Orlando City B is the lone team still playing through the World Cup and by golly we're going to reward them for that by talking about the Young Lions. This week, they took to the road to face Huntsville City in Alabama and brought all three points back with them after a 2-1 comeback win. For the second straight game, the Young Lions started the game a bit lethargically and fell behind. But OCB is nothing if not resilient. The team kicked it into gear in the second half and grabbed a hard-fought three points on the road.

We discuss the match, including how Matthew Belgodere suddenly can't stop scoring and Parker Amoo-Mensah has earned his shiny new MLS NEXT Pro contract.

After our OCB-Carolina Core rewind, we discussed the USMNT's 4-1 beatdown of Paraguay in the team's World Cup opener. Former Lion Alex Freeman was one of several players who shone brightly in the opener, which hopefully will provide some momentum going up against Australia this week. We discussed the unexpected joy of watching the U.S. playe like one of the world's soccer super powers, even if it was only one game.

We also look ahead to Sunday's OCB match at home against Philadelphia Union II. Sunday's visitors don't score a lot, but they also don't concede many goals. If OCB can keep things rolling, it would be a big step toward getting a decent postseason seed, although there is a lot of soccer yet to be played. I was supposed to do the mailbagbox next but it's out of order. It's fine. You'll figure it out.

Our mailbagbox is timely, asking about which Lion will ultimately finish their career with the most caps for their national team. Our vote was split. 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.

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Here’s how No. 538 went down:

0:15 – OCB won on the road despite a poor start, and the U.S. started and ended strong against South American competition.

24:02 – OCB is back at home Sunday, looking to add more points to its 2026 total.

29:04 – Our mailbagbox asks us to predict the future.

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Orlando City is still off for the World Cup break, but OCB is not. We open this week's show with a little-longer-than-usual look at the Young Lions' 3-2 comeback win over Carolina Core FC on Sunday. It wasn't easy, and it certainly wasn't OCB's best performance of the year, but the job ultimately got done.

We discuss the lethargic start, the red card/penalty that changed everything, and a second half that wasn't looking like it would be good enough until it ultimately was.

After our OCB-Carolina Core rewind, we discussed the USMNT's 2-1 loss to Germany. The Yanks hung around, but this is a team that is supposed to be about more than hanging around. At some point, you must beat a good European team just to be taken seriously, never mind winning a World Cup. But hey, that was quite a goal by Antonee Robinson, wasn't it?

Our mailbagbox is super full this week, asking us to wager (nothing) on a parlay, select Orlando City preferences, and pick the hardest shooter, among other things. 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 look ahead to Saturday's OCB match on the road at Huntsville City. The Nashville affiliate poses some challenges, and the teams look to be evenly matched. Can the Young Lions stop bleeding goals while continuing to score them? We'll see.

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Here’s how No. 537 went down:

0:15 – OCB got three points that might not have been earned against a full-strength squad, and the USMNT continues to have a defense prone to breakage as World Cup matches loom.

25:34 – Our mailbagbox is all over the map...including the greater Seattle area.

49:26 – OCB won but should still try to bounce back from a bit of a lethargic performance for most of its win on Sunday when it travels to Huntsville.

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With Orlando City off until mid-July, we start this week's show with a brief discussion of the United States Men's National Team's friendly win over Senegal on Sunday. Former Lion Alex Freeman continues to impress at the international level, and the U.S. was able to hang with a good African side despite blowing a lead and changing most of the squad at halftime. It may not mean much for the World Cup, but it's good to see the USMNT playing tough against good sides from around the world. Germany is up next.

We then turned our attention toward OCB's win over Chattanooga at home on Sunday. The Young Lions threw away their early lead before halftime, but then they sprung to life in the second half and dominated the second half, scoring four unanswered goals to win 5-2. We break down OCB's win, which sprung the team toward the top of the Eastern Conference table.

