Orlando City B vs. Inter Miami II: Final Score 1-0 as OCB Tops In-State Rival for Second Time This Year – The Mane Land
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Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. Inter Miami II: Final Score 1-0 as OCB Tops In-State Rival for Second Time This Year

Jack Lynn’s second-half goal lifts the Young Lions over Inter Miami II in Fort Lauderdale.

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4 months ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B

Orlando City B beat its in-state rivals, Inter Miami II, 1-0 tonight at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Alex Freeman set up Jack Lynn in the 57th minute for the game’s only goal, leading OCB (5-3-2, 18 points) to its second win over Miami (3-6-1, 10 points) this season.

OCB Head Coach Martin Perelman made three changes to the team that drew 2-2 against Atlanta United 2 last weekend. Shak Mohammed made his first start and Thomas Williams his second of the 2023 season. Lynn also entered the starting lineup after netting a brace off the bench against Atlanta. They replaced Favian Loyola, Cristofer Acuna, and Abdi Salim, who left the game injured in the ninth minute Friday night. Loyola and Acuna started this game on the bench.

Javier Otero started in goal behind a back line of Moises Tablante, Nabi Kibunguchy, Williams, and Freeman. Imanol Almaguer, Cristian Medina, and Juninho were in the midfield, with Mohammed, Lynn, and Jhon Solis up top.

Inter Miami II had the majority of possession in this game, but was unable to create many good opportunities. While much of the Herons’ possession was in the midfield, OCB had more possession in the opposing box. As a result, the Young Lions created more chances in dangerous spaces over the 90 minutes.

Miami nearly had the first chance of the game in the second minute when Noah Allen made a good run down the left and sent the ball in for Lorenzo D’Agostini. The forward was at the top of the OCB six-yard box, but Williams was able to beat him to the ball and clear it away.

The Young Lions got their first chance a minute later when Tablante forced a turnover near midfield. Tapping it to Solis, Tablante continued his run into the Miami half. Solis sent the left back behind the Miami defense, but Tablante’s shot was from a tough angle and CJ dos Santos made the stop.

The hosts had a golden opportunity to open the scoring off a Miami free kick in the ninth minute. Allen lifted the ball into the OCB box, where three Miami players were left wide open. It landed on the head of Lucas Meek, but his header was nowhere near the target, enabling the Young Lions to avoid conceding early, despite the terrible defending. It was a miss that Miami and Meek will regret.

OCB had its second chance in the 14th minute when a short corner to Medina created a cross into the box. The midfielder’s ball found the head of Freeman charging in at the near post, but the header was wide.

A minute later, the Young Lions had a great chance to open the scoring when Tablante received the ball on the left. He found Mohammed open right in front of goal and the first-team attacker’s first touch was on target. Unfortunately, it was right at dos Santos, who made his second save of the game.

Miami appeared to have a good chance in the 21st minute when Medina turned the ball over to D’Agostini near the top of the OCB box. The forward immediately found Braxton Taghvai-Najb, but his shot was blocked by Williams.

The hosts had another chance in the 24th minute, when quick passing allowed Taghvai-Najb to set up Meek with space entering the box. The midfielder found a gap in the OCB defense and shot on goal, but Otero was there to make the stop.

In the 29th minute, Juninho made a strong run into the Miami box, shielding any opposing players who stepped up. He made his way past five defenders to shoot near the penalty spot, but dos Santos got down to block the attempt.

Trying to work the ball out of the back, Medina turned the ball over on his own side of the field for the second time in the 32nd minute. D’Agostini won it from Medina and received it back from Abel Caputo at the top of the box. However, his shot was right to Otero, who made the easy stop.

The Young Lions had a three-on-three counterattack in the 36th minute that should’ve resulted in a better opportunity. As Mohammed dribbled down the middle of the field, he had Freeman to his right and Lynn to his left, but decided to shoot on goal himself from the top of the box. The attempt was right to dos Santos, who had no trouble collecting it.

OCB got the final chance of the half in the 45th minute, when Medina took a short corner to Tablante. The left back attempted a long shot from well outside of the MIami box, but it was right into the arms of dos Santos. Referee Alexandra Billeter blew the whistle before dos Santos could send it forward, ending the first period of play.

Miami had more first-half possession (56.9%-43.1%), but OCB had more shots (12-5) and shots on target (6-2). The hosts also had more crosses (8-4) and passing accuracy (89.2%-88.8%) while the Young Lions had more corners (3-1).

Inter Miami II had the first chance of the second half in the 48th minute when halftime substitute Cameron Johnson took the ball to the top of the box. Williams forced him inside, where he found enough space to shoot from distance, but Kibunguchy blocked it into the arms of Otero.

OCB almost had its own chance a minute later when Freeman sent a cross into the six-yard box where Lynn was sprinting in. The striker slid towards goal, but Freeman’s cross was too close to dos Santos.

