KISSIMMEE, Fla. (May 8, 2024) – Orlando City B (3-2-3, 13 points) matched its season high with three goals, all in the first half, in a 3-1 win over New York Red Bulls II (4-2-3, 17 points) on Wednesday night at Osceola Heritage Park. The win was OCB’s first win at home this season.
Orlando City midfielder Shak Mohammed opened the scoring for the Lions in just the second minute when he put in a rebound off a shot from Yutaro Tsukada that went off the post. Tsukada then found the first of his two goals just four minutes later off an assist from Colin Guske, his first of the season, and then once again in the 34th minute to secure his first professional brace.
The Lions' three goals in the first half were the most the Club has scored in a half since September 3, 2023, when they scored three in the second half against Crown Legacy FC. It was also the second time this season Orlando City B has scored three goals in a game, the first coming in the season opener against Atlanta United 2.
Goalkeeper Carlos Mercado made his third start of the year, posting a season-high tying six saves on the night to help maintain the lead and secure the win for the Lions.
Scoring Summary:
2’ Shak Mohammed – ORL 1, RBNY 0
The hosts started off on the right foot with a goal within the first two minutes of the game. Forward Yutaro Tsukada led a quick attack into the Red Bulls’ defensive zone before firing a shot from just inside the box that hit off the left post. The Lions got a fortunate bounce that fell to the feet of Shak Mohammed who put it into the back of the net for his third of the season.
6’ Yutaro Tsukada (Colin Guske) – ORL 2, RBNY 0
Just moments later, the Lions extended their lead thanks to a Tsukada goal. Midfielder Colin Guske gained control in Orlando’s defensive end and sent in a long ball to Tsukada in the middle of the New York defensive third. Goalkeeper Aiden Stokes was caught out of goal and Tsukada made him miss off the dribble at the top of the box and was able to score on the open net.
34’ Yutaro Tsukada – ORL 3, RBNY 0
Orlando City B struck once more in the first half with another Yutaro Tsukada goal. After leading an attack down the left side of the field, Tsukada drew a foul that gave OCB a free kick outside the box. Tsukada stepped up and sent in a low shot towards the goal that bounced past Stokes and gave Orlando the 3-0 lead.
56’ Ibrahim Kasule (Penalty Kick) – ORL 3, RBNY 1
New York Red Bulls II got themselves onto the scoreboard early in the second half on a penalty kick from midfielder Ibrahim Kasule. Mohammed Sofo found his way deep in the Orlando box and drew a penalty from the Lions. Kasule stepped up and drilled the ensuing penalty shot into the upper-right corner of the net.
Match Notes:
- Colin Guske picked up his first assist of the season, setting up Yutaro Tsukada’s first goal of the game.
- Tsukada’s brace marked the first of his professional career and tied him with Shak Mohammed, who scored in the second minute, for the most goals on the season for Orlando with three. The two goals were also the most an OCB player has scored in one game this season.
- Orlando’s three first-half goals are the most the Lions have scored in a single half since they scored three in the second half against Crown Legacy FC on September 3, 2023. The three total goals are also the most Orlando has scored since they scored three against Atlanta United 2 in the season opener.
- Wednesday night’s win was Orlando City B’s first home win of the season, additionally snapping Red Bulls 2’s five-match undefeated streak on the road.
- Head Coach Manuel Goldberg made two changes to his starting lineup from his side’s last match against Chattanooga FC, with Carlos Mercado and Alex Freeman getting the start on the evening.