Our mailbagbox asked us which OCB players might play well enough to earn first-team minutes after the World Cup break. 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 prepare for OCB's upcoming match with Carolina Core FC. The Young Lions have a chance to keep things rolling against one of the teams low in the Eastern Conference. We discuss where the teams are relative to one another in the table and which players OCB will need to keep tabs on.

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Here’s how No. 536 went down:

0:15 – The USMNT picked up an impressive win over Senegal and OCB continues to score goals, hanging five on Chattanooga on Sunday.

17:50 – Our mailbagbox takes an interest in the Young Lions.

26:11 – OCB welcomes Carolina Core to Kissimmee on Sunday. Can the Young Lions keep rolling along?

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Orlando City should just stay home for road games. The Lions' latest massacre took place Saturday in Cincinnati. They started the match well, pressing aggressively and taking an early lead, but then the tired legs and lack of rotation began to show and it got worse throughout the match with the brief exception of Martin Ojeda tying the game early in the second half. From that point on, it was just the latest in a series of lopsided road beatings that keep Orlando City firmly on course for the worst defensive record in MLS history.

We look back at the match, check our score predictions, make our selections for Man of the Match, and discuss the lack of rotation at the end of a heavy week of fixtures.

Following our FC Cincinnati rewind, we discussed Marco Pasalic's comments on Instagram that seem to indicate his departure is imminent. The Lions could do the funniest thing ever and highjack Miami's Casemiro deal, but we're not expecting that, even if it might be what Orlando needs to help shield the leakiest defensive unit in the league.

Our mailbagbox asked us about the number of players who have played a minute for the club in 2026 but may not do so again the rest of the season. Hey, it's a complex question. 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 discussed Orlando City B's 4-1 win over Inter Miami CF II on Sunday night and we look ahead to OCB's upcoming match Sunday against Chattanooga.

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Here’s how No. 535 went down:

0:15 – The Lions once again were taken out behind the woodshed in a road match. Plus, Marco Pasalic says "thank you" but does he mean goodbye?

24:56 – Our mailbagbox wants to know which players won't play more minutes in 2026.

31:18 – OCB blows out Inter Miami II and will try to climb higher in the table at home this weekend against Chattanooga.

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Orlando City bounced back from conceding late in a 1-1 draw against Atlanta United at home to crush Atlanta United 4-1 at home. The rematch between the Eastern Conference rivals turned into a rout as the Lions built a 4-0 halftime lead and saw the match out in the second half to advance to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. It was a big night for the likes of Tiago, Griffin Dorsey, Braian Ojeda, and others.

We break down the match, discuss the many goals and breakaway opportunities, and make our selections for Man of the Match.

After our game rewind, we touched on Marco Pasalic being named to Croatia's World Cup squad. Congrats to Orlando City's right winger!

Our mailbagbox asked us about spying. 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 discussed Orlando City B's upcoming match against Inter Miami II on Sunday. The Young Lions are much higher in the table but in a rivalry match, anything can happen — especially in an OCB rivalry match.

Finally, we looked ahead to Orlando City's final match before the World Cup break. The Lions head north to face FC Cincinnati on Saturday. There will be a lot of heavy legs and possibly a bit of a letdown emotionally after a charged win over rival Atlanta in a knockout game. We discuss the series history, provide our key matchups, and make our final score predictions.

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Here’s how No. 534 went down:

0:15 – The Lions destroyed Atlanta United in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals. It was fun!

25:02 – Our mailbagbox is small and surveillance-related.

32:06 – OCB hosts rival Miami while the senior Lions head for Cincy in a weekend filled with Orlando soccer.

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Orlando City played two teams lower in the standings over the past week and came away with four of six possible points, but somehow those points seemed tarnished a bit. The Lions blew a two-goal, second-half lead against the Union but managed a goal at the death to claim all three points against the Eastern Conference's worst team. Although Martin Ojeda could have put the match away before halftime on a more clinical night and the low-scoring Union managed three goals in 45 minutes after just 10 goals entering the match, a win is a win.