In the 57th minute, the Young Lions broke the deadlock. Quick passing by Almaguer and Juninho sent Freeman down the right. Freeman sent an almost identical low cross with Lynn again entering the box. This time Lynn’s slide allowed him to reach the ball before dos Santos, tapping it in for the game’s opening goal.

After netting a brace last weekend against Atlanta, Lynn rewarded Perelman’s decision to put him in the starting lineup. He now has three goals in his last two games and leads the team with five goals on the season.

Perelman made his first change of the game in the 63rd minute, bringing in Zakaria Taifi for Mohammed. Taifi took over at left back, moving Tablante forward into a more attacking role. 

In the 65th minute, OCB had a chance when Solis sent a cross into the box for Lynn. Unfortunately, it was a bit behind the striker, who still got his head to the ball but sent it wide.

Two minutes later, Miami had a good opportunity when Almaguer fouled Taghvai-Najb just outside of the OCB box. The forward went directly for goal, but sent it just wide of the near post. Immediately after the attempt, OCB made its second change, bringing on Tahir Reid-Brown for Tablante.

Meek used some slick dribbling ability to beat two defenders in the 75th minute and get into the OCB box, but it was blocked out for a corner kick by Almaguer. The ensuing corner was headed down into the middle of the box, but nobody in pink was there and OCB was able to clear.

Three minutes later, Meek beat a pair of defenders on the left again. This time he was able to get his pass off, finding second-half substitute Ricardo Montenegro near the penalty spot. Montenegro got a shot off, but Otero got down to make the stop.

Following the save, both teams made a pair of substitutions. OCB brought on Acuna and Wilfredo Rivera for Juninho and Lynn.

With time winding down, OCB put 10 players behind the ball defensively and Miami pushed forward, looking for an equalizer. They had a chance in the 85th minute when Miles Perkovich found space for a shot in the box, but Kibunguchy got in front of it to maintain the 1-0 lead.

Despite Miami needing a goal, OCB had a lot of possession in the closing minutes. In past games, the Young Lions were unable to hold onto possession late, giving the opponents last-minute opportunities. But tonight they were able to maintain control and use up quite a bit of the clock.

Things got a bit feisty in second-half stoppage time as Farid Sar-Sar and Rivera had a scuffle. That created an extra minute and Miami nearly took advantage. In the fourth minute of added time, Sar-Sar’s cross found the head of Lawson Sunderland near the far post. The midfielder’s header was heading just under the crossbar, but Otero made a huge save, tipping it over the goal. Billeter called a foul on Miami during the ensuing corner and blew the final whistle seconds later.

Inter Miami II ended the game with more possession (57.1%-42.9%), shots (14-13), crosses (15-10), and passing accuracy (89%-86.9%). OCB had more shots on target (7-5), corners (5-4), and the all-important goal.

The win marks the second time this season that OCB has claimed points away from Osceola County Stadium. The Young Lions also beat Philadelphia Union II in Pennsylvania in the opening game of the season. The three points move the team up to fourth in the Eastern Conference of MLS NEXT Pro.

It will be a short break for the Young Lions as they’ll return home on Monday night to face New York Red Bulls II at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee.

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Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. New England Revolution II: Final Score 1-1 as OCB Draws and Falls in Penalties

OCB erases a halftime deficit to draw 1-1 with New England Revolution II, but the hosts grab the extra point for winning the shootout.

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4 days ago

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September 7, 2023

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B

Orlando City B (12-10-4, 41 points) played poorly in the first half, but fought back valiantly in the second to draw New England Revolution II (14-5-8, 56 points) 1-1 at Gillette Stadium. The hosts dominated the first half, taking the lead through Victor Souza in the 14th minute. But they missed several golden opportunities to double the advantage, and Jack Lynn equalized in the 65th minute. The game went into penalties to decide the extra point, with New England winning the shootout 3-2.

OCB Head Coach Martin Perelman made two changes to the team that lost 6-3 to Crown Legacy FC Sunday night. Moises Tablante entered the starting lineup at left back in place of Franco Perez, who started on the bench. Jhon Solis, who had started every game this season, was suspended after being sent off the last time these two teams met on Aug. 9. He was replaced in the lineup by Lynn.

Starting in their usual 4-4-2 formation, the back line in front of Javier Otero was Imanol Almaguer, Nabi Kibunguchy, Abdi Salim, and Tablante. Alex Freeman, Cristian Medina, Juninho, and Wilfredo Rivera were in the midfield, with Lynn and Shak Mohammed up top.

This was a game of two halves for the Young Lions. They were lifeless in the first 45 minutes and should’ve been down multiple goals if not for some poor finishing by the opposition. They took advantage of the opportunity and played much better in the second half, resulting in an equalizer. Despite failing to secure a playoff spot tonight, they brought themselves closer to making the postseason for just the second time in team history.

