OCB vs. Charlotte Independence: Match Preview and How to Watch

The strange schedule for Orlando City B (3-3-3, 12 points) comes to end tonight as the young Lions host the Charlotte Independence (2-2-2, 8 points) at Orlando City Stadium. It will be the second of three scheduled meetings of the season between the two United Soccer League clubs. OCB will visit Charlotte on Aug. 19.

In the first meeting between the two clubs, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Albert Dikwa scored the lone goal for OCB to match Lewis Hilton’s tally. Last season, OCB went 1-1-1 against the Independence with a win and a draw at home and a loss on the road. Paul Clowes will be a familiar face to the Independence as he faces his old club for the second time this season.

OCB is currently on a four-match unbeaten run, collecting three consecutive clean sheets. In their last outing, the Lions defeated FC Cincinnati, 2-0. Pierre Da Silva and Richie Laryea scored the two goals in the victory over Cincinnati.

“It’s been a strange month, only having two games in May,” OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis said. “Positives of that are you get a lot of quality training time with the guys, which has been good. Having said that, I think everybody now is itching to get into a rhythm of playing games again. Boys have trained really well and we’re really looking forward to the game on Saturday.”

Earl Edwards Jr. has been the best player for OCB thus far. He ranks third in the USL in saves and has been the regular starter for the club in goal.

The Independence, like OCB, only play two matches in May. Their last league game ended in a victory against the New York Red Bulls II with a 5-1 win.

Most Recent Lineups

Orlando City B (May 13 vs. FC Cincinnati): Earl Edwards Jr; Zach Ellis-Hayden, Seb Hines, Conor Donovan, Rafael Ramos; Tony Rocha, Austin Martz; Pierre Da Silva, Lewis Neal (C), Richie Laryea; Albert Dikwa.

Charlotte Independence (May 11 vs. New York Red Bulls II): Cody Mizell; Donald Smith, Luke Waechter, Henry Kalungi, Joel Johnson; Jun Davidson, Callum Ross; Alex Martinez, Enzo Martinez, David Estrada; Jorge Herrera (C).

The 7:30 p.m. kickoff can be streamed from the official USL Youtube page or at www.OrlandoCitySC.com/LIVE.