Jack Lynn broke the scoreless tie and scored the first MLS NEXT Pro goal ever for Orlando City B in the 50th minute. He added a second one in the 87th as the team from Florida went on to pick up three valuable points in a victory over Chicago Fire II in the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro match for both clubs. Wilfredo Rivera also performed admirably for the home team as he assisted on both goals.
One significant thing to note is that Justin Reynolds' straight red card in the 37th minute was the event that turned the tide in favor of OCB. The outcome could have been different, but it is a daunting task to overcome when a team is playing down one player for over half of the match.
'Super' Javier Otero
It's a bird, a plane, no, it's Super Javier Otero!
Chicago Fire FC II had their fair share of opportunities in front of the goal; however, they were denied time after time by Javier Otero, who was named the man of the match. The OCB goalkeeper had a spectacular game as he helped shut down a ferocious Chicago Fire II attack. The Orlando City B goalkeeper was indeed the story of the match.
In the first half, Otero had seven saves, and finished the game with nine in a performance that indeed not only made Head Coach Martin Perelman smile, but the entire Orlando City SC organization and its fans. These types of performances by the likes of Otero and Lynn are what MLS NEXT Pro is all about. These opportunities will provide the needed visibility to players capable of playing at the top level.
Anyone who watched Otero's performance today would undoubtedly argue that the keeper is ready for the big time, but let us hold our horses. Otero, like Lynn, and all other players in today's match will get the opportunity to polish their skills in the weeks to come at MLS NEXT Pro.
