In the second match of a three-game road trip, Orlando City B (4-6-4, 16 points) fell, 1-0, to Ottawa Fury FC (5-4-4, 19 points) in a morning match Tuesday at TD Place.
“It was a game of two halves. I know it’s a bit of a cliche but first half we really struggled,” OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis said. “They make it difficult for you because they’re very direct and it was a good eye-opener for some of our younger boys in learning how to deal with playing against a team that has to win. We made a couple of changes at halftime and I thought we were really good in the second half. We had a fantastic response, unfortunately the one thing that was lacking was a goal. Now the emphasis is on recovery, making sure the guys look after their bodies and get ready for another tough game on Friday at Rochester.“
OCB put out a strong defensive performance to stop Ottawa for most of the first half. Defender Zach Carroll shut down consistent attacks from the Fury and cleared Ottawa midfielder Steevan Dos Santos’ chip shot off the line in the 15th minute. First Team defenders Conor Donovan and Seb Hines, who entered the match in place of Ryley Kraft in the second half, were effective in the back, shielding the Lions’ goal from Ottawa’s fast-paced midfielder Jimmy Sanon.
Ottawa opened the scoring in the 43rd minute when Carl Haworth picked up a loose ball, drove the box and centered for Dos Santos to tap in.
The Lions looked dangerous in the second half, taking six shots on goal and creating more chances while maintaining a solid defensive line. OCB forward Michael Cox struck the ball in front of the Fury’s goal in the 56th and 80th minute but couldn’t find the back of the net. First Team midfielder and Orlando City B assist leader Pierre Da Silva had a shot on goal in the 67th minute and four successful crosses, including a dangerous ball into the six-yard box in the 83rd minute that rolled wide.
The Lions pressed for a goal in the five minutes of added time, generating a corner and a chance on goal in the final two minutes of the match. OCB goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. found himself in a one-on-one with Sanon in the fourth minute of stoppage time and rushed to the edge of the box to make the save.
Forward Ben Polk made his second start for the Lions. Kraft made his second consecutive start. Edwards Jr. made his first appearance since June 3 against Pittsburgh. Former Ottawa defender Timbó entered the match for the Lions at halftime.
The match was one of 25 in the United Soccer League (USL) this season to test a Video Assistant Referee (VAR). OCB participated in the first ever VAR review at New York Red Bulls II on Aug. 12, 2016, when Donovan was issued a red card upon review. OCB’s match on June 7 against Rochester also tested the VAR.
OCB closes out the three-game swing on Friday, June 23, when it visits the Rochester Rhinos at 7:05 p.m. ET. The Lions return home to welcome FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 1, at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Tickets to all Orlando City B home matches can be purchased at orlandocityb.com/tickets or by calling 855-ORL-CITY.
