In its first match in nine days, Orlando City B (8-8-12, 36 points) fell 2-0 to Saint Louis FC (9-12-7, 34 points) Saturday at Toyota Stadium.
“I thought we paid the price for a poor start. We came off the blocks far too slow and went behind after 10 minutes,” OCB head coach Anthony Pulis said. “But from around about minute 12 to 45 I thought we were the better team. Played some really good football, created some good opportunities. We didn’t get what we deserved tonight, but that happens in football. As we’ve just said to the players, there’s still a lot to play for. We’re still right in the thick of the playoff race and it’s important now that when we come back in on Tuesday we obviously learn from this game and get a positive week of training leading up to Charleston.”
Saint Louis opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a shot from outside the box by Ryan Howe.
OCB turned up the pressure from there. Jordan Schweitzer’s 29th-minute attempt on goal hit the crossbar and bounced straight down, narrowly missing the goal line and landing in the hands of Saint Louis goalkeeper Devala Gorrick. OCB defender Timbó made a solo run on goal in the 38th, dribbling past two defenders and into the box before Gorrick grabbed the ball.
Saint Louis’ Christian Volesky doubled the lead in the 62nd minute with a successful penalty attempt after Mats Bjurman drew a foul in the box.
OCB maintained majority possession throughout the match, tallying more shots, corners and crosses than Saint Louis at the final whistle. When Saint Louis dropped to 10 men in the 54th minute, the Lions began to increase the pressure. A 72nd-minute attempt from captain Lewis Neal bounced just left of the post, while shots from Paul Clowes, Austin Martz and Joe Gallardo were all blocked by Saint Louis defenders.
First Teamers Pierre Da Silva and Conor Donovan were in the starting XI. First Team Homegrown goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was in the 18-man lineup, as was Orlando City Development Academy product Allen Seals.
The Lions return to Orlando City Stadium to host the Charleston Battery on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Tickets to all Orlando City B home matches can be purchased at orlandocityb.com/tickets or by calling 855-ORL-CITY.
