Orlando City B (5-6-8, 27 points) vs Crown Legacy FC (8-7-4, 31 points)
When: Sunday, August 11, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Osceola County Stadium, Kissimmee, FL
TV: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Highlights at High Point
After an eight-game winless streak, Orlando City B found its way back into the win column with a 2-1 road win over Carolina Core FC last Saturday night. Playing in their third and final road match of their swing, the Lions came out strong and went into halftime with a 2-0 lead. However, a red card just before first-half stoppage time meant OCB would be down a man for the majority of the second half. Carolina would cut into the lead with a 78th-minute goal, but the Lions would hold on for the full three points on the night. Orlando City B finished its season series against the expansion team with a record of 1-1-1 and five total points.
A Night of Firsts
Not only was Saturday night a happy occasion for the team, but several young Lions hit individual career milestones. After appearing in five previous OCB matches, defender Jackson Platts made his first MLS NEXT Pro star. The Orlando City Academy product would capitalize on the moment and scored his first career goal in the 22nd minute to give the Lions the early lead, earning MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Matchday honors for his efforts. Luca Petrasso, making his second appearance since coming back on loan, would record his first assist of the 2024 season on the Platts finish. Midfielder Juan Quevedo would also make his MLS NEXT Pro debut after coming in as a second-half substitute.
Heavy is The Head That Wears the Crown
The young Lions return to the comfort of Osceola County Stadium after concluding their three-game road trip. On Sunday they will match up against Crown Legacy FC for the second time this season. Orlando City B holds a record of 1-2-0 against Crown Legacy but came away with a 2-0 road win in April of this year. Alex Freeman and Shak Mohammed both scored for OCB in Crown Legacy’s first-ever loss at home. Crown Legacy currently leads the Lions by four points for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Defensive Identity
The OCB offense has had some problems finding the back of the net as of late, with only five total goals scored in the past five matches. Despite the recent results however, the defense has kept the Lions within striking distance and has given the team hope to turn things around. In net, both Javier Otero and Carlos Mercado are near the top of MLS NEXT Pro in saves. In nine starts before spending more time with the First Team, Otero had 34 saves with a save percentage of 76.8%. Mercado made his 10th start of the season last week and has 41 saves. As a whole, Orlando ranks sixth in MLS NEXT Pro with a save percentage of 71.8%. The Lions are also tied for 10th with 29 goals allowed this season.
