Orlando City B (7-5-2, 24 points) vs Philadelphia Union II (4-8-3 17 points)
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Where: Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, Fla.
TV: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (subscription required)
Fortress Osceola
Orlando City B remains undefeated so far this season while playing at home in Osceola County Stadium, currently holding a record of 5-0-2 going into Wednesday’s matchup. The Lions have taken victories from Huntsville City, Inter Miami II, Toronto FC II, New York Red Bulls II, and FC Cincinnati 2 in Kissimmee thus far, while battling to draws with NYCFC II and Atlanta United 2 at home in 2023, holding a +10 goal differential through the seven contests.
Going For Two
The Lions will look to make it two straight over Philadelphia Union II on Wednesday night, having previously defeated Union II 3-1 in their first meeting in the 2023 season opener on March 26. The match saw Abdi Salim, Cristofer Acuña, and Jack Lynn all score for OCB, with the latter continuing his scoring form from last season.
The Return of Franco
Orlando City B’s last match against Chicago Fire FC II saw the return of defender Franco Pérez to the starting lineup for the first time since April 9 against Inter Miami CF II, having missed nine matches due to injury. Pérez played the full 90 minutes against the Fire, having made his return to play as a second-half substitute against FC Cincinnati on June 11.
Development Days
Wednesday will mark the Lions first match since June 15, following 11 days without a game in MLS NEXT Pro. While the team had a break from league play, the players continued to work and gain experience. Forward Moises Tablante and goalkeeper Javier Otero received international call-ups for Venezuela’s friendlies in the United States, with the latter being recalled and signing short-term MLS agreements with the First Team for City’s matches against the New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union. OCB also saw a number of players join the Academy’s U-17 side for the MLS NEXT Playoffs in Frisco, TX, with the side making a run to the Semifinals.