OCB controlled possession in the first few minutes, but it was New England that created the chances. In the fifth minute, Colby Quinones found Damian Rivera running behind the OCB defense. It looked like the midfielder would get a shot off, but Kibunguchy did well defending and knocked it out for a corner kick. Jake Rozhansky’s ensuing set piece was too close to Otero, who caught it.

In the seventh minute, forward Joshua Bolma got his first attempt when he cut back inside from the right to lose Tablante and create enough space for a shot. However, it was right to Otero, who made the easy save.

Rivera had his second opportunity in the eighth minute when he received the ball at the top of the OCB box. The 20-year-old midfielder cut inside to lose Almaguer and shot towards the near post, but it skipped just wide.

OCB had its first chance of the game in the 12th minute when Juninho made a long run into the New England box. He had Mohammed and Lynn flanking him, but decided to take it himself. With two defenders closing in, Juninho shot to the near post but missed wide, which became a theme for the Brazilian throughout the match and into the shootout.

In the 14th minute, Almaguer got in front of a New England shot, blocking it out for a corner kick. Rozhansky took the set piece, sending over the head of Noble Okello and Jordan Adebayo-Smith at the near post and into the center of the six-yard box. Souza darted to the ball, beating Medina and Kibunguchy. It was an awkward attempt by the defender and difficult to tell whether it came off his head, chest, or foot, but went inside the near post to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

The Young Lions tried to play the ball out of the back, but a turnover in his own third by Lynn provided another opportunity for New England. Rivera took possession, sprinted to the top of the OCB box, and found Bolma to his left. The forward attempted to curl the ball inside the far post beyond the reach of Otero, but missed just wide.

New England should’ve scored a second goal in the 22nd minute when Bolma received the ball on the right side of the box. He quickly sent a low cross in for Adebayo-Smith, who was left uncovered at the far post. The ball popped up on the artificial turf, bouncing off the striker and wide. It was a fortunate bounce for the Young Lions because the ball just as easily could’ve bounced off his chest and in.

Rivera had his third chance of the game in the 25th minute when he received the ball on the left. The midfielder took two touches to lose his defender and took a snap-shot on goal. Fortunately, the strong shot was right to Otero, who blocked it away with both hands. No attacking players were nearby, so OCB was able to clear.

In the 27th minute, Rozhansky entered the box and got behind Juninho. The OCB captain didn’t recognize the New England midfielder sneaking behind him, enabling Rozhansky to get his head on the Bolma cross. Otero’s positioning was perfect for the wide-open attempt and the header was right to the OCB goalkeeper.

Juninho made his second long run to the New England box in the 43rd minute. Similar to his earlier run, the OCB captain shot from the top of the 18, but sent it wide. It didn’t appear to touch any defenders, but the referee awarded a corner kick. OCB struggled to create chances from the set piece, eventually sending a shot right to New England goalkeeper Max Weinstein.

Otero has been solid for OCB this season but almost made a huge blunder in the 45th minute. The goalkeeper came out of his box, but was beaten to the ball by Marcos Dias. Cutting inside to create space for a shot, the midfielder sent the ball on goal. Fortunately, Salim was there to head it over the top and out of play, keeping the halftime deficit at one.

OCB had more first-half possession (56.7%-43.3%) and crosses (5-2) and passed more accurately (88%-86.5%). However, most of the Young Lions’ possession and passes were in the midfield rather than the final third. Rather than crossing into the box, New England found pockets of space for chances, resulting in more shots (11-5) and shots on target (6-0).

Perelman made one halftime change, replacing Wilfredo Rivera with Perez. The substitution pushed Tablante from left back into the midfield.

OCB nearly had a chance in the 49th minute when Mohammed played the ball out wide for Freeman. The Homegrown midfielder sent a low cross into the box, where Lynn attempted to turn and shoot, but the ball got caught in his feet.

Lynn had another chance in the 51st minute when Tablante found him in the box. The striker took a first-touch shot that skied over the target. Lynn had more time than he realized for a touch before shooting, but took it first time.

In the 55th minute, Mohammed took an ambitious shot from long range that appeared to be heading well wide. Weinstein dove to his left anyway and blocked the ball out of play, giving OCB a corner kick.

New England headed the ball away, which went to Adebayo-Smith and only Perez back. The striker touched the ball past the left back to get behind the entire defense. Otero came out of his box to near midfield, where he collided with Adebayo-Smith, heading it the opposite direction. Otero popped right up after the big collision, but Adebayo-Smith remained down and required medical attention.

Playing with a man advantage while Adebayo-Smith was treated on the sideline, OCB had a chance to equalize in the 61st minute when Mohammed played the ball wide for Juninho. The midfielder dribbled inside until he found some space and aimed for the far post. The shot was beyond the reach of the diving Weinstein, but skipped wide yet again.