Atlanta United came to town Saturday for the first of two meetings in three days and while Orlando was better defensively, the Lions didn't generate much and looked tired and worn down against the fresher Five Stripes. Another late goal conceded by Orlando allowed the visitors to steal two points from City and take one for themselves.

We look back at both matches, check our score predictions, and name our selections for Man of the Match.

Our mailbagbox asked us about the next breakout player from OCB to the first team and Orlando City's needs after Antoine Griezmann arrives. 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 discussed Orlando City B's 1-0 loss at the death at New England Revolution II. The Young Lions were just moments away from at least one point and possibly two, but a collision between two defenders handed the Revs their chance to win. They took it.

Finally, we looked forward to tonight's rematch between the Lions and Five Stripes. The U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals matchup gives Orlando a chance to avenge the late goal on Saturday and advance to the semifinals.

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Here’s how No. 533 went down:

0:15 – The Lions weren't convincing doing it but they managed to add four points to their season total against Philadelphia and Atlanta.

25:11 – Our mailbagbox is forward thinking in terms of the roster.

33:35 – OCB can't keep it rolling at New England and we get ready for the second round of Orlando City-Atlanta United.

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Orlando City seemed to be turning a corner. It turned out that there was a moving truck just around that corner and it flattened the Lions in stoppage time Saturday in Montreal. Just moments away from a road point and a rare clean sheet, despite being outplayed for much of the 90 minutes, Orlando City imploded and conceded twice for yet another multi-goal road loss in a 2026 already filled with them.

We break down the latest OCSC loss, look back at our score predictions, and begrudgingly make our selections for Man of the Match. The good vibes from the Miami comeback win did not last long at all.

Our mailbagbox asked us about Ted Lasso haircuts and Justin Ellis. 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 discussed Orlando City B's 2-0 win at Atlanta United 2 and looked ahead to the Young Lions' upcoming match with New England Revolution 2. That previous sentence included a lot of instances of the numeral 2.

Finally, we looked ahead to two Orlando City matches coming up this week. First up is the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday, followed by Atlanta United on Saturday. Both Eastern Conference rivals are coming to Orlando, so the Lions will be on home soil, and hopefully that means we won't see them in their Sunken Playoff Hopes Treasure kits.

We look at the series history against both clubs, check out their relative places in the standings (they are the two closest teams to Orlando City in the Eastern Conference), provide our key matchups, and make our final score predictions for both matches.

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Here’s how No. 532 went down:

0:15 – The Lions picked the wrong time to stop scoring goals against a very meh Montreal team.

18:26 – Our mailbagbox wants to work a little Isaac McAdoo haircut magic.

24:36 – OCB managed a shutout win and we look ahead to two matches that under normal circumstances we would say were "winnable." These are not normal circumstances.

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Orlando City entered last week after blowing a late road lead at D.C. United. The Lions continued to play away from home but instead of blowing leads, they decided to go the other way. Orlando came back from three deficits to beat the New England Revolution 4-3 in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday and then fell behind 3-0 at Inter Miami before rallying for another 4-3 win. It will never not be a delight that the Lions became the first team to win at Nu Stadium!

We discuss both wins, which were exciting for different reasons. We look back at our score predictions for the Miami match and make our selections for Man of the Match from both contests. It's nice to see the Lions scoring goals again, even if they are still conceding too many.

A win over Inter Miami comes with awards! Martin Ojeda won Player of the Matchday and was named to the Team of the Matchday starting XI after his hat trick Saturday. Tyrese Spicer made the TotM bench and Martin Perelman was named coach.

Our mailbagbox went deep this week. Questions galore! We were asked about Antoine Griezmann, 2025 Orlando City vs. 2026 Wrexham, if the Lions will keep a clean sheet in MLS this year, 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.

After the mailbagbox, we looked back at OCB's latest crazy finish and the Young Lions' first shootout loss of the season. They had plenty of chances to not fall behind 2-0 at home, but where's the fun in that? OCB rallied for a draw but couldn't snap up the second point in the shootout. Next up is a trip to play Atlanta United 2 on Sunday.

