Orlando City B (2-0-1, 8 points) at Chattanooga FC (2-0-1, 8 points)
When: Saturday, April 5, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Finley Stadium, Chattanooga, Tenn.
TV: MLSNEXTPro.com
Trying to Turn the Tide
Since Chattanooga FC joined MLS NEXT Pro in 2024, Orlando City B has yet to defeat the team from the Volunteer State. The Lions will look to flip that script by leaving Saturday’s matchup victorious and conclude the two-game road trip with all six points. A win over Chattanooga for the first time in Club history would put the Lions atop the Southeast division. The two sides also sit tied for first in the Eastern Conference standings with eight points apiece, further elevating the importance of Saturday night’s showdown in Chattanooga.
Yeah, I’m Going Back-to-Back
Orlando City midfielder Shak Mohammed is off to a hot start for Orlando City B, continuing his 2024 form. Last season’s Club scoring leader has recorded a goal in back-to-back matches for the young Lions, with his goal against Crown Legacy FC last Wednesday ultimately serving as the winner for OCB in its first road victory of the season. The Ghanaian midfielder has scored 19 goals, including 11 last season, and has recorded six assists in 55 appearances for Orlando City B since being selected by the Lions in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
Fourth Times a Charm
In the victory over Crown Legacy FC last week, Head Coach Manuel Goldberg and the Lions tied the Club’s longest unbeaten streak to start a season in MLS NEXT Pro, at three games. In both 2022 and 2023, Orlando City B went unbeaten in the first three of each campaign. This year’s OCB squad will look to break that barrier and remain unbeaten through four games to start a season for the first time. A victory or draw for the Lions against Chattanooga FC on Saturday night could also potentially break the four-way tie for first place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Stuffing the Stat Sheet
Orlando City B defender Zakaria Taifi has made an impact in multiple areas for the Lions early on in their 2025 campaign. The 19-year-old outside back currently leads OCB in total goal contributions with three, including an assist in back-to-back games. Taifi also leads the Club in shots on target, tied at three with defender Thomas Williams, and key passes with seven. Just three games into the 2025 season, Taifi has already surpassed his goal and assist totals from the past two seasons combined.
