Just days after The Mane Land PawedCast celebrated its 500th episode, it is the 500th show for one of your hosts, while the other is inching ever closer to that same number, although he's got a way to go. Regardless of how many shows we've published or how many times we've hosted, it likely pales in comparison to the number of calls Inter Miami has gotten or will get during the Lionel Messi era.

Those types of calls marred what had been a masterful road gameplan for an hour and a quarter, helping turn the game around in Inter Miami's favor and pushing the Herons into the Leagues Cup final. Florida might be purple, but officiating crews these days tend to be pink.

Orlando City is left to stew, swallow harsh words that could get the team fined, and prepare for a third-place match against the LA Galaxy. As some fans might not know, that game is important, because the winner of the consolation game gets a big prize — a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

We break down a frustrating night for the Lions that was mostly (but not entirely) out of their control, look back at our score predictions, and make our selections for Man of the Match. Nope, it is not the referee or the video assistant referee, so don't even think it. However, if this were an Inter Miami podcast, one of them would likely get the honor.

Big props to me for getting through the first segment without dropping any F-bombs!

This week's mailbagbox asked about current Lion Adrian Marin, former Lion Cristian Higuita, 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 look to build on its win last week against Atlanta United 2 when Crown Legacy visits Kissimmee on Sunday night. The Young Lions have worked their way down below the playoff line this summer, hung around, and now must claw their way back over the line just a tantalizing few points above them. A win Sunday would be a six-pointer, as Crown Legacy would also like to battle its way into the postseason.

Finally, we looked ahead to a Sunday night matchup on the road against the LA Galaxy in the third-place match of Leagues Cup. The winner gets a Concacaf Champions Cup. The winner gets nothing except more tired legs to recover from during the upcoming international break. We would like the former, but it won't be easy against a Galaxy team that has played better in recent weeks and will not have traveled in a while. Orlando, meanwhile, was in Los Angeles just over a week ago to face Toluca, and this will be the club's third match at Dignity Health Sports Park in 2025. We prepare you for the matchup with a look at the all-time series and who the Lions must watch out for in the Galaxy attack, provide our key matchups, and make our final score predictions. We expect it to be a tough task for Orlando on tired legs.

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Here’s how No. 501 went down:

0:15 – Orlando City was doing OK throughout Wednesday night's ref show until the third team on the field found its opening to help the Herons. We rant a bit, but with a purpose.

32:18 – The mailbagbox wasn't flooded with hate, as we expected, and that made it easier to put Wednesday in the past.

42:17 - A critical match for OCB looms, and the Lions will try again to qualify for continental play.

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It's our 500th episode! Wow, we never would have expected 500 episodes of this podcast would be produced when we started back in December of 2014. Heck, it's been so long ago that during the recording of this episode, I mistakenly said our first show came in early 2015. It did not. I'm just old and forgetful and have done a lot of these shows over the years. It was great to look back a little at the first 499 during the early part of this episode. There are a couple of fun Easter eggs embedded in this show as well. We hope you enjoy these special transmissions as much as we did.

Orlando City rotated nearly the whole squad for Wednesday's match in Nashville and got walloped. Following Saturday's penalty shootout win over Toluca, the Lions stayed on the road, which has traditionally led to beatdowns for the lads in purple over the years. This was no exception as Nashville scored twice in the first 17 minutes, four times in the first half, and five in all in a comprehensive 5-1 smackdown of a largely backup Orlando side. We didn't really want to discuss it, but we did it anyway. We also gave the salient talking points from the game, checked back on our score predictions, and made our obvious selections for Man of the Match.

After our Nashville rewind, we welcomed back an old familiar face/voice to the PawedCast. Former Mane Land writer and 17-time host of this show Austin David jumped on to reminisce a little about his time with TML, but also to talk about what he's been up to since leaving us, including his current job as the digital content manager for Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride. It was great catching up with Austin on this episode, although to be fair, I catch up with him at every Orlando City home game. It just felt like a homecoming, and we hope our long time listeners enjoyed this blast from the past.

