Following Friday’s match against New York Red Bulls II, Orlando City B (1-3-1, 4 points) travels to Pennsylvania to face the Harrisburg City Islanders (2-1-0, 6 points) on Tuesday, April 18. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. ET at FNB Field.
The match will be streamed online at www.OrlandoCitySC.com/LIVE.
“I think the main focus for us is try to build off a lot of the positives that we saw on Friday night against New York, because there were a lot of pleasing aspects about the performance” Head Coach Anthony Pulis said. “I think any time you come up against a Harrisburg team you know what you’re going to get. They’re very hard-working, very blue collar, never give in, never stop running and it’s a credit to Bill Becher because he’s obviously instilled a culture within that club where you know what you’re going to get every game. We know we have to match them if we’re going to have any success tomorrow night.”
Former Orlando City midfielder Pedro Ribeiro, who signed with Harrisburg City on April 14, entered the Islanders’ match on Saturday in the 68th minute and assisted on the game-winning goal in the 90th. Former OCB midfielder Johnny Mendoza played a full 90 minutes for Harrisburg.
OCB is coming off of an inspired performance against New York Red Bulls II. The Lions dominated possession early and quickly responded to a New York goal with a goal of their own. Michael Cox began the attack in the 24th minute before First Team midfielder Pierre Da Silva sent in a beautiful cross for Albert Dikwa to head home. The header was Dikwa’s second goal in as many games. Despite continued pressure in front of goal, the hosts eventually scored twice more as the Lions fell 3-1.
Defender Zach Carroll wore the captain’s armband for the Lions in their last two matches and Earl Edwards, Jr. sits behind the back line in net. OCB continues to feature new signees to start the 2017 campaign as defender Timbó and Montverde Academy product Youmeni Jules both made their OCB debuts Friday.
OCB finishes its three-game road trip at Bethlehem Steel FC on Sunday, April 23. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET at Goodman Stadium. The Lions then return home to take on Saint Louis FC on Thursday, April 27. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Orlando City Stadium.