Two minutes later, Tablante sent a long-distance attempt that was blocked out of play by Weinstein for a corner kick. The set piece ended with a chance for Lynn about three yards from goal. But the striker somehow managed to hit the post. OCB players wanted a handball, but the referee disagreed. Meanwhile, Perez got into the box and shot from close range, but it was saved by Weinstein.

In the 65th minute, Almaguer found Juninho in the box and the midfielder’s shot was blocked wide by Weinstein. The ensuing corner was played short to Juninho, who dribbled into the box and shot. Weinstein again blocked the attempt with his right hand, but put it right in front of goal. Lynn was in the right position to tap it in for his league-leading 18th goal of the season.

New England attempted to respond quickly when Olger Escobar received the ball from Adebayo-Smith. The halftime substitute took a shot from well outside of the box, but it didn’t cause any trouble for Otero.

The hosts nearly got the lead back in the 82nd minute when Dias received the ball at the top corner of the box from Escobar. Just after entering the 18, the midfielder sent the shot towards the upper corner. Otero dove to his right, but it was too far from him. Fortunately, the ball went just wide of the far post.

In the 85th minute, Escobar took a long shot of his own, but this one went well over the target. Perelman took the opportunity to make two changes for the final minutes. Cristofer Acuna and Zakaria Taifi came into the game for Lynn and Freeman.

Four minutes into second-half stoppage time, New England had a chance for a winner when substitute Patrick Leal was played behind the OCB defense. The midfielder entered the six-yard box from the left, but Otero came out to make himself big. The goalkeeper got down with his legs spread and blocked it to keep the game at 1-1.

OCB quickly went the other way and won a corner kick. It was taken quickly to Juninho, who sent a curling ball towards the back post. The ball ended up at the feet of Kibunguchy with enough space for a shot, but it bounced off of his leg and out for a goal kick. That was the last chance for either team and it ended 1-1.

OCB had less possession in the second half, ending with a slight advantage (51.5%-48.5%). However, the Young Lions were much better in the second 45 minutes. New England ended with more shots (17-16) and shots on target (7-5), but OCB outshot the hosts (11-6) and put more on target (5-1) in the second period of play. OCB also had more corner kicks (9-6) and crosses (11-6) and passed more accurately (89%-86.6%) during the game.

Per MLS NEXT Pro rules, each team took a point from regulation and went to penalties to decide who got the extra point. It didn’t start off well for OCB as Juninho sent Weinstein the wrong way, but fired his shot wide. After Leal and Medina converted, Jacob Akanyirige had a similar situation as Juninho, sending Otero the wrong way but missing wide.

OCB took the advantage after three rounds when Moises Tablante scored and Otero saved Souza’s penalty. But Weinstein stopped Kibunguchy on the next attempt, enabling Escobar to even the shootout at 2-2 after four rounds.

Despite having Acuna and Mohammed available, OCB continued to go with defensive players, sending Taifi to the spot. Weinstein guessed correctly on the first-year professional, making a comfortable save. Otero got his hand to Dias’ subsequent attempt, but didn’t get enough of it, and New England took the extra point.

The point gets OCB closer to claiming a playoff spot for the first time in MLS NEXT Pro and the second time in team history. But it also means the Young Lions can no longer catch Columbus Crew 2 for the top spot in the Central Division and the fourth seed in the playoffs.

OCB could still claim a playoff spot this weekend if NYCFC II and Philadelphia Union II lose in regulation or a shootout tomorrow night. If either gets at least two points, OCB will need to wait until next weekend for another chance to secure a playoff spot.

The Young Lions will take the field again next Friday night when they face Chicago Fire FC II at SeatGeek Stadium in Illinois.

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Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. Crown Legacy FC: Final Score 6-3 as OCB Drops Chance To Clinch Playoff Spot

OCB could have clinched a playoff spot with a win tonight, but fell at home to Crown Legacy FC.

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1 week ago

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September 3, 2023

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Orlando City B (12-10-3, 40 points) fell 6-3 to Crown Legacy FC (17-4-4, 58 points) in another wild game at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee. The visitors took a 4-0 halftime lead with goals by Iuri Tavares, Nick Scardina, Joao Guilherme, and Patrick Agyemang. OCB responded in the second half, led by a Jack Lynn brace and Moises Tablante scoring possibly the goal of the game. But a Nikola Petkovic strike kept the game out of reach.

OCB Head Coach Martin Perelman made only one change to the team that beat Columbus Crew 2 at home last weekend with Abdi Salim replacing Thomas Williams. The back line in front of goalkeeper Javier Otero was Imanol Almaguer, Nabi Kibunguchy, Salim, and Franco Perez. Alex Freeman, Cristian Medina, Juninho, and Jhon Solis were in the midfield behind Wilfredo Rivera and Shak Mohammed.

