbox is bursting at the seams!

58:52 – Another insane OCB game saw the Young Lions overcome a deficit and a team with

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Without a midweek game (thank goodness!), we decided to take a look at the transfer window from Orlando City's perspective. Although we don't expect an active transfer window for the Lions, we did think it was worthwhile to look at the spots on the roster where a move might be helpful to the team. We had one common train of thought and expanded in some different decisions as well.

Orlando City's development academy has a new director and we talked a bit about Javier Carrillo and the task he has in continuing OCSC's rise in the academy ranks, where the U-15 and U-17 teams routinely are getting good results in major tournaments.

Speaking of development teams, OCB has a big match coming up Sunday at home against Atlanta United 2. Let's hope the third time is the charm for the Young Lions against the...I dunno...Baby Five Stripes?

We then opened up our mailbagbox and answered questions about the now-defunct indoor Orlando SeaWolves as well as what we've been reading. 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.

The USMNT's run in the Gold Cup came to a disappointing end and we weighed in with some thoughts on both that roster and the tournament performances.

Finally, we provided our key matchups and score predictions for Orlando City's trip to play Atlanta United on Saturday.

Here’s how No. 361 went down:

0:15 – A look at which positions Orlando City could improve upon in this window if improvements are made.

25:56 – A new academy director, OCB's next opponent, and our mailbagbox.

43:43 – A poor Gold Cup outing (both in the game and tournament) by the USMNT and our key matchups and predictions for Orlando City at Atlanta United.

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