Finally, we looked ahead to Orlando City's road game at Montreal on Saturday afternoon. The Lions will be looking for a season sweep, but Montreal has looked better in its home games in recent weeks and Prince Owusu likes to score against Orlando City. The Lions will need to be better defensively to continue their road success. We look at the series history, provide our key matchups for the game, and make our predictions for the final score.

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Here’s how No. 531 went down:

0:15 – The Lions scored two important road wins and many goals were scored by all teams involved.

29:21 – Our mailbagbox is bursting at the seams after a successful week away from Inter&Co Stadium.

52:20 – Another crazy finish for OCB and the Lions head north as the road swing continues.

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The good times from the win over Charlotte didn't last long, as just three days later the Lions started and finished poorly on the road at D.C. United. The part that was good was nice, but everything else, especially the late collapse, was subpar. We look back at Orlando City's latest road loss in a season full of them already. In fact, the Lions have already lost the same number of road matches in 2026 as they did all of last year, when they went 6-4-7 away from home.

We review our score predictions from last week, discuss the goals that counted and the one that didn't, and make our selections for Man of the Match.

Our mailbagbox wanted to know how much ground Orlando City could reasonably make up on the playoff places after Antoine Griezmann's arrival. 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 back at OCB's wild match at Chicago Fire FC II Sunday afternoon. This time it was the Young Lions who fell behind two goals before rallying to tie the game, but OCB continued its trend of shootout wins to grab the extra point. There are still no wins under Edward Wilding, but at least the matches are just as crazy as ever.

Finally, we looked ahead to both of Orlando City's road games this week. The Lions will visit a good New England team Wednesday night in U.S. Open Cup play before heading south to play an even better Inter Miami squad on Saturday. The team's fortunes so far wouldn't suggest a positive result in either place for the Lions, but you never know.

We give our key matchups and score predictions for the league game, because you never know how much rotation a team will use in the USOC.

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Here’s how No. 530 went down:

0:15 – The Lions lost again and we're stuck talking about how this one happened.

21:45 – Our mailbagbox is small but mighty and we discuss OCB, the club's only team to snag any points over the weekend.

33:19 – Two massive road games await this week, and we're not super confident the Lions will get a win in either, but we'll keep watching because that's what you do.

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Orlando City played shockingly like the Lions of the last six years on Wednesday night in a 4-1 home win over Charlotte FC. We didn't anticipate having such a long show this week, but we're not used to talking about multi-goal wins, and it turns out it's a lot more enjoyable to do that than to discuss five- and six-goal losses. Injuries, illnesses, and Charlotte FC combined couldn't slow down the Lions for at least one night.

We break down Orlando's best (by far) match of the season; discuss the key moments, players, and the postgame press conference; check back on our score predictions; and make our selections for Man of the Match.

In our mailbagbox segment, our listeners wanted to know about Ignacio Gomez's availability after playing twice on a short-term deal, stadium names (again), OCB players to watch out for with the first team, 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 OCB's match at Chicago Fire FC II on Sunday afternoon. The teams are evenly matched in the standings, but can the Young Lions finally give their new head coach his first win?

Finally, we looked forward to Saturday's road game against D.C. United. The Lions have yet to win on the road or put together back-to-back victories this season, and with healthy bodies scarce, it's hard to imagine the team not wearing down on short rest with travel involved unless some guys return from injury. However, that could happen! Maybe!

We look at the series history between the Lions and the Black & Red, check out their relative status in the table, discuss the danger of Tai Baribo, provide our key matchups, and make our final score predictions. We will hopefully be just as wrong on Saturday as we were on Wednesday.

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Here’s how No. 529 went down:

0:15 – The Lions not only won, but won big! That's new (at least in 2026). We discuss.

31:03 – Our mailbagbox is even sweeter after a win. We'd forgotten about that.

48:10 – OCB visits Chicago II and Orlando City heads to the nation's capital.

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