Crown Legacy didn’t dominate this game at any point, but was more efficient in front of goal. The visitors scored on nearly every first-half chance, taking a 4-0 lead into the break. The second half was bound to be wild with this OCB team and it didn’t disappoint. Perelman brought Lynn into the game at halftime and the team’s leading scorer brought the Young Lions back with a pair of goals. Unfortunately, they couldn’t do enough to erase the deficit and lost for the third time at home this season.

The Young Lions had the first chances of the game in the seventh minute. Freeman dribbled down the right and played a low ball for Rivera in the box. The forward attempted to turn, but was well defended and Crown Legacy was able to clear.

OCB recycled and went to the left this time. Perez carried the ball to the end line, where it appeared as though he’d cross, but he shot from a tight angle instead. Crown Legacy goalkeeper Isaac Walker was glued to his near post, enabling him to make the easy stop.

The visitors took the lead in the 13th minute from a great individual play by Tavares. It started when Scardina sent a long cross to the top of the box that was headed to Tavares by Agyemang. Tavares flicked the ball up to himself and headed it on to beat Kibunguchy. His first touch after getting past the center back was a hard strike that beat Otero to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead.

Crown Legacy doubled its advantage in the 28th minute when Kibunguchy fouled Agyemang away from goal. Petkovic played the set piece short for Joao Pedro, who immediately sent it forward for Thiago on the left. Salim got his foot to the midfielder’s low cross, but only played it back to Scardina, who sent a thunderous strike to the far post, making it 2-0.

Tavares attempted to score another impressive goal from the top of the box in the 36th minute. He was patient in finding enough space to get a shot off, but Perez got in the way and OCB cleared.

The Young Lions had a decent chance in the 38th minute when Guilherme fouled Juninho from 25 yards out. Medina stepped up to take the free kick and went directly for goal, but his shot went just over the crossbar. It wasn’t far off target, but Walker appeared to have it the whole way.

In the 43rd minute, Philip Mayaka took a shot from distance that was blocked behind the goal for a corner kick. The ensuing set piece was beyond everyone in the box, but headed back in by Scardina. Juninho’s attempted clearance went backwards into a group of players. Guilherme came flying in and over Kibunguchy to meet the ball, heading it past Otero to make it 3-0 Crown Legacy.

It didn’t take long for the visitors to make it four, doing so in the first minute of first-half injury time. Marko Filipovic sent a long ball forward from his own box and Kibunguchy misjudged it, enabling Agyemang to get behind him near midfield. The attacker used his speed to lose Almaguer and a quick change of pace to beat Salim. He quickly shot to the far post, beating Otero and giving Crown Legacy a commanding 4-0 lead.

OCB had more first-half possession (54.7%-45.3%), but Crown Legacy had more shots (7-5) and shots on goal (4-1), taking advantage of set pieces and counterattacks. The Young Lions also had more corners (2-1) and passed more accurately (86.4%-84.1%). Both teams had three crosses in the first 45 minutes.

“I think that they (Crown Legacy) were effective and aggressive in the first half. We had control of the ball mostly. They were effective,” Perelman said about the first period of play. “They scored twice on set pieces, they find goals in another two sequences, and that’s it.”

Perelman made one change at halftime. Lynn didn’t start the game after being with the first team in Cincinnati Saturday night. He came on for Rivera with OCB desperately needing goals.

Despite the attacking change, it was Crown Legacy that had the good early look. Less than a minute into the half, Agyemang was sent towards the OCB end line and reached the ball just before it crossed. He played it back for Tavares, who lost Perez for space to shoot. Fortunately, his shot was over the crossbar.

OCB nearly had its first chance of the second half in the 52nd minute, when Almaguer sent a curling ball around the defense for Freeman down the right. However, Freeman was unable to hold his run and the flag went up for offside. That was the last action for Perez, who was replaced by Tablante immediately after the whistle.

The Young Lions got a goal back in the 58th minute when a cross by Tablante into the box was cleared away by Tavares. The ensuing corner kick by Tablante went all the way to the back post, where Lynn beat Scardina to the ball and tapped it in to cut the deficit to three.

OCB had another chance off a corner kick in the 60th minute when Tate Johnson headed a cross out of play. Almaguer found the head of Solis in the box with the set piece. The midfielder sent the ball towards the far post, but wide.

Crown Legacy increased its lead in the 60th minute when Johnson sent Agyemang down the left. The attacker played the ball back for David Poreba, who continued it to Tavares behind the penalty spot. With Otero left flat-footed, the striker calmly played the ball into the bottom corner to make it 5-1.

The visitors scored their sixth goal in the 67th minute from an impressive run by Tavares. A Solis turnover near midfield enabled Crown Legacy to go the other way. Tavares dribbled by Juninho and played Petkovic through. Otero came out to cut down the angle, but the midfielder placed it into the corner to make it 6-1.

