What to watch when Orlando City B travels to New York to face NYCFC II

Orlando City B went into last weekend’s match against Atlanta United 2 with the goal of securing a win to stay in the playoff battle. The young Lions did not disappoint, heading to Fifth Third Bank Stadium and dominating in a 4-1 victory over ATL 2. For the second straight game, striker Yutaro Tsukada contributed two goals for OCB, giving the club an early 1-0 lead in the first half and setting up Shak Mohammed later in the second half. The Lions matched a season-high three goals in the first half and scored their second-highest goal tally of the 2024 season with four goals. Defender Luca Petrasso also scored his first MLS NEXT Pro goal just before halftime.

The Lions don’t have much time to celebrate their win in Kennesaw. They will continue their short away tour by visiting Belson Stadium to face New York City FC II. OCB and New York will play each other for the second time in 10 days. This match was rescheduled after a postponed clash in June. The Lions won their final game of the season at Osceola County Stadium, 3-2 against NYCFC II, with Shak Mohammed scoring the game-winning goal in the 63rd minute. OCB recorded its first-ever home win against the Pigeons and remained unbeaten in six matches against the New York-based club since joining MLS NEXT Pro.

Forward Yutaro Tsukada and defender Alex Freeman have been Orlando City B’s leading assist providers so far this season, and that trend continued over the weekend against Atlanta United 2. For the second straight game, Tsukada and Freeman each recorded an assist for the club and are tied for the team lead with six assists each. Not only do the pair lead OCB, but both players are also tied for the top five assists in all of MLS NEXT Pro. Tsukada is also in the league’s top 10 with 12 goal involvements so far.

Since a 5-0 win over Huntsville City FC in May, the Lions have struggled to find the back of the net. In the 10 games that followed, OCB was only able to score 13 goals and posted a 1-3-6 record. However, in the last two games, both of which were won, the Lions showed renewed energy in their offense. Against New York City FC II and Atlanta United 2, OCB scored seven goals for a plus-four goal differential. The Lions have moved into the top half of MLS NEXT Pro with 39 goals scored this season and remained in the top 10 with 32 goals conceded. Still just below the playoff line, the Lions will need a balanced attack to continue this two-game winning streak and climb up the standings.