MELBOURNE, Fla. (May 26, 2016) – Following Sunday’s 2-1 win over the Rochester Rhinos, Orlando City B (3-5-2, 11 points) returns to Titan Soccer Complex to host the Charlotte Independence on Saturday, May 28. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. E.T. The match will be streamed live at www.OrlandoCitySC.com/LIVE.
“Charlotte, like the majority of independent USL teams, have experienced players, there is a patent there. They have experience, they have size, they have strength, they have athleticism and they have players that will work their sox off for the coach and try to make it very difficult for us,” OCB head coach Anthony Pulis said. “It’s going to be no different to what we have already faced, and it’s making sure that the boys are mentally prepared and they are ready for the challenge that it’s going to be ahead of us.”
In their last match, OCB’s Hadji Barry scored his first two goals with the Lions to lead OCB over the defending USL champions, earning USL Team of the Week honors. Tony Rocha found Barry in behind the Rochester back line for the first goal and Barry made a dazzling run into space for a shot on his second. The match also saw Orlando City defender Conor Donovan play his first full 90-minute game since recovering from a knee injury.
Michael Cox and Tyler Turner lead Orlando City B with three goals and an assist each in eight and nine games played, respectively.
Charlotte enters the match coming off a 0-0 draw with Rochester on Saturday, May 14. In their previous game, Charlotte tied the Wilmington Hammerheads 1-1 when Brian Brown equalized in the 43rd minute.
Caleb Calvert and Enzo Martinez lead the Independence with three goals and an assist each in eight and nine games, respectively. Goalkeeper Cody Mizell is third in the USL with 32 saves in nine matches.
This is the fifth of six consecutive home matches for OCB. The home stand has seen the Lions go 2-1-1. OCB returns to action on Sunday, June 5, when it hosts the former Orlando City affiliate Louisville City FC at Titan Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. E.T.
