Orlando City B (10-7-9, 43 points) vs Chicago Fire FC II (9-7-9, 41 points)
When: Monday, September 23, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, Fla.
TV: MLSNextPro.com (free)
Ending The Revolution
Orlando City B defeated New England Revolution II for the first time in Club history since joining MLS NEXT Pro is 2022. The Lions were previously 0-3-2 against the Revolution entering last Sunday’s match, but a strong second half turned the tides in the match. Orlando City defender Alex Freeman continued his hot streak with a game-winning goal just nine minutes into the second half. Freeman has scored seven goals this season with five of them coming over the last four matches. Forward Jack Lynn added an insurance goal in the 61st minute for his second goal of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Putting Out the Fire
The Lions will play their final home match of the regular season when they welcome Chicago Fire FC II to Osceola County Stadium on Monday night. OCB has dominated the series against the Fire, posting a 3-1-1 overall record and a 2-0-1 record at home. In their most recent match, the Lions and Fire played to a 1-1 draw at SeatGeek Stadium and OCB took the extra point with a 4-3 end-of-regulation shootout win. Chicago Fire FC II defeated New York Red Bulls II in its last match, their first win since in MLS NEXT Pro since July 21. OCB comes into the match unbeaten in its last five home games and winners of five of its last six matches overall.
First-Team Support
With playoff positioning on the line, Head Coach Manuel Goldberg has infused the young Lions with talent from the Orlando City First Team to push OCB ahead. 2023 MLS NEXT Pro MVP and Golden Boot winner Jack Lynn has spent the majority of 2024 with Orlando City, but has made five appearances for OCB this year, including back-to-back starts. Lynn had been held scoreless in his first three appearances of 2024 for the young Lions but found his footing with goals in his last two matches, in which OCB has outscored its opponents 6-1. Much like Lynn, midfielder Jeorgio Kocevski has spent most of his time with the First Team and has only made three appearances for OCB in 2024. However, Kocevski has been an important cog in the middle of the young Lions’ midfield in those matches, recording two assists in his last two matches.
Locking In
Although Orlando City B is the only team in the Eastern Conference to have played 26 matches so far, the Lions will have a chance to secure their place in the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs on Monday night. The Lions can clinch their second consecutive playoffs appearance in two different ways this weekend. OCB can secure its spot in the playoffs with a win and two or fewer points from Chattanooga FC this weekend, or an end-of-regulation shootout win against Chicago Fire FC II and a Chattanooga FC loss and one point or fewer from Carolina Core FC.
