Orlando City B (9-11-5, 35 points) vs Huntsville City FC (11-8-6, 43 points)
When: Sunday, Sept. 21, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Osceola County Stadium, Kissimmee, Fla.
TV: Watch on MLSNEXTPro.com (free)
Finding His Form
Forward Thalles has emerged as a reliable scoring threat for Orlando City B, netting goals in three consecutive matches, including the equalizer against Inter Miami CF II last Sunday. Impressively, four of his five career goals for OCB have come in the last five games, helping the Lions secure victories in three of those contests. Thanks to this recent surge, the Brazilian international now ranks third on the team in goals this season with five, trailing only fellow forward Justin Ellis (7) and midfielder Shak Mohammed (10).
Ellis Elevating Others
With his assist on Thalles’ 53rd-minute goal against Inter Miami CF II, forward Justin Ellis now leads Orlando City B with four assists on the season. That contribution also pushed Ellis to the top of the club’s goal involvement chart with 11 total goal contributions, surpassing Shak Mohammed’s 10. The 18-year-old Florida native has started all 19 matches he’s appeared in this season, recording at least one goal or assist in six of those outings.
Hunting for More
Orlando City B and Huntsville City FC have met twice this season, both matches taking place at Wicks Family Field in Alabama, with each team earning a win. Now, the Lions will host Huntsville at Osceola County Stadium for the first time since September 2024. Dating back to 2023, OCB holds a perfect 3-0-0 home record against Huntsville, boasting a +9-goal differential across those three matches. A win on Sunday would secure the season series and preserve the Lions’ unbeaten home streak against their division rivals.
Playoff Push
With just three games remaining in the MLS NEXT Pro regular season, every point is crucial for Orlando City B’s playoff hopes. Currently sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference with 35 points, the Lions are level with New York City FC II and just one point behind Toronto FC II and Carolina Core FC, who occupy the final two playoff spots in seventh and eighth place, respectively. A win against Huntsville City FC on Sunday could prove pivotal, potentially propelling OCB into playoff position as they aim to reach the postseason for a third consecutive year.
