The Mane Land PawedCast

Michael Citro

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UPDATED WEEKLY

The official home for audio programming from The Mane Land, a community for fans of Orlando City SC, the Orlando Pride, Orlando City B, and all things soccer related in the City Beautiful.

16 HR AGO

Houston Rewind, USOC, OCB-Carolina Core, Charlotte Preview, and More

We are less than enthused about talking about Orlando City's games this season, but that's only because they continue to not win games. And even though the team did win one since our last show — a 1-0 nailbiter against USL League One side FC Naples in the U.S. Open Cup — it's not always enjoyable to watch. We open this episode with a breakdown of Orlando City's 1-0 home loss to the Houston Dynamo. The Lions were wasteful with the few chances they created and although the defense has improved since Robin Jansson's return, the offense has fallen off a cliff. There were even more injuries to deal with, literally adding injury to insult. We discuss the key plays and moments of the match, look back at last week's score predictions, and make our selections for Man of the Match. We also spent a few minutes discussing the 1-0 win at FC Naples that could have been different with better camera angles and video review, but it was a win, and those are difficult to come by these days, regardless of the competition. The Man of the Match was obvious in that one. Our mailbagbox was short and sweet, as our listeners wanted to know about 25-year-old U.S. strikers playing abroad, our favorite Disney theme parks, 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 touched on OCB's 2-2 draw against Carolina Core FC, in which the Young Lions threw away a late 2-0 lead and blew a big chance to retake the lead in stoppage time. In the end, OCB managed to take two points and only drop one by winning the penalty shootout. Finally, we looked forward to Wednesday's home game against Charlotte FC. Wednesday's visitors are much better than Saturday's, so Orlando City will have to be much better just to get the same result, which is not a result we liked. Can the Lions win? Maybe, but it just doesn't seem like this team is putting it together quite yet. We break down the series history, provide our key matchups for the game, and make our score predictions. We'll be back later in the week to break down the Charlotte game and preview Saturday's trip to play D.C. United. 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. 528 went down: 0:15 – The Lions lost again. Orlando is not playing great soccer and it would be better if it was. 27:17 – Our mailbagbox is an oasis in the middle of talking about this 2026 Orlando City season. 37:39 – OCB dropped a point at home and we look ahead to the midweek matchup with Charlotte. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1hr 4min
14 APR

Crew Rewind, USOC and Houston Previews, OCB, and More

The Lions finished off their three-game road trip, and while the 1-1 draw against the Crew in Columbus wasn't a rousing success, it was light years ahead of the 5-0 loss at Nahsville and the 6-0 loss at LAFC. Returning players made a big difference and scoring the first goal was helpful as well, allowing the Lions to stop some of the bleeding and earn their first road point. We look back at the key players and moments in the match, check back on our score predictions, and make our selections for Man of the Match. Our mailbagbox was loaded up with questions about Ricardo Moriera, Orlando City's roster needs, a Freaky Friday-type life swap situation, 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 touched on OCB's 3-1 loss at Chattanooga FC and looked ahead to the Young Lions' matchup Sunday against Carolina Core. Finally, we looked ahead to a pair of upcoming Orlando City games this week. The Lions will play USL League One opponent FC Naples on the road Wednesday to start their 2026 U.S. Open Cup run. We're not going to pretend to know a lot about the club, but it is currently first in the table and it's both a winnable and loseable game. The second match takes place Saturday at home, when the Houston Dynamo visit. We look back at the series history, check out how the two sides measure up in the league, discuss our key matchups for the game, 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. 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. 527 went down: 0:15 – Robin Jansson's return was noticeable and so was his departure from the match on Sunday in Columbus. 24:45 – Our mailbagbox is chock full this week. We're up to the challenge. 56:08 – OCB happenings, the Lions head south to take on FC Naples in U.S. Open Cup play, and the Houston Dynamo visit on Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1hr 22min
7 APR

