Orlando City B (7-6-9, 34 points) at NYCFC II (9-5-6, 36 points)
When: Wednesday, August 28, 5:00 p.m. ET
Where: Belson Stadium, Jamaica, NY
TV: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Taking Care of Business
Orlando City B went into last weekend’s match against Atlanta United 2 needing a win to continue fighting in the playoff hunt. The young Lions did not disappoint and went into Fifth Third Bank Stadium and dominated in a 4-1 win over ATL 2. For the second game in a row, forward Yutaro Tsukada contributed to two goals for OCB, giving the Club an early 1-0 in the first half and setting up Shak Mohammed later in the second half. The Lions matched a season high for most goals in the first half with three and recorded their second-highest scoring output of the 2024 campaign with four goals. Defender Luca Petrasso also scored his first career MLS NEXT Pro goal just before halftime.
A Quick Turnaround
The Lions don’t have much time to celebrate their win in Kennesaw and will continue their short road trip when they visit Belson Stadium to take on New York City FC II. OCB and New York will play for the second time in 10 days, with this match being rescheduled from a postponed matchup in June. The Lions came away with a 3-2 win over NYCFC II in their previous matchup this season at Osceola County Stadium with Shak Mohammed scoring the game-winner in the 63rd minute. OCB recorded its first-ever home win against the Pigeons while also remaining unbeaten against the New York-based club in six games since joining MLS NEXT Pro.
Sharing is Caring
Forward Yutaro Tsukada and defender Alex Freeman have been the ultimate set up guys for Orlando City B so far this season, and that trend continued over the weekend against Atlanta United 2. For the second match in a row, Tsukada and Freeman each recorded an assist for the Club and are tied for the team lead with six assists a piece. Not only does the pair lead OCB, but both players are also tied for fifth-most assists in all of MLS NEXT Pro. Tsukada is also in the top 10 across the league for goal contributions with 12 to date.
Finding the Offensive Groove
Since a 5-0 win over Huntsville City FC back in May, the Lions have struggled to find the back of the net. In the 10 games that followed, OCB managed to score just 13 goals and play to a 1-3-6 record. However, the Lions have shown a renewed energy for their offense in their last two matches, both wins. Against New York City FC II and Atlanta United 2, OCB scored seven goals with a plus-four goal differential. The Lions have risen into the top half of MLS NEXT Pro with 39 goals this season and remained in the top 10 in goals allowed with 32. Still just below the playoff line, the Lions will need a balanced attack to continue this two-game winning streak and rise up in the standings.