Despite being down five goals, OCB didn’t give up and got one back in the 70th minute. Solis’ shot was blocked out of play, giving the Young Lions another corner kick. Almaguer’s free kick found the head of Solis near the top of the box. The header was towards the far post and it initially looked like he’d scored, but Lynn got the last touch, cutting the deficit to 6-2.

“I noticed that we were winning a lot of the first balls, but maybe not putting it on target. So I just wanted to go in the six and try and clean up anything that was coming my way,” Lynn said about his two goals on set pieces. “And two balls came my way and I was quick to react and just lucky to find the net on them.”

The goal was Lynn’s 17th of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season, topping his OCB record 15 goals last year. It also tied NYCFC II’s Matt Myers for the lead in the race for the league’s top goal scorer.

“I have to first and foremost give credit to my teammates and the coaching staff for putting me in good positions to score,” Lynn said about his league-leading goal tally. “Without them, nothing’s possible. Besides that, always staying patient and trying to put away my chances when they come towards me.”

Perelman made his final two changes of the game right after the goal. Zakaria Taifi and Thomas Williams entered the game for Juninho and Medina.

Crown Legacy responded quickly to OCB’s first goal and they did again after the second. Two minutes after Lynn’s conversion, substitute Marko Filipovic received the ball in the box and was taken down by Solis from behind. Referee J.J. Bilinski didn’t hesitate pointing to the spot and awarding the visitors a penalty.

Poreba stepped to the spot, sending the shot low and to his left. But Otero guessed correctly and blocked the attempt. The OCB goalkeeper jumped on the loose ball near the center of the six-yard box before any Crown Legacy players could reach it. It was Otero’s fourth penalty save in 10 attempts this season.

Continuing the wild sequence of events, OCB got another goal back in the 74th minute. Taifi sent the ball to Solis, who split two defenders and found Tablante on the left. The substitute used a stepover to beat Scardina and dribbled past Filipovic before taking a shot from outside of the box. He couldn’t have placed it any better, skimming the bottom of the crossbar and into the corner to make it a 6-3 game.

In the 82nd minute, Crown Legacy had a chance when Poreba received the ball from Filipovic. The midfielder had space for a shot, but took a little too long and Williams came sliding in to block it wide. The ensuing corner kick by Pedro was into the hands of Otero, keeping the deficit at three.

The final chance of the game came a minute into second-half stoppage time. Guilherme cleared the ball out of play and Almaguer sent a corner kick into the box. Salim headed the ball down softly and towards goal. Lynn was in the perfect position to turn and redirect it on frame, but his attempt was over the crossbar and Crown Legacy came away with the win.

OCB ended the game with more possession (53.6%-46.4%), corners (7-3), and crosses (11-5), and passed more accurately (87%-85.5%). However, Crown Legacy created more shots (16-13) and put more shots on target (9-5).

“In the second half we had a great effort,” Perelman said of the performance. “Of course, we concede spaces to them. We find the goals, but they found another too and won. The game is finished. We faced a good team, we know that. We couldn’t do it. We didn’t have our best night.”

Despite the loss, Perelman insists he’s extremely proud of his team and the fight they showed in the second half.

“We made a lot of mistakes, but I’m proud of my team,” he said after the game. “I’m proud of my team because this is a really difficult season. It’s really difficult in second teams to prepare for a game, to make training sessions, to make a lot of things that the people don’t see. But we know. And in that context, the guys are doing a big effort, are competing, and I’m proud of my boys even more than ever today.”

Results around the league this weekend meant that OCB could’ve clinched a playoff spot tonight by taking all three points. Despite not being able to take advantage of the opportunity, the Young Lions remain in fifth in the Eastern Conference, six points above the playoff line. Since there are only three games remaining in the season, the Young Lions could officially qualify for the playoffs for the second time in team history later this week.

It will be a short turnaround for OCB as the Young Lions travel to take on New England Revolution II in a rare Thursday night contest.

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Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. Columbus Crew 2: Final Score 4-1 as OCB Claims First-Ever Win Over Crew 2

Four different Lions scored as OCB captured the team’s first win over the Ohio-based side.

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2 weeks ago

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August 27, 2023

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Orlando City B (12-9-3, 40 points) returned home tonight and beat Columbus Crew 2 (13-8-3, 45 points) 4-1 at Osceola County Stadium. OCB already had a 1-0 lead through Wilfredo Rivera when Clay Holstad was sent off early in the second half. The Young Lions took advantage, with Shak Mohammed and Jhon Solis making it 3-0 after 65 minutes. Gibran Rayo got one back, but Jack Lynn converted a late penalty to seal the win for the Young Lions.