This week's mailbagbox asked about our nicknames, stadiums abroad where we'd like to see Orlando City play, 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 came from behind using sheer grit and determination to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win over Atlanta United 2 on Saturday. It was great to see a different ending to what appeared to be the same old script from the Young Lions, and Colin Guske and Shak Mohammed led the comeback. OCB's next match will be at home Sunday against Crown Legacy. We'll preview that on our next episode later this week.

Finally, we looked ahead to Wednesday night's Leagues Cup semifinal edition of the Tropic Thunder rivalry, as the Lions head to Ft. Lauderdale looking to knock the Herons out of the competition, claim their third win in the series this season, and qualify for Concacaf Champions Cup. It won't be easy, as it's always difficult to beat a team three times in a row, especially one that's as stacked with talent and bitter about two lopsided defeats as Miami is. We know the opponents well, so we go straight to the key matchups and 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.

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Here’s how No. 500 went down:

0:15 – An intro about 500 episodes precedes the soccer talk. Orlando City would have gotten a better result with a forfeit to Nashville than the Lions got from playing the game.

29:07 – Austin David jumps on with us to discuss his role with Orlando City and his time at The Mane Land back in the day.

1:04:10 - The mailbagbox, OCB's win, and an extra round of Tropic Thunder.

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Orlando City's run of explosive offense ended during match play, but the Lions still scored on six of seven penalties to beat Toluca 6-5 in a penalty shootout following the team's 0-0 draw at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. There were few shots, and only one shot on target, but ultimately, once the players started going to the penalty spot, things picked up. Pedro Gallese was the shining star, stopping two spot kicks and adding the winning penalty goal. As a result, Orlando is through to the Leagues Cup semifinals for the first time and will have a third Tropic Thunder matchup against Inter Miami on Wednesday.

We break down the few key moments from the quarterfinals, check back on our score predictions, and make our obvious selections for Man of the Match.

This week's mailbagbox asked where a fit Duncan McGuire fits into the current lineup, the "dumb" Leagues Cup format, 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 host Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, and it's high time the Young Lions snapped out of their funk and put together a complete performance. We preview the matchup.

Finally, we looked ahead to Saturday's showdown against Nashville SC. The Tennessee-based side is level with the Lions on points but holds the wins tiebreaker, making it an important first leg of the two-leg season series. We look back on the series history, provide our key matchups and make our predictions for 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.

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Here’s how No. 499 went down:

0:15 – Orlando City's offense looked like one that played late Saturday night into Sunday in heavy weather and then made a cross-country trip. And then the Lions won in penalties.

22:41 – The mailbagbox has both statements and questions.

44:59 - OCB hosts Atlanta 2, and the Lions visit Nashville for a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup.

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Orlando City and Sporting Kansas City endured a torturous three-hour delay for inclement weather Saturday night. By the time the match finally started, the Lions pounced to take an early lead, then were largely ineffective for most of the first half, heading to the locker room tied at 1-1. Orlando came out much better in the second half, thanks to a couple of key halftime adjustments, and as Saturday turned into Sunday, Ramiro Enrique and Nico Rodriguez struck to lift the Lions to another victory.

We break down the key moments, plays, and players of the game, check on our score predictions, and make our selections for Man of the Match.

This week's mailbagbox wondered about the hardships of waiting out the weather, had questions about Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, wanted to know about our favorite sports road trips, 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 came within 10 minutes of breaking its winless streak, but then went the other way and lost the game instead of bringing home any points from Columbus. It was another frustrating match for the Young Lions.

Finally, we previewed the Lions' Wednesday night matchup against a good Toluca side out in California. The Liga MX side is a favorite to win the Leagues Cup this season, and the Lions will need to be at their best to keep themselves alive in the competition in what is sure to be a hostile atmosphere We 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.

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Here’s how No. 498 went down:

0:15 – Orlando City started fast, then struggled until halftime, before dominating the second half against Sporting Kansas City.

16:58 – The mailbagbox is demanding, but as always, we're up to the challenge.

38:49 - OCB blew another late lead, and the senior Lions head to California to face a Toluca team that isn't from there.

