Orlando City SoccerCast · Orlando City Soccer Club

Oh, the BC Places You'll Go!

·54 min·4 clips

Ryan Martinez slams NYCFC's Yankee Stadium field as a comical joke that disrespects fans and the game.

This episode of Orlando City SoccerCast features hosts Mackenzie Thurkill, Ryan Martinez, and Ricky T. analyzing recent matches and team issues. They recorded on location at a tea house amidst distractions like a tiny dog and a new baby. The hosts dissect Orlando City's 3-0 loss to NYCFC at Yankee Stadium, criticizing the unusually small and hybrid baseball-soccer field as a competitive disadvantage. They review the makeshift starting lineup, including Joe Bendik in goal and Donny Toia getting his first start, necessitated by injuries to key players like Dom Dwyer and Yoshimar Yotún. Ryan Martinez argues the field dimensions violate league standards and give NYCFC a unique home advantage, impacting Orlando's spacing and passing style. The panel notes the team's four-game losing streak followed a six-game winning streak, with the losses coming against strong opponents like Atlanta and Toronto. They discuss the team's ongoing positivity despite the slump and the need for more "ugly goals" from players like Chris Mueller instead of overcomplicated attempts. A surprising claim is that the intense fan reaction online to the losses is disproportionate, as the team is still in sixth place and not in a crisis like D.C. United. Ricky T. suggests the club's front office listens to fans more than most MLS teams, warning that excessive negativity could create a "boy who cried wolf" scenario. The hosts reveal Donny Toia started over Mohamed El-Munir partly due to El-Munir observing Ramadan, which affected his energy levels in training. They preview the upcoming U.S. Open Cup match against Miami United FC and a league game in Vancouver, noting the exhausting travel schedule impacting player recovery. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending fan passion with insider perspectives from those who travel with the team. This episode is ideal for dedicated Orlando City supporters seeking detailed tactical breakdowns and discussions about team morale. Listeners looking for pure match highlights or those uninterested in MLS infrastructure debates might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A loose Orlando City hang with lineup context, real-world pressure, and steady local energy.

The episode uses an on-location tea-house setting to frame a loose, candid run through Orlando City's recent stretch. It moves from the NYCFC game to a brief Open Cup check-in, then on to the Vancouver preview and the Pride's unbeaten road run.

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Why you'd press play

You want Orlando City, Vancouver, the Pride, and tea-house distractions in one listen, with the Pride's unbeaten road run in the mix.

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