Defending the Fortress
Orlando City B will look to remain unbeaten at Osceola County Stadium on Friday night, holding a 3-0-1 record in Kissimmee this campaign. Their last fixture at home resulted in a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Toronto FC II thanks to a 91st minute game-winner off the foot of Moises Tablante, who has found the back of the net twice in the Lions’ last three contests.
Welcome to the Show
Defender Fernando Sanchez made his professional debut over the weekend, entering the game late in the second half for the Lions. Sanchez, 16, is a product of the Orlando City Academy and serves as the 10th player to appear for Orlando City B in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro campaign that came through the Club’s Academy and the second to earn his professional debut.
Rivalry Week
Friday’s match will kick start a string of two rivalry matches for Orlando City B, first hosting neighbors to the north Atlanta United 2 before traveling to Fort Lauderdale for a fixture on Thursday, May 25 against Inter Miami CF II. The Lions have split results between their two rivals thus far in the campaign, taking a 2-0 shutout victory over the Herons at Osceola County Stadium before dropping a 3-1 decision to Atlanta United 2 the following week.
On the Board
A total of seven players for Orlando City B have found the back of the net this season, six of which have scored multiple times for the Lions in 2023. Homegrown defender Alex Freeman leads the charge with three finishes to his credit, followed by center back pairing Abdi Salim and Nabi Kibunguchy, each with two, along with Cristofer Acuña, Moises Tablante and Jack Lynn all with a pair as well.
