The latest updates on the latest from the Orlando City Academy and Orlando City B via the Purple Pipeline, presented by adidas:
MLS NEXT U17: Lions finish second in MLS NEXT division, qualify for playoffs
In a battle for the top spot in the division, the match between the Orlando City U17s and Inter Miami CF ended in a scoreless draw, locking in the young Lions for a second-place finish behind the South Florida side. Despite that, Orlando still have qualified for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs due to their finish in the MLS NEXT Flex tournament in May. They will begin their playoff run on June 15 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Stay tuned for more info on the postseason by following the academy socials here.
MLS NEXT U15: Young Lions win U15 East (South) Division
After a convincing shutout win over Inter Miami CF, the Orlando City Academy U15 secured the top spot in the East (South) Division in the final match of the regular season. It was a 2-0 win over their in-state rivals, with Matthew Belgodere and David Giraldo getting on the scoresheet, that has now qualified the Young Lions for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs, even though they had already locked in their spot in the postseason due to their finish at MLS NEXT Flex in May.
Just like the U17 side, the Cup Playoffs will kick off on June 15 in Nashville, Tennessee, so be sure to follow the City Academy socials for updates on opponents and game times.
Orlando City B: Orlando City B drops physical matchup, 3-1, against Inter Miami CF II
Orlando City B (4-4-3, 16 points) struggled to find its offense against Inter Miami CF II (5-4-2, 17 points), dropping a 3-1 decision at Chase Stadium on Sunday night. The Lions played up a man for 39 minutes in the second half after an Ian Fray red card and up two men all of stoppage time after Yannik Bright picked up his second yellow card.
Both teams had their chances early in the first half, but it was Miami that broke through first on a goal from Lawson Sunderland. After coming on as an injury substitute, Favian Loyola scored his first goal of the MLS NEXT Pro season to pull the game to a 1-1 draw. However, Ryan Carmichael would send in the game winner just three minutes later for Miami.
The Lions' best chance to equalize came early in the second half after Miami defender Ian Fray was given a red card after a foul in the box in the 50th minute. OCB forward Shak Mohammed stepped up for the ensuing penalty kick, but goalkeeper CJ dos Santos kept it out. Miami would put the game out of reach late in the second half with a goal from substitute Corentin Jean.
The Lions will welcome MLS NEXT Pro newcomers Carolina Core FC to Osceola Heritage Park on Friday June 7. That match will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
