Orlando City B (5-6-9, 27 points) vs New York City FC II (9-4-5, 34 points)
When: Sunday, August 18, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Osceola County Stadium, Kissimmee, FL
TV: MLSNextPro.com (free)
Every Rep is Experience
Orlando City B returned to Osceola County Stadium last week after spending the previous month on the road. After winning their first game in eight matches, the Lions went into the tiebreaking shootout once more. The Lions had several chances throughout the game, with forward Shak Mohammed beating the goalkeeper but hitting the woodwork on numerous shots throughout the game. After 90 minutes of scoreless play, OCB went yet again into the end-of-regulation shootout, but would ultimately fall 3-1 to Crown Legacy and miss out on the extra point. Goalkeeper Carlos Mercado recorded two saves on the night and picked up his first clean sheet of the 2024 campaign.
Taking Down the Pigeons
The young Lions will welcome New York City FC II to Oceola County Stadium in the first matchup between the two teams in the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season. Sunday’s match will pit two impressive streaks against each other. Since joining MLS NEXT Pro in 2022, OCB is unbeaten in five matches against the Pigeons, including three draws at Osceola County Stadium. However, New York City has been one of the best teams on the road this season, riding a nine-match winning streak away from home. The Lions won a 4-3 decision at Belson Stadium in August 2023 in the team’s most recent matchup.
Staying in the Fight
With only six losses this season, the young Lions have found ways to secure points no matter the situation. After its 0-0 draw against Crown Legacy last week, OCB now has nine draws this season, tied for second-most in MLS NEXT Pro. The Lions are also tied for fourth-most end-of-regulation shootout wins with four. 13 of the Lions’ 28 points this season have come from draws and shootout wins and has kept the team in the playoff hunt late into the season.
Down But Not Out
Despite a losing record, the Lions are still alive in the playoff chase. With eight games left to play in the 2024 regular season, OCB currently sits in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with 28 points. Only five points separates the Lions from eighth-place Chattanooga FC and OCB has played one less game up to this point in the campaign. With a strong finish, Orlando City B can put themselves in a better playoff position, with only six points separating fifth place NYCFC II and OCB in 10th. The Lions have a 3-0-3 record this season against their remaining opponents, having yet to take on NYCFC II, New England Revolution II, Chicago Fire FC II and FC Cincinnati 2 in 2024 action.
