Week 20 of the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season kicks off with several teams remaining in the hunt for playoff places, but for Orlando City B a victory over an in-form TFC II side could be just the spark that propels it up the Eastern Conference standings.
TFC II is riding a seven-match unbeaten run in league play, currently sitting in fourth place and the final playoff spot in the East. Gianni Cimini’s squad have won four of their last seven matches, posting four clean sheets and relying on several players to contribute goals of late.
Orlando City B sits nine points behind Toronto FC II in the East standings, winning just three out of 11 matches since May. A first meeting with TFC II this season could bring a new feel for the OCB players and staff, but with just eight league matches left on their schedule, Martin Perelman’s squad will need to aim for maximum points from here on out.
How to Watch:
This and every match will be available to stream live and free of charge on MLSNEXTPro.com.
MLS NEXT Pro has teamed up with automated camera technology provider Spiideo to deliver live streams of all MLS NEXT Pro matches, ensuring every game this season will be available for viewing on MLSNEXTPro.com.
Not many MLS NEXT Pro clubs are in better form than Toronto FC II, as the Canadian club is unbeaten in seven-straight matches.
Back-to-back road victories over Philadelphia Union II and New England Revolution II have boosted TFC II into the top four heading into Week 20. A total of six different players have scored goals during this unbeaten run, with Paul Rothrock netting his first MLS NEXT Pro brace in Week 19. Themi Antonoglou and Julian Altobelli have also been impressive this season in front of goal, combining for eight goals and four assists.
July’