Orlando City B (1-0-1, 5 points) vs Inter Miami CF II (1-0-1, 4 points)
When: Tuesday, April 2, 6:00 p.m. ET
Where: IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL
TV: MLSNEXTPro.com
Rising Star
Orlando City B’s last match saw a great performance and milestone hit by one of its young Academy stars. Orlando City Academy forward Justin Ellis started in the match and scored the Lions’ lone goal in regulation, both firsts for the Wellington, Florida native. At 16 years, eight months and 10 days old on the day he scored, Ellis became the youngest goal scorer in OCB history and earned league recognition for his efforts, being named MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Matchday.
Tiebreaking Test
The Lions’ matchup with Huntsville City FC saw the two sides play to a 1-1 draw at the final whistle, leading Orlando City B into its first tiebreaking scenario of the 2024 campaign. OCB took the extra point on the night, winning the end-of-regulation shootout via a 4-3 scoreline, with two saves from goalkeeper Carlos Mercado setting up Orlando City Academy’s Thomas Bowe to finish things off with the final point-securing goal.
Starting Strong
Orlando City B continued its strong start to the season, picking up multiple points in both of the Club’s first two matches. The Lions started the 2023 season undefeated through their first three matches, including a 2-0 win over intrastate foes Inter Miami CF II in their third match of the campaign and will look to equal that feat this Tuesday night.
Battle at IMG
Tuesday night’s matchup between Orlando City B and Inter Miami CF II will take place at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida as a part of the 2024 Generation adidas Cup. In addition to the usual English-language broadcast, for the first time ever, fans will also be able to hear an MLS NEXT Pro match in French, Spanish, and Portuguese through the power of artificial intelligence.
