Orlando City B (9-12-5, 35 points) at Carolina Core FC (8-9-9, 38 points)
When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Truist Point, High Point, N.C.
TV: Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
All Level
Orlando City B is set to face independent MLS NEXT Pro side Carolina Core FC. Since Carolina joined the league in 2024, the Lions and the Foxes have met five times, with each team winning twice, once at home and once away, and drawing the fifth match for a 2-2-1 record. The rivalry remains evenly matched in 2025, with both teams winning their respective home games this season. Saturday’s clash presents an opportunity for the Lions to claim the season series and take the lead in the all-time head-to-head.
Hard-Hitting Games
Orlando City B enters the weekend as the most fouled team in MLS NEXT Pro throughout the 2025 campaign. Not only are the Lions the most fouled team in the league, but they’re also the only team in the Eastern Conference to have suffered more than 400 fouls against them. To this point in the season, OCB has been fouled 443 times MLS NEXT Pro action, 11 more than the second most fouled team, Austin FC II (432), and 39 more than the third most fouled team, St. Louis CITY SC 2 (404). Midfielder Riyon Tori also enters the weekend as the seventh most fouled player in the league this season, having been fouled 54 times, the most of any OCB player this season.
Competitive to the Core
The last meeting between Orlando City B and Carolina Core FC took place on July 13 at Osceola County Stadium. Orlando City B dominated in the summer heat, scoring three goals to secure a convincing win. Forward Justin Ellis netted twice, once in the 22nd minute and again in the 54th via a penalty kick, while Brazilian forward Thalles sealed the victory with a goal in the 84th minute, earning the Lions all three points.
Playoff Push
With just two 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 Saturday’s opposition Carolina Core FC, who occupy the final two playoff spots in seventh and eighth place, respectively. A win against the Core on Saturday could prove pivotal, potentially propelling OCB into playoff position as they aim to reach the postseason for a third consecutive year.
