Orlando City B stays unbeaten, downing Huntsville City FC in home opener

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (March 31, 2023) – Orlando City B (2-0-0, points) picked up its second win in as many games to start the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season, downing expansion side Huntsville City FC (0-1-1, 2 points) 2-1 at Osceola County Stadium on Friday night.

Orlando City Homegrown Alex Freeman took the headline on the night, scoring his first professional goals in his first start with OCB in 2023, with his second serving as the game-winner. Cristian Medina earned his first assist for the Club, providing the helper on Freeman’s second tally in what served as his debut for the Lions after joining the side this past offseason.

Scoring Summary:

3’ Alex Freeman – ORL 1, HNT 0
Orlando City B found the back of the net inside five minutes for the second time in as many matches, opening the scoring in the third minute of play. Alex Freeman carried the ball across the top of the box after his initial cross was blocked before firing a ball into the lower-right corner of the Huntsville net for what would serve as his first professional tally.  

43’ Alex Freeman (Cristian Medina) – ORL 2, HNT 0 
The Lions doubled their lead just before halftime, with Cristian Medina finding Freeman behind the Huntsville backline. The Orlando City Homegrown then took his space, taking a heavy touch into the box before slotting his shot past Huntsville goalkeeper Elliott Panicco into the bottom left corner. 

62’ Kemy Amiche (Nicky Law) – ORL 2, HNT 1 
The visitors pulled one back just over 15 minutes into the second half, with Kemy Amiche getting on the end of a Nicky Law cross and first timing a shot into the left corner of the OCB net.

Match Notes:

• Cristian Medina made his Orlando debut with the start in the match, earning his first assist for the Club.
• Jack Lynn recorded his first start of the season.
• Thomas Williams and Favian Loyola each made their first appearances for OCB of the season, entering the match at the start of the second half.
• Head Coach Martín Perelman made three changes from his starting lineup in Philadelphia last weekend, with Medina, Freeman and Lynn all getting the nod.

Next Match:

Orlando City B is set to host intrastate rivals Inter Miami CF II on Sunday, April 9 in a 6 p.m. ET kickoff at Osceola County Stadium.