LAFC Rewind, Columbus Crew Preview, and More

The Lions may have traveled to Los Angeles, but they never showed up. LAFC became the latest team to demolish Orlando City in a 6-0 beatdown that was difficult to watch. We spoke a little about the match but mostly about the state of Orlando City six games into a 2026 season that has begun worse than anyone could have imagined. Historically bad somehow doesn't cover it. We looked back at what we thought were pessimistic score predictions that came up well short of reality, and we selected a Man of the Match by the process of elimination. Our mailbagbox offered no respite from this series of lopsided losses, but our listeners did ask about nicknames and what (if any) impact Antoine Griezmann could have made on the season to date had he arrived before opening day. 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 briefly touched on the tale of the tape for OCB's upcoming match at Chattanooga. The two sides seem evenly matched heading into their head-to-head matchup. Finally, we looked ahead to Sunday's Orlando City match at Columbus. We gave the series history between the Lions and Crew, looked at the key matchups, and did our best to predict the final score. We remain pessimistic and probably will do so until Orlando City shows some signs of life. 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. 526 went down: 0:15 – LAFC devoured Orlando City like it was an all-you-can-eat buffet. 27:59 – Our mailbagbox is no comfort from another stinging loss, but it is fun. 38:34 – The Crew are coming off their first win of 2026 and have to be eager to get at Orlando's leaky defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1hr 2min
31 MAR

USMNT Talk, LAFC Preview, and More

The Lions and Young Lions were both off this weekend with the international break. Because of that, we were focused on the United States Men's National Team as the World Cup continues to creep closer and closer. Unfortunately, the USMNT — despite a great first half — got waffled by Belgium in the second half, losing 5-2. It was an ugly reminder that the U.S. must be its best to compete with top teams from around the world —not for 45 minutes, but for 90-plus. That wasn't the case on Saturday, and the Yanks were punished for it. Portugal on Tuesday night provides another opportunity for growth, but time is running out before the games count on the biggest stage. Is the U.S. ready? Our mailbagbox had questions about lineup changes, hairstyles, 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 look ahead to Orlando City's match this weekend at LAFC. As good as Inter Miami, New York City FC, and Nashville have been this year, Saturday's hosts have been either as good or better. That doesn't bode well for a struggling Orlando City side that desperately needs to start scoring goals and keeping them out of its own net. We look back at the series history, compare the two clubs, and offer up our key matchups and score predictions. We are not optimistic about this one, folks. 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. 525 went down: 0:15 – The USMNT played a strong opening 40 minutes and then...well oddly enough the game ended that way and the final 50 were never even played! That's how we're choosing to remember it, anyway. 31:43 – Our mailbagbox prevents us from having to preview the LAFC match, but not for long. 52:07 – LAFC hasn't conceded or lost yet. Orlando has done both of those things far more often than any of us would like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

44 min
24 MAR · BONUS

Griezmann Signing Now Official (Bonus Episode)

Let's just say we covered our bases this week. When recording Episode 523 of The Mane Land PawedCast Monday night, we knew there was a pretty good chance that Tuesday things would change. As such, we recorded a shorter supplemental episode of the PawedCast to discuss the signing of Atletico Madrid attacking midfielder/forward Antoine Griezmann as a Designated Player, with the legendary French international set to join Orlando City in July. No mailbagbox. No other discussion. Just 20+ minutes of us discussing a historic signing for the club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 min
24 MAR

Nashville Rewind, Antoine Griezmann, OCB-Miami, and More

The Lions tried to back up their first win of the season with another win, but instead what Orlando City backed up the win over Montreal with was a soul-crushing defeat in what might have been the team's worst performance since we were still in the 2010s. The 5-0 loss to Nashville SC could have been even worse. We chose to go the sandwich route and stuck the bad news about the match in between good news. The show started a discussion about the Lions who will represent their countries in this international window. We then spent too many minutes (regardless of how many it was, it was too many) on Orlando City's loss at Nashville. That included looking back at our score predictions and selecting our Man of the Match via the process of elimination. After the match rewind, we turned to Antoine Griezmann's trip to Orlando and a Designated Player signing that could happen today (possibly even before this post goes live). We discuss what Orlando City would be getting and why it doesn't matter that he's an attacking player when the team obviously needs to be better on the defensive end. If nothing else, a Griezmann signing should encourage more people to put things they want to happen out into the universe, because you never know what might be manifested from it. Our mailbagbox had questions about disappointing Orlando City position groups, Apple TV shows, Braian Ojeda's play so far, 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 had to dive into Sunday's insane match between OCB and Inter Miami II. We often joke about "Drunk OCB" but perhaps no match for the Young Lions was more drunk than Sunday's. It included OCB conceding twice inside the first five minutes, trailing by three goals in the second half, three misses with the goalkeeper out of the play, two Miami goalkeepers leaving the match with injuries and an outfield player going into the visitors' net, an Olimpico, 13 minutes of stoppage time, and a penalty shootout. It was one of the wildest 4-4 draws we've ever seen, and the Young Lions grabbed a second point in penalties. There's no games for the senior or reserve teams this weekend due to the international break, so enjoy not getting your heart ripped out by your soccer club for a few more days. 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. 523 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City got spanked, international Lions, and it sure looks like Antoine Griezmann is signing soon. 31:43 – Our mailbagbox is a helpful distraction from a heavy loss. 52:07 – An incredible OCB game that could have been a lopsided win for either team but instead was a high-scoring draw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1hr 9min
17 MAR

