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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Orlando City wasn't content to throw away two points on Saturday. The Lions threw away all three on Wednesday just for funsies. Leading in the 87th minute — by just one goal on more than 20 shot attempts — the Lions did New York City FC a solid and scored a goal for them. Not content with a draw, Orlando City then gave up a 2-on-nobody break off its own corner kick opportunity four minutes later, lighting three points on fire and flushing them down the toilet.

Did we find the game irritating? Annoying? Depressing? Maddening? Yes, yes, yes, and yes! Still, we look back at our score predictions, discuss the important moments of the game, and make our selections for Man of the Match.

The mailbagbox has more questions about bread (for some reason), and asks us about serving in the military, strengthening weak feet, 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 remind you that OCB is on the road at New England on Sunday.

Finally, we previewed the Lions at the Revolution Saturday at Gillette Stadium — Orlando's historic house of horrors — breaking down the history of the series, checking out the teams' relative spots in the standings, providing our key matchups, and making our score predictions.

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Here’s how No. 491 went down:

0:15 – The Lions dominated, led the game late, and still managed to lose at home.

22:16– The mailbagbox has even more bread questions, and it's a good thing we don't have gluten allergies.

43:52 - Orlando City has to visit New England because the teams are in the same conference and that's how it works. But we would rather...not.

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Orlando City played CF Montreal and it wasn't a memorable match. Martin Ojeda's goal was memorable, but other than that, it was a night to forget, as the Lions could never put the game away and then had an unnecessary Rodri Schlegel moment late in the match to drop two precious points at home. The visitors created nothing all night but a few off-target shots from distance, but putting Prince Owusu on the penalty spot in the final minutes of the game turned out to be a bad idea.

For the second match in a row, one of us nailed our score prediction. Even a blind squirrel...something, something. Anyway, we broke down the key moments and actions in the game and selected our Man of the Match.

The mailbagbox is overflowing this week, with many questions about various bread products, which young Lion we think could see first-team minutes, the Lord of the Rings, Orlando City cult heroes, 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 back at OCB's 3-1 home win over Carolina Core FC. It's way more than an "OCB Minute," because the Young Lions deserved it. Justin Ellis is on fire, Thalles scored his first OCB goal, and Carlos Mercado stood on his head.

Finally, we looked ahead to Wednesday night's match against New York City FC. The Lions will need to find a higher offensive gear while maintaining the defensive effort we saw against Montreal in order to win this six-pointer against their 2015 expansion rivals. We provide our key matchups and score predictions.

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Here’s how No. 490 went down:

0:15 – The Lions struggled to create against one of the league's worst teams. It wasn't fun.

22:22– The mailbagbox has an unusually high number of bread questions.

49:45 - OCB wins at home and City gets set to host the Pigeons.

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Orlando City looked bereft of offensive ideas despite a lot of possession for the first hour in Charlotte Saturday night, but after going down two goals, the switch flipped and the Lions roared back to claim a road point, coming close to snagging all three. It was good to see the team not quit, but it wasn't so great to see the team struggle for 60 minutes.

We checked our score predictions — one of us nailed it! — broke down the key moments and players from the game, and split our selections for Man of the Match. We also discuss Ramiro Enrique being honored with a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday bench.

The mailbagbox asks us about hamburger toppings, Alex Freeman, Orlando City trivia, 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, discuss Alex Freeman's Gold Cup final performance with the USMNT, which academy players are headed to the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, and OCB's comeback draw at Crown Legacy. Justin Ellis helped the Young Lions claim a point and Carlos Mercado led the Young Lions to a second in the ensuing shootout.

Finally, we looked ahead to Orlando City's home game coming up Saturday against CF Montreal. Saturday's visitors have been poor all season but managed a draw in the first meeting. Plus, the Lions will be without a couple of key cogs on the defensive end. We look at the series history, the tale of the tape, our key matchups, and our score predictions for the match.

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Here’s how No. 489 went down:

0:15 – The Lions finally got going, but only in time to claim a single point in Charlotte.

23:56– The mailbagbox brings forth another slew of important questions for us to answer, and we rap about Alex Freeman and some future OCSC stars.

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Orlando City's offensive consistency continues to be inconsistent. Days after scoring four goals that could have been eight, the Lions scored one that should have been at least two. The team has also shipped multiple goals in consecutive games, although that set piece howler on Saturday can hardly be blamed on the defense as a whole.

We checked our score predictions, broke down the key moments and players from the game, and made our selections for Man of the Match.

The mailbagbox wanted us to predict Oscar Pareja's comfort level with his roster and how many guys on an MLS roster should be relied upon for significant minutes. 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 touched on OCB's Monday matinee at Philadelphia, which had not yet been played at the time of our recording (we recorded Sunday afternoon because of some scheduling issues). We also discussed Alex Freeman's selection to the MLS All-Star Team.

Finally, we looked ahead to Orlando City's matchup on the road at Charlotte. The Lions will have to play well against a difficult conference opponent to get back in the win column. City doesn't have a great record against the other teams above the playoff line, so maybe a game against the 10th-place team is what the club needs to get three points to erase the memory of that Cincinnati loss. We provide our key matchups, look at where the teams are in the table, and made our score predictions for the match.

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Here’s how No. 488 went down:

0:15 – The Lions fell at home in a winnable game, and what's up with these bad goals at home?

22:41– The mailbagbox is small but mighty.

32:59 - OCB hadn't played yet when we talked about their game Monday afternoon at Philly. Plus, Alex Freeman is an MLS All-Star and the senior side heads to North Carolina.

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