MELBOURNE, Fla. (May 5, 2016) - After Wednesday’s rainy encounter against FC Cincinnati, Orlando City B (2-4-1, 7 points) returns to Titan Soccer Complex to take on Bethlehem Steel FC (2-2-2, 8 points) on Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. E.T.
“We’re looking for a positive reaction from the guys after a disappointing result. I thought the performance, for the most part, was good so if we can have a performance like we have done in the last three or four games then we’ll be pleased,” OCB head coach Anthony Pulis said. “Hopefully we can cut out the defensive mistakes and get a positive result and end what’s been a difficult week with three games in seven days.”
This is the first-ever meeting between these two sides, as both OCB and Bethlehem Steel FC are in their inaugural United Soccer League (USL) seasons. The game will be streamed online at www.OrlandoCitySC.com/LIVE.
OCB enters the match after playing a two-hour delayed game against FC Cincinnati on Wednesday. The Lions took a 1-0 lead following Orlando City Designated Player Bryan Róchez’s second goal of the season after Hadji Barry was taken down in the box following a nifty run. FCC responded soon after and then took the lead from the penalty spot. Cincinnati scored again in the final minute of stoppage time.
The match also saw goalkeeper Jake Fenlason’s debut. The San Diego, Calif. native entered the game in place of Róchez after OCB goalkeeper Mark Ridgers was forced to make a tackle in the box, leading to a straight red card.
Eric Ayuk leads Bethlehem with two goals and three assists in six games. In their last match, Bethlehem played to a scoreless draw against Louisville City FC. They played another 0-0 game in their previous match against the Charleston Battery.
This is the last of three home games in the span of a week for OCB. The Lions began the home stand on Sunday with a 1-0 against FC Montreal before Wednesday’s match.
After Saturday’s contest, the Lions get roughly a two-week break before their next match, when the Rochester Rhinos visit Titan Soccer Complex on Sunday, May 22. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. E.T.
