PawedCast Episode 551: Toronto Rewind, Crew and Revs Previews, OCB, and More

Orlando City picked up its second consecutive home shutout win and third win on the bounce, extending its unbeaten run in the process with a 3-0 blanking of Toronto FC on Saturday. It was an important win, as the Lions had to rotate some players to prepare for Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal match at Columbus, and the kids were more than all right. So was Antoine Griezmann, who scored for the fifth consecutive match, leading to a halftime advantage. Harvey Sarajian and Ivan Angulo put the game to bed late, but there were other good opportunities and although they went wanting, so did all of Toronto’s chances.

We break down a solid home win over a streaking Toronto club, look back at our score predictions, and make our selections for Man of the Match.

Our mailbagbox asked us about Griezmann, our go-to, fast-casual Mexican food orders,Tiago, 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 discuss OCB’s home win over Toronto FC II on Sunday, in which Sarajian made it two straight nights with a goal in a professional soccer match. He chipped in an assist on Sunday for good measure as the Young Lions won 3-1 and climbed into a playoff position with one match remaining. OCB can finish anywhere from third to 11th in the Eastern Conference standings depending on Decision Day results Sunday, but a win over Atlanta United 2 would ensure a postseason berth.

Finally, we look ahead to two more opponents this week. The Lions will face the Crew on the road, where wins aren’t easy to come by. That game could lead to a home USOC final match if things go well, but the Crew have improved and will be a difficult out. The Lions will then proceed to New England to face a rejuvenated Revolution side that currently occupies third spot in the Eastern Conference. That match takes place in the house of horrors they call Gillette Stadium. We provide our key matchups and score predictions for the latter after reviewing the series history against both clubs.

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Here’s how No. 551 went down:

0:15 – Orlando City extended its streak at the expense of Toronto’s.

20:54 – The mailbagbox has had its expectations exceeded.

33:15 – OCB rolls into Decision Day while the senior Lions prepare for two massive matches in the team’s pursuit of a trophy and a playoff spot.