Orlando City B (6-5-1, 20 points) at Carolina Core FC (2-3-5, 13 points)
When: Wednesday, June 11, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Truist Point Stadium, High Point, N.C.
TV: Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (subscription required)
Déjà Vu
Orlando City Academy midfielder Justin Hylton has made an instant impact since debuting with OCB on June 1, recording two game-winning assists—both in stoppage time—in his first two career appearances with OCB. His first assist came three minutes after stepping onto the field as a late substitute against Chattanooga FC, setting up midfielder Noah Levis’ game-winning goal in second-half stoppage time. Just five days later, Hylton played hero again, setting up Dyson Clapier’s game-winning goal in stoppage time to complete a come-from-behind win at Huntsville City FC.
Sargis Stepping Up
It was a week of firsts for several Orlando City B players, with unexpected heroes emerging in pivotal moments. From debut goals serving as game-winners to clutch assists in stoppage time, the young Lions stepped up when it mattered most. Defender Hayden Sargis joined that list last Friday against Huntsville City FC, netting his first goal for the OCB. Though not the game-winner, his header off Jhon Solís’ corner kick gave the Lions a crucial lead early in the second half that would ultimately prove vital in a 3-2 comeback victory. Since signing with the club in March, Sargis has featured in nine of OCB’s 12 matches this season.
Cardiac Cats
Orlando City B has developed a recent flare for the dramatic, coming up clutch at the very end of its last two matches. Against both Chattanooga FC and Huntsville City FC, the young Lions found themselves level going into second-half stoppage time with a draw seeming inevitable. However, late-game heroics helped OCB defeat two of the top three teams in the league at the time. Against Chattanooga, the Lions’ winner came in the first minute of second-half stoppage time, while their game-winning strike against Huntsville came just one minute later, in the second minute of stoppage time.
Wrapping Up the Road Trip
Wednesday’s match at Carolina Core FC will mark the end of a two-game road trip for Orlando City B after the side defeated Huntsville City FC in the first leg last Friday. The Lions have faced Carolina Core FC at Truist Point Stadium just once before, with Wednesday evening marking only the fourth meeting between the two sides all-time. Orlando City B has already made one trip to North Carolina this season, defeating Crown Legacy FC back in March; they’ll look for a similar result this time around prior to entering a two-week break before hosting Toronto FC II back at Osceola County Stadium on June 25.