Montreal Rewind, OCB-Carolina Core, Nashville Preview, and More

So that's what a win feels like. It has been a minute. The Lions could have folded tents and packed it in, but instead they played inspired, energetic (if imperfect) soccer for 90 minutes, winning 2-1 at home Saturday against CF Montreal. Ivan Angulo scored neither goal but factored heavily in both as the catalyst on a night when effort meant everything. Martin Perelman got his first win as interim coach, and it felt like some demons were exorcized at Inter&Co Stadium, but time will tell if it lasts with some difficult matches coming up. We looked back at Orlando City's first win of the 2026 season, checked our score predictions, and made our selections for Man of the Match. Our mailbagbox asked some rather pessimistic questions, what it would take for Perelman to move into the head coaching gig on a permanent basis, 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 break down Orlando City B's wild comeback win on the road at Carolina Core. The Young Lions brought "drunk OCB" back in a big way, erasing a 2-0 deficit in the game's final half hour and snatching away all three points at the death. And they did that without a lot of their regular players, who were on the MLS team's bench. Finally, we looked ahead to Saturday's mammoth task of beating Nashville SC on the road. If you want to find Saturday's hosts, they're right up near the very top of the Eastern Conference table. We looked at their top threats, provided our key matchups of the game, and made our final score predictions. It's probably not going to go as well as the Montreal game did, but we're here for it if it does. 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. 522 went down: 0:15 – Orlando City is winless no more after a solid performance against CF Montreal. 20:35 – Our mailbagbox is a lot more full after a win. 37:38 – OCB completed a wild comeback win at Carolina Core and the senior Lions are off to face Nashville SC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr
13 MAR

Kay Rawlins Retiring, Oscar Pareja Out, and More

The hits just keep on coming early in this 2026 MLS season as Orlando City has parted ways with the club's winningest coach and one of the league's best managers over the years. Oscar Pareja's time in charge of the Lions lasted six years and just three games into a seventh. But his departure isn't the only critical one this week for the club. We open the show with a brief discussion of club founder Kay Rawlins, who begins her retirement today after helping establish Orlando City SC from the remnants of the old USL Austin Aztex. She also helped Phil Rawlins build a soccer culture in Orlando, culminating in the club being awarded an MLS franchise. The team put tens of thousands in the old Citrus Bowl/Camping World Stadium in 2015 and 2016 and then introduced a beautiful, brand-new soccer-specific stadium to Orlando's skyline in 2017. It's fair to say Kay Rawlins was also the heart of the organization, as few people have done more for the club's integration into the community, and she was absolutely instrumental in bringing an NWSL side to the City Beautiful. Kay will be missed in the front office, but she's earned her retirement, and you can look for her in the stands. Our mailbagbox wanted to know about coaching options, and we tabled our answer until the second part of the show, but we did eventually get there. 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. We had a spirited discussion of Pareja's time in Orlando, the manner in which he leaves his position, and whether anyone could have won with the cards he'd been dealt in the first few matches of this season or even some of what he had to put up with in 2025. We also talked about Ricardo Moreira placing his own rear end on the hot seat now that there isn't a coaching scapegoat still hanging around, and we discussed what Moreira said about the next coaching hire and the style of play of the team. Oh, and we throw out a few names to answer that mailbagbox question. Finally, we adjusted our score predictions for Saturday's match against CF Montreal. While Dave only changed his score, I changed my result and I predict a couple more goals to be scored. 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. 521 went down: 0:15 – The heart of Orlando City is leaving as Kay Rawlins bids goodbye to the club she helped build. 4:32 – Oscar's exit from as many angles as we had time to cover and our mailbagbox question asked about potential replacements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

41 min

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out of 5

2 Ratings

Long Overdue 5 Stars

08/02/2023

Christie Irvine

My go to Orlando City podcast (PawedCast…) each week. The guys do a great job covering all thing soccer related in Orlando. Looking forward to seeing how we can continue to support you in the near future!

The official home for audio programming from The Mane Land, a community for fans of Orlando City SC, the Orlando Pride, Orlando City B, and all things soccer related in the City Beautiful.