The Mane Land PawedCast Michael Citro

Orlando City had a tough enough task waiting on Saturday with a trip to Philadephia to face the Union. That job got even more difficult given the news that fullbacks Dagur Dan Thorhallsson is in concussion protocol and Rafael Santos didn't train Thursday. We break down Oscar Pareja's options and talk more in depth about the likelier ones. Without the Rodrigo Schlegel red card, a three-man back line was in play, and could still happen, but it seems unlikely. Kyle Smith and Michael Halliday are the likely starters Saturday night, and Orlando will have to get a big night from them both to help stifle Daniel Gazdag, Julian Carranza, and Michael Uhre.
OCB played a midweek game, hosting New York Red Bulls II. It was just the second match this season for the Young Lions at Osceola County Stadium, but they jumped out to a good start and then survived a lot of turnovers of their own making en route to a 3-1 win. We discuss the excellent night from Yutaro Tsukada and, of course, it's always nice to see Shak Mohammed score.
This week's mailbagbox asked us about Halliday's expanding role with Thorhallsson sidelined, and we were also given the task of designing a new third kit for Orlando City (we present two ideas, 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 to Orlando City's visit to the greater Philly area to take on the Union Saturday, complete with our key matchups for the game — on which we agreed — and our score predictions.
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Here’s how No. 417 went down:
0:15 – A look at Orlando City's options with Santos and Thorhallsson likely out, and a breakdown of OCB's first home win of 2024.
21:54 – Our mailbagbox asks about Halliday and the third kits we'd like to see for OCSC.
34:20 – Our preview of the Lions' trip to Philadelphia to face the Union.
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Saturday night did not go as planned for Orlando City, and that's something that can be said for several Saturdays already during this trying 2024 MLS regular season. In fact, if things don't start to turn around soon, there may only be a regular season for the Lions in 2024.
We looked back at another unhappy result for Orlando City, although there is a lot to be said for the team's attitude despite being down both a man and a goal for the majority of the match. We checked in on our score predictions and made our selections for Man of the Match. We also discussed the fullback injuries that could change the look of the team for the coming weeks.
This week's mailbagbox asked us about Concacaf Champions Cup balance, Orlando City in the English football pyramid, 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 Orlando City B's matchup against Chattanooga FC on Saturday. Many people were making their way to Inter&Co Stadium for the senior team's match against FC Cincinnati, so it's understandable if you missed it. The Young Lions remain unbeaten on the road this year, but the performances need to be better, especially in shootouts, after another road draw. OCB held Chattanooga 1-1 but then lost the shootout, 5-4.
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Here’s how No. 416 went down:
0:15 – We look back at a game that got ruined pretty early but one from which the Lions still could have taken some points.
26:15 – Our mailbagbox meandered through a variety of topics and we were happy to answer all questions.
49:25 – A quick look at OCB's trip to Chattanooga.
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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.
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. 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).
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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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