OCB Head Coach Martin Perelman made four changes to the team that beat NYCFC II, 4-3 on Aug. 13. Alex Freeman, Thomas Williams, and Franco Perez returned to the back line, replacing Moises Tablante, Abdi Salim, and Zakaria Taifi. Imanol Almaguer moved back up into the midfield, and Juninho returned to the lineup for the first time since July 31. Lynn has been a regular starter for OCB this year, but started on the bench tonight after playing at the end of the first team’s 2-1 win over St. Louis City SC Saturday night.

Javier Otero started in goal behind a back line of Perez, Nabi Kibunguchy, Williams, and Freeman. Solis, Cristian Medina, Juninho, and Almaguer were in the midfield, with Mohammed and Rivera up top.

OCB was the better team most of the game. The Young Lions had more possession and chances in the first half, going into the break with a 1-0 lead. But the task was made easier when Holstad was sent off in the 53rd minute and Crew 2 didn’t really have a chance after that. It was only a matter of time before the Young Lions scored a second and they quickly got two more. Even if the visitors had converted their penalty with 20 minutes to go, it never felt like this game was in doubt.

Crew 2 had the game’s first chances when Isaiah Parente shot from the right in the sixth minute, but Kibunguchy got in the way, blocking it out for a corner kick. The ensuing corner ended up with Stuart Ritchie, whose shot was blocked out by Juninho. Columbus players appealed for a handball in the box, but the OCB captain’s arm was tucked against his body, so it was only a corner kick. The second ball was cleared away by Kibunguchy and the Young Lions avoided an early deficit.

The Young Lions had their first chance in the 10th minute when Freeman sent Mohammed into the Crew 2 box. Mohammed was either aiming for the far post or passing into the middle for Rivera, but the ball was blocked by Clay Holstad out of play.

The ensuing corner was headed outward by Williams, ending up with Juninho just outside of the box. The midfielder’s low and hard shot was deflected by Philip Quinton, forcing Crew 2 goalkeeper Staislav Lapkes to change directions and knock it out of play. The next corner bounced around, enabling Kibunguchy to get a shot off, but it was blocked and cleared away.

OCB had a chance to take advantage of a Crew 2 mistake in the 24th minute when Perez was caught offside. Lapkes attempted a short free kick to Brent Abu-Gyamfi and OCB’s pressure forced Abu-Gyamfi to play it back to his goalkeeper. Juninho intercepted the weak pass before Rivera gained possession and attempted to guide it into the net. Unfortunately, Quinton was alert, getting back in front of goal and clearing the ball before it reached the goal line.

The Young Lions took the lead in the 39th minute when Almaguer sent a long ball forward for Freeman, who was on the outside of Ritchie. The right back did well to shield the defender, taking control and sending the ball across for a wide open Rivera on the far side. The forward’s shot was tipped by Lapkes, but went into the far corner, giving OCB a 1-0 lead.

The visitors asked for a penalty in the 44th minute when Abdi Mohamed sent Noah Fuson into the box. Medina was keeping up with the forward and Fuson ended up on the ground. The forward’s arms went up as he claimed he was pushed over from behind by Medina, but referee Daniel Gutierrez decided there wasn’t enough contact.

The final chance of the first half came three minutes into stoppage time. After losing the ball on his own side of the field, Juninho quickly won it back and made a run forward. He found Rivera open to his left and the forward’s second touch was a shot on goal. Lapkes did well to come off his line and wasn’t far from Rivera when he took the shot, blocking it with his leg. Juninho followed up with a shot from the top of the box, but that one was blocked by Gio De Libera.

OCB had a small halftime advantage in possession (50.6%-49.4%), but had far more shots (13-4), shots on target (4-0), and corners (5-2), and better passing accuracy (83.9%-82.1%). Both teams had one cross and the Young Lions were the only ones to convert, leading 1-0 at the break.

Already down a goal, things got more difficult for Crew 2 in the 53rd minute. Kibunguchy sent a long ball down the right that took a big hop over Holstad and Freeman. The right back got behind the Crew 2 defender and Holstad tripped him up. Gutierrez had issued Holstad a yellow card in the 41st minute and gave him his second with this foul.

OCB took advantage of the extra man, increasing its lead in the 55th minute. Taha Habroune received the ball from Lapkes and turned right into Solis. Mohammed took possession and sent Rivera through on goal. Rivera’s shot was right into the legs of Quinton on the goal line, but the block went to Mohammed. Columbus defender Mohamed, who got back to support Quinton, got his leg on the shot, but it went in and OCB took a 2-0 lead. After a brace against NYCFC II, Mohammed now has three goals in his last two games.

“I think it’s just a mental reset,” Mohammed said about scoring three goals in his last two OCB games. “Just knowing that everything is calm, trusting the process, and obviously I have the support of a lot of the people around the club and my teammates and coaches helping me. So it’s amazing to feel the joy of playing football again. That’s all I want to do always.”

Immediately after the goal, Perelman made his first change of the game. Lynn, the team’s leading goal scorer, came on for Rivera.

