MELBOURNE, Fla. (September 16, 2016) – In its quest to clinch a playoff spot, Orlando City B (8-12-8, 32 points) travels to Eastern Conference foe FC Cincinnati (14-6-8, 50 points) on Saturday, Sept. 17. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at Nippert Stadium. The match will be streamed live at www.OrlandoCitySC.com/Live.
“It’s a fantastic game for us to look forward to. These are the games that our boys should want to play in week in and week out at some point in their careers. I think we’re all really excited about it,” OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis said. “We know it’s going to be a tough game. Cincinnati has done well this year, they’ve got some really experienced players that have played MLS. It’s going to be a tricky game for us but we’re all really excited about going there and playing in front of a big crowd and a nice stadium. One to look forward to for sure.”
This is the second meeting of the season between these teams. In the first match, the Lions opened the scoring when Bryan Róchez converted from the penalty spot after former University of Central Florida star Hadji Barry was tackled in the box. OCB held Cincinnati scoreless until the 56th minute when Kenney Walker equalized with a strike from outside of the box. FCC then won a penalty kick of its own in the 77th minute to take the lead and eventually won 3-1.
Michael Cox leads the team with 11 goals and two assists. Barry and Tyler Turner have four goals each while goalkeeper Mark Ridgers leads the USL with 96 saves.
The Lions still hold on to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference despite a 2-1 loss at Toronto FC II on Sunday. Michael Cox added to his tally after chasing down a throw-in and firing a right-footed shot that went in off the post. OCB kept the lead until Sean Hundal equalized on a rebound after a wonderful reaction save from Ridgers. The Lions held strong defensively and nearly retook the lead in the second half, but TFC II stole the win in the 71st minute.
FC Cincinnati is coming off a 0-0 draw with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt was forced into making just two saves to earn his eighth clean sheet of the season. Cincinnati is now on a three-game unbeaten run and has posted two consecutive shutouts.
With just two games remaining in its inaugural United Soccer League (USL) season, OCB holds a two-point cushion over Wilmington for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. The Lions can secure a playoff spot with a win and a Wilmington loss or draw against Harrisburg Saturday.
The Lions play their regular season finale against Bethlehem Steel FC on Sunday, Sept. 25, at Goodman Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET.