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Orlando City went for a repeat of the Necaxa game but came up just short of that 5-1 result when Publix enemies Inter Miami CF visited Inter&Co Stadium Sunday night. The Lions struck early, gave up the 1-0 lead, then owned the second half in a 4-1 victory to sweep the Herons in the 2025 season series by a 7-1 aggregate. Lionel Messi once again missed the trip to Orlando — this time with a hamstring issue — and despite still having a star-studded lineup, it was the team with the less heralded players that ruled the day (especially Designated Players Luis Muriel, Martin Ojeda, and Marco Pasalic).

We break down an enjoyable Orlando City win, check back on our score predictions, and make our selections for Man of the Match.

This week's massive mailbagbox got into the spirit of the three points over Inter Miami, presenting us questions about such topics as the 2025 Leagues Cup format, goal kicks, opening credit scenes, memorable teachers, and much 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 played a scoreless first half, fell behind early in the second half, went a man down shortly after that, and still should have beaten Chattanooga FC. Goals by Thalles and Shak Mohammed put the Young Lions just moments away from an improbable win, but OCB conceded again deep in stoppage time to turn a win into a draw, before coughing up the extra point with two penalty kicks off the woodwork in the ensuing shootout.

Finally, we previewed the Lions' upcoming home matchup with Western Conference side Sporting Kansas City. We look back at the series history, provide our key matchups, and make our final score predictions for 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.

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Here’s how No. 497 went down:

0:15 – Orlando City keeps scoring, which helps the Lions keep winning. When those wins are against Inter Miami, it's that much sweeter.

26:10 – The mailbagbox is full, signaling the celebration of a rivalry win.

53:40 - OCB came close, but remains unable to win, and the MLS Lions are set to square off against SKC.

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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.

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. 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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Orlando City blew a 1-0 lead at home again. However, the Lions also finally did two things they hadn't done in a while — scored more than one goal at home and won at home. Those two things are probably related. The Lions were able to overcome giving up the tying goal in the second half by scoring twice more to beat Atlas FC 3-1, staying alive in their bid to reach the Leagues Cup knockout rounds. Much of the credit goes to attacking players Ivan Angulo, Martin Ojeda, and Marco Pasalic, but certainly everyone contributed in their own way. We break down the victory, check our score predictions (we were both partially right), and make our selections for Man of the Match.

Following our game breakdown, we discussed Orlando City's acquisition of Trinidad & Tobago international winger Tyrese Spicer. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft has some untapped upside, and we'll see if Oscar Pareja and his staff can unlock his potential. Spicer fills a need by providing depth on the left side, and he's versatile enough to play wingback and even fullback if needed.

We're also happy to welcome back Cristian Diaz, a writer for FutMexNation and a podcaster at Cantina MX. He helps us preview the weekend meeting with Necaxa as Orlando City closes the League Phase of the 2025 Leagues Cup. Big thanks to Cristian for joining us yet again and giving us the info we need on Wednesday's opponents.

The mailbagbox asks us about what Spicer's arrival means, what cool nicknames we would want, random OCSC jersey sightings, 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.

Following the mailbagbox segment, we spend some time being exasperated with OCB's recent form, including some of the worst goals conceded this season against New York City FC II on Sunday.

Finally, we previewed the Lions' Leagues Cup match against Necaxa, presenting our key matchups and 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.

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Here’s how No. 495 went down:

0:15 – The Lions blew another lead in the second half, but this time they wrote themselves a different ending. Plus, welcome, Tyrese Spicer!

18:48 – Cristian Diaz smacks us with all his knowledge about Necaxa.

29:16 - The mailbagbox, the OCB Minute, and our Necaxa key matchups and predictions.

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Orlando City played half a good game against Pumas but didn't show up at all in the second half, so it was no surprise that Rodrigo Schlegel's early goal couldn't stand up to the constant pressure the Liga MX side brought after halftime. The Lions couldn't keep the ball, broke down at critical moments in the attacking third, and could not mount a coherent counterattack. Orlando looked like the tired side that had traveled to a different country rather than the club that rolled out of their own beds and went to play in their home stadium.

We break down the match, check back to see how we made out with our score predictions, and make our selections for Man of the Match. We also spoke briefly about the MLS return of Antonio Carlos to a team not named Orlando City.

