The Orlando Pride stayed on the road, which is usually a recipe for disaster. But instead of suffering a second straight multi-goal loss, the Pride rose to the occasion, played with grit and determination, and beat the then-first-place San Diego Wave 1-0 on the road. While Orlando has been adept at getting results in California in the past, there was no reason to expect an injury-plagued, reeling team to look like it was back in 2024, refusing to lose.

We break down the Pride’s big road win and how it could be a sign that the club has figured things out, look back at our score predictions, and make our selections for Player of the Match.

This week’s mailbagbox asked about why this Orlando Pride team can’t be normal, what if the team had been healthy all season, and more. Remember, you can ask us anything by hitting us up on Twitter at either @TheManeLand or @SkoPurpSoccer and using the hashtag #AskSkoPurp. You can use that same hashtag and hit @TheManeLand.bsky.social up on Bluesky. Or you can visit our show page, scroll down, and fill out the handy form. We’d also appreciate any ratings or reviews you can leave wherever you get your podcasts, and if you do that on Apple Podcasts, we’ll find them easily and read them on the show.

After the mailbagbox, we look ahead to Friday’s final game before the break as Bay FC comes to Orlando. We look back at the limited series history between the two clubs, provide our key matchups, and make our final score predictions.

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Here’s how Episode 124 went down:

0:15 – Orlando continued its road trip and found a way to finish it on a high note.

14:56 – The mailbagbox is not sure what to make of this year’s Pride team.

27:14 – Bay FC visits on Friday and we’ll see if the Pride can build on the win at San Diego or if it was a moment of magic.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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. 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.