Orlando City B at Atlanta United 2
When: Saturday, March 16, 3 p.m.
Where: Fifth Third Stadium, Kennesaw, GA
TV: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (Subscription Required)
Building on Success
Starting its 2024 campaign this weekend, Orlando City B will look to build on the success that it had last season. The Lions set a new Club record for total points accumulated, both in the side’s MLS NEXT Pro history and previous iterations of OCB, with 46 points, qualified for their first MLS NEXT Pro playoffs, and won 13 matches, also a team high. Heading into the 2024 season OCB will look to add to those totals and set new records, continuing to grow in MLS NEXT Pro.
Returning the Foundation
With a new crop of Lions on the roster, Orlando City B also sees the return of seven players from last season’s record-setting team, including midfielders Imanol Almaguer and Jhon Solís, with the latter returning on a new two-year contract. Additionally, Kenyan National Team defender Nabi Kibunguchy returns on the Lions’ backline, while former City homegrown Wilfredo Rivera returns on an MLS NEXT Pro contract after his contract with the First Team ceased at the end of 2023.
Setting the Standard
Orlando City B will see a new man in charge on the touchline this season as Manuel Goldberg was promoted to OCB Head Coach ahead of the 2024 campaign. Goldberg previously served as an assistant coach with OCB the last two seasons, taking over this year for Martín Perelman who was promoted to Second Assistant Coach with the First Team earlier this year following his success with the MLS NEXT Pro side the last two seasons. Goldberg, 30, is the youngest Head Coach in MLS NEXT Pro this season and in league history overall.
Last Time Against ATL
The Lions and Atlanta United 2 last faced each other on July 16 of last year, taking each other on at Osceola County Stadium. In that match OCB took the lead in the first half after an own goal from Noah Cobb, but Atlanta would take a 2-1 lead in the second half after OCB went down to 10 men following Thomas Williams’ second yellow card before halftime. Despite being down a player, the Lions struck twice in two minutes to take the 3-2 lead, with forward Wilfredo Rivera scoring the eventual game-winner in the 76th minute.
