The Mane Land PawedCast Michael Citro

One year ago, the Lions were second only to FC Cincinnati in the race for the Supporters Shield. Fast forward to 2024 and the Lions have struggled out of the gate, despite only losing once in their last five games, but even though Cincinnati jettisoned top goal scorer Brandon Vazquez, the southwest Ohio side is second in the Eastern Conference. Although Saturday's visitors haven't been scoring as many goals, they've also bulked up defensively and have been stingy against opposing attacks.
Joining us to help prep for FC Cincinnati is Coach Gough from Cincy Soccer Talk. Coach was kind enough to fill us in on how FCC is doing offensively and defensively, how the new faces are fitting in, and what the team is doing without Vazquez. Big thanks to our special guest for giving us the scoop on Orlando City's opponents on Saturday.
This week's mailbagbox asked us about scrambling the Orlando City starting lineup, OCB going up against college teams, non-craft beer, 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.
Finally, we turned our attention to Saturday's matchup and how we see it playing out. We presented our key matchups for the game and our final score predictions. We're not feeling particularly optimistic after last Saturday, especially when Orlando City will have to figure out a way through the towering defense of the visitors, most of which have played (or currently play) for the U.S. Men's National Team.
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Here’s how No. 415 went down:
0:15 – Coach Gough joins us to give us the scoop on FC Cincinnati's 2024 season so far.
21:18 – Our mailbagbox has us changing everyone's positions and it's frankly hard to keep track of when doing it live.
43:12 – Our key matchups and score predictions for Saturday night against FCC under the lights.
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Orlando City was doing OK against Toronto FC...until it wasn't. The Lions held the advantage for a good chunk of the game, but two late goals allowed the Reds to smash and grab three points from Orlando on their way back to Canada. We break down the game, check in on our score predictions, and make our selections for Man of the Match.
This week's mailbagbox asked us about the EPL race, wrestling walk-up music we'd pick for ourselves, Orlando City's start to 2024, win probability, Italian players, 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.
Finally, we turned our attention to OCB and Toronto FC II. The Young Lions finally got to play in Kissimmee for the first time this season, and appeared headed for at least a point when disaster struck late. The Reds scored in the 87th minute to swipe (Swiper, no swiping!) all three points from the Young Lions. Soccer is pain (at least for this week).
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.
Here’s how No. 414 went down:
0:15 – The Lions didn't give up an early goal this time. Instead, they gave up two late ones. It was worse.
24:29 – Our mailbagbox is undeterred by the loss and the questions (and answers) were flowing.
49:00 – OCB had its own trouble with the Reds on Sunday.
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Orlando City hosts Toronto FC Saturday night and it'll be the first of two meetings. A lot has changed with Toronto, so we invited an expert to join us and answer our questions about the Reds. James Grossi, beat writer for TFC's official website (torontofc.ca), jumps on with us right away and we ask all about John Herdman's style, how he's gotten the team's Italian stars to buy in, and much more. Big thanks to James for his time.
This week's mailbagbox was a little light, but it did have one intriguing question...at least to us. We gave it the thoughtful answer it deserved. 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.
Finally, we turned our attention to our Toronto FC preview, looking at the leaders on the team and selecting our key matchups for Saturday night's game as well as our score predictions. Will the Lions keep their unbeaten run going or will TFC keep its winning streak alive?
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.
Here’s how No. 413 went down:
0:15 – Just seconds into our show, we welcome James Grossi aboard to tell us all about Toronto FC.
24:01 – Our mailbagbox throws us a curveball, but we are up to the challenge of answering the question.
36:35 – Previewing the Reds and our key matchups and score predictions.
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Orlando City's regular-season series against CF Montreal is over already, and nobody won. The teams played to a 2-2 draw on Saturday night at Stade Saputo, with the Lions looking like the better side in the first half and the hosts controlling much of the second period. We finally saw some attacking players score their first goals of the season, too, so it was another positive step forward for the 2024 Lions. We break down the match, check our score predictions, and make our selections for Man of the Match.
This week's mailbagbox asked us how the Lions will utilize new player rules regarding Designated Players and MLS U22 Initiative signings. Our listeners also wondered what positions we would target in the summer transfer window. 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.
Finally, we turned our attention toward Orlando City B. The Young Lions went to Crown Legacy on Friday. The Carolina-based side made it through 2023 without a home loss, but that's not going to happen in 2024. OCB went to Matthews, NC, and came away with a 2-0 victory. It wasn't exactly one of the drunkest MLS NEXT Pro games we've ever seen, but we'll take the result any day of the week. Congrats on the goals to Alex Freeman and Shak Mohammed.
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.
Here’s how No. 412 went down:
0:15 – Orlando City completed its two-game road swing, earning four of a possible six points. We dissect the most recent match in Montreal.
21:19 – Our mailbagbox asks us about Designated Players and U22 Initiative players, as well as other stuff.
31:41 – OCB handled its business with a complete 2-0 win on the road at Crown Legacy.
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As the Lions prepare to take to the road again for a Saturday night match in Montreal, we looked back at the first MLS game Facundo Torres, Martin Ojeda, and Luis Muriel started together. The trio of 2024 Orlando City Designated Players looked good at times, but still aren't producing at a level one would expect. We discussed how their skills match, what their positioning was like against D.C. United, and try to figure out the best way to use the three players.
This week's mailbagbox asked us trivia questions and whether or not I'm a Swifty. 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.
Finally, we turned our attention toward Orlando City's trip to Montreal. It's a difficult place to play, but the Lions have a chance to come home with points. We look at the key matchups in the game 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.
Here’s how No. 411 went down:
0:15 – Let's talk about the three Orlando City DPs and whether they fit together.
14:23 – Our mailbagbox tests our trivial knowledge.
27:32 – A preview of what awaits the Lions in Montreal — plus, score predictions.
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The Lions came out of the bye week as if they were still on it, but Orlando City eventually got things going and came back twice to beat D.C. United in stoppage time at Audi Field. Nico Lodeiro came off the bench to serve as provider for heroics by David Brekalo and Duncan McGuire. After a slow start, the Lions have now gone three matches without a loss (2-0-1) and look a bit more like themselves. Now if those Designated Players would only start scoring, the team might really be making some progress.
We break down Orlando's dramatic victory at Audi Field and make our selections for Man of the Match. It was nice to treat D.C. the way the Lions have been treated by United during the Wayne Rooney years.
This week's mailbagbox asked us whether we prefer Coke or Pepsi and about Orlando City's slow starts under Oscar Pareja. We kind of debunked the latter, actually. 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.
Finally, we turned our attention toward Orlando City B's trip to Philadelphia. The Young Lions weren't at their best, but they did come away with a 1-1 draw. The penalty shootout that followed the draw was epic, and unfortunately went the Union's way, but it's still always good to come home with any points from the road. Well done, Young Lions!
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.
Here’s how No. 410 went down:
0:15 – The Lions Rooney'd Wayne Rooney's old team.
30:22 – Our mailbagbox desires answers to the deepest, darkest questions in our listeners' souls.
47:39 – OCB captured another road point in what seems like a neverending road trip to start 2024.
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