Following our game breakdown, we welcome back Cristian Diaz, a writer for FutMexNation and a podcaster at Cantina MX. He helps us preview the weekend meeting with Atlas as Leagues Cup continues. Big thanks to Cristian for jumping on with us and giving us the info we need.

The mailbagbox asks us about Justin Ellis, whether Oscar Pareja will play his kids in Leagues Cup, 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.

Following the mailbagbox segment, we look ahead to OCB's matchup with New York City FC II Sunday night.

Finally, we previewed the Lions' Leagues Cup match against Atlas, presenting our key matchups and 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.

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Here’s how No. 494 went down:

0:15 – The Lions can't stop dropping points from a winning position at home. This time in international club play.

27:51– Cristian Diaz returns to drop knowledge bombs on us about Atlas ahead of Saturday's Leagues Cup matchup.

35:55 - The mailbagbox, a quick OCB preview, and our Atlas key matchups and predictions.

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Orlando City looked second best all night, so when the Columbus Crew scored on a penalty kick just past the hour night, it seemed like the hosts would go on and win the game by multiple goals. But Ramiro Enrique said no. The Argentine came off the bench and got on the end of two key passes from left winger Ivan Angulo to give Orlando the lead, before Martin Ojeda called game in stoppage time with a lung-busting run and excellent finish past Patrick Schulte for a 3-1 road win.

We go back and check our score predictions from last week, break down the game's critical plays, and make our selections for Man of the Match. There was plenty of love to go around, as evidenced by the five Orlando representatives on the MLS Team of the Matchday.

Following our game breakdown, we are joined by Cristian Diaz, a writer for FutMexNation.com and a podcaster at Cantina MX. He gives us a crash course on Wednesday night's Leagues Cup opponents, Pumas. Big thanks to Cristian for jumping on with us and giving us the info we need.

The mailbagbox asks us about what will be in the next MLS collective bargaining agreement, podcast listeners as Orlando City players, our five favorite MCU villains, and much 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.

Following the mailbagbox segment, we probably spent less than a minute on our OCB Minute. It was a rough outing for the Young Lions in a 4-0 loss at Huntsville. Best not to speak of it.

Finally, we previewed the Lions' Leagues Cup opener against Pumas, presenting our key matchups and 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. 493 went down:

0:15 – The Lions made it two road wins in a row, and despite a bad start, this one was more impressive than the victory at New England.

21:00– Cristian Diaz joins us to give us a knowledge download on Pumas ahead of Wednesday's first-ever meeting between the teams.

30:34 - The mailbagbox, the OCB Minute, and a brief Pumas preview.

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Orlando City entered Saturday night having won just once at Gillette Stadium. That happened a year ago when the Lions swept the New England Revolution for the first time in club history. Both teams entered the match on winless streaks, and the Lions snapped theirs thanks to Martin Ojeda's brace in a 2-1 win, capturing their second consecutive victory in a stadium where they'd never won before 2024. It wasn't a perfect performance, but it was an important road win and three more points added to the team's total.

We check in with our score predictions from last week, break down the game's vital plays, and make our selections for Man of the Match.

The mailbagbox gave us a break from bread questions to ask us about our own forays into youth soccer, how we watch the games, who we would start in the next match if we were in charge, 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.

Following the mailbagbox segment, we discussed this week's MLS All-Star festivities and which OCSC players are involved in each one. We then moved on to our OCB Minute, which was probably longer than a minute and definitely longer than the Young Lions' game on Sunday deserved. It was not a good performance on the road by OCB.

Finally, we previewed the Lions' trip to Columbus to play the Crew on Friday night. We looked back at the series history, compare where the teams are in the table, discussed the Crew's major players, provided our key matchups, and made 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.

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0:15 – The Lions went to New England and brought home all three points. That is something we were in favor of them doing.

18:12– The mailbagbox wants us to pick lineups and put different items in chronological order. We feel like this is the precursor to an audio crossword puzzle or something.

36:28 - MLS All-Star stuff, OCB was not good whatsoever at New England Revolution II on Sunday, and the Lions head north to face the Crew.

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