MELBOURNE, Fla. (May 2, 2016) - After Sunday’s 1-0 win over FC Montreal, Orlando City B (2-4-1, 7 points) returns to Titan Soccer Complex to take on FC Cincinnati (3-2-1, 10 points) on Wednesday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. E.T.
“It’s going to be a difficult game. Cincinnati are a good team. Obviously they’re a new expansion side but they’ve got some experienced players, some players that have MLS experience,” OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis said. “John Harks has put together a good squad and we know it’s going to be a difficult game but it’s one we’re positive about and we’re looking forward to and hopefully we can build off the good performance and good win last night.”
This is the first ever meeting between these two sides, as both OCB and FC Cincinnati are in their inaugural United Soccer League (USL) seasons. The game will be streamed online at www.OrlandoCitySC.com/LIVE.
In their last match, OCB took an early lead in the ninth minute following a great team play. Honduran striker and Orlando City Designated Player Bryan Róchez worked the ball down the right wing to Tyler Turner, who crossed to Lewis Neal on the left side of the box. Neal headed it back across the middle to Michael Cox for the headed goal, his second of the season. OCB went down to 10 men in the 18th minute after Devron García was issued a straight red card but the Lions held on, riding a five-save performance from goalkeeper Mark Ridgers.
The match also saw the return of Orlando City center back Conor Donovan, who played the first half following a nine-month absence after tearing his ACL in Major League Soccer (MLS) play last August. Other MLS players starting the match included Róchez, García, Turner, Harrison Heath and Richie Laryea.
Cincinnati has won three of its last five matches, most recently drawing Wilmington Hammerheads FC 1-1 on Saturday. Paul Nicholson scored the equalizing goal in the second half and Sean Okoli registered the assist for Cincinnati. FCC is led by Okoli, Andrew Wiedeman and Austin Berry with two goals each.
This is the second game in the span of seven days for OCB, which has won two of its past three. They began the stretch Sunday and continue Wednesday against Cincinnati, finishing the week on Saturday against Bethlehem Steel FC in Melbourne.