Despite being a man down, Crew 2 had a chance to equalize in the 60th minute when halftime substitute Rayo cut back and found De Libera between Juninho and Freeman. De Libera was aiming for the corner, but the shot went off the back of Freeman and out of play.

In the 63rd minute, Solis sent Perez down the left. Rather than lifting a cross into the box, the left back played it back for the oncoming Lynn. The striker had a free shot on goal, but sent it right to Lapkes. It was a hard shot and Lapkes knocked it over the crossbar.

As the clock entered the 65th minute, OCB had a golden chance to make it three when Almaguer sent a curling cross into the Crew 2 box. Kibgunchy was wide open and Almaguer’s cross was onto his head, but the center back sent it wide.

Seconds later, the Young Lions did make it three and it was off another Crew 2 turnover. A poor pass out of the back by Quinton was intercepted by Medina, whose first touch was to Mohammed. The striker played it on for Solis, who put it into the corner from the top of the box, giving OCB a commanding 3-0 lead.

OCB went into a bit of a lull for several minutes after scoring the third goal, allowing 10-man Columbus to have possession and create in the attacking third. Crew 2 had a great opportunity to get one back in the 70th minute when Cole Mrowka lifted the ball into the box for Fuson. The striker got to the ball before it went out of play and dropped it back for Rayo. Williams stuck his foot in front of Rayo and the attacker went down. It didn’t appear on replay that Willliams got any of Rayo, but Gutierrez pointed to the spot anyway.

Mohamed stepped up to the penalty, sending it towards Otero’s right corner. But the OCB goalkeeper guessed correctly and blocked the attempt away to maintain the three-goal lead. It was Otero’s third penalty save this season, the most in his career and the most of any goalkeeper in OCB history.

OCB made two more changes in the 74th minute. Salim and Tablante entered the game for Almaguer and Perez.

The visitors had come close to getting on the scoresheet and finally did in the 80th minute. Mrowka sent a curling ball into the box where Fuson was darting in, defended by Kibunguchy. The ball went past both of them to Rayo, who was left wide open at the back post. The midfielder dove down to get his head on the ball, putting it in to make it a 3-1 game.

Perelman made his fourth and final change after the goal, sending 17-year-old academy product Thomas Bowe on to make his professional debut, replacing Mohammed.

After giving up a penalty earlier in the half, OCB got its own chance from the spot in the 82nd minute. Tablante dribbled into the box and Fuson defended him well, knocking the ball out for a corner kick. The ensuing set piece bounced around the six, popping out to Freeman. The defender took a touch towards the end line and Fuson stuck his leg out, tripping him. Gutierrez didn’t hesitate pointing to the spot, awarding the Young Lions a penalty.

Lynn stepped up to the spot to take the penalty. Unlike on the other end, Lapkes went the wrong way and the OCB striker put the ball into the corner, increasing the lead back to three at 4-1.

The goal is Lynn’s 15th of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro campaign, equaling his total from the 2022 season. It also brings him to within one goal in the golden boot race, something he’s said he aims to win this year.

Down three goals and time running out of time, Crew 2 was able to create some chances. In the 76th minute, Rayo received the ball near midfield, dribbled through Juninho, and shot from the top of the box, but Williams got in the way to block it. A minute later, Ritchie’s cross was blocked away by Otero. Fuson took control and played it to the top of the 18 for Mataeo Bunbury. The substitute turned and shot, but Kibunguchy got down to block it with his leg, sending it over the crossbar.

Lynn had a chance for a second goal in the 89th minute when Fuson blocked a long pass by Solis before it could reach Tablante. The ball almost reached Quinton, but Lynn got to it first. He sent a hard shot on goal, but Lapkes did well to keep his eyes on the ball and blocked it away. That was the last good look for either team and OCB captured its first-ever win over Crew 2.

The final statistics matched the score as OCB ended up with more possession (55.2%-44.8%), shots (21-14), shots on target (10-2), and corners (8-6), and better passing accuracy (87.4%-84.6%). Crew 2 had more crosses (8-7), but couldn’t turn those chances into goals.

“Unbelievable,” Mohammed said about the win. “Like always, it’s all about the team and it’s a good win for the team. Considering a few months ago they beat us in Columbus, what a way for the team to come out and get the win.”

The three points bring OCB closer to clinching a playoff spot as Philadelphia Union II fell 3-0 to New England Revolution II. As a result, the Young Lions are seven points above the playoff line with four games remaining in the season. They also climb to within five points of Crew 2 for the top of the Eastern Conference’s Central Division.

“We’ve shown from the people on the bench and the people starting that we have the team to keep pushing,” Mohammed said about beating Columbus for the first time. “So it’s amazing to be doing that, especially at this point in the season.”

OCB will return to action next Sunday in its penultimate home game as the Young Lions welcome Eastern Conference-leading Crown Legacy FC to Kissimmee.

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