Orlando City B at Chicago Fire FC II
When: Sunday, October 20, 3:00 p.m. ET
Where: Seatgeek Stadium, Bridgeview, Ill.
TV: MLSNextPro.com
The Unchosen
Orlando City B’s first-round opponent for the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs was revealed last week as the young Lions will take on Chicago Fire FC II. The 2024 season features an expanded playoff format that includes a "pick-your-opponent" structure in the first two rounds. Chicago Fire FC II was left with OCB as its only available opponent after the top three seeds in the Eastern Conference all chose to avoid facing the young Lions in the first match of this year’s playoffs.
Fight Fire with Fire
The Lions will take on the Chicago Fire II for the second time in less than a month, and first time at SeatGeek Stadium this season. OCB clinched its playoff spot in a 3-0 win over the Fire on September 23 at Osceola County Stadium. Jack Lynn, Yutaro Tsukada and Favian Loyola all scored in the second half to give the Lions the victory. OCB comes into the match as one of the hottest teams in MLS NEXT Pro, going 7-2-1 since the beginning of August. The young Lions are also 1-1-1 against Chicago in the Windy City since 2022.
A Star in the Making
Orlando City forward Yutaro Tsukada was named as an honorable mention for 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI awards following his productive year for OCB. The Japanese forward was the 25th pick in the 2024 MLS Superdraft and was a key piece in the success for the young Lions this campaign. Appearing in 22 games, Tsukada was third on the team in both goals and assists with seven each. Tsukada also appeared in three matches for the Orlando City First Team and signed an MLS contract on August 15.
A Team Effort
Some teams rely on a handful of players to lead them throughout a season, but OCB received contributions from everywhere on the field. Midfielder Shak Mohammed led the team with 11 goals in 2024, but six players with at least 19 starts scored four or more tallies. 2023 MLS NEXT Pro MVP and Golden Boot winner Jack Lynn made seven appearances for the young Lions after spending most of the year with the First Team and contributed three goals over the Club’s last four matches. Four players with at least 10 starts contributed three or more assists during the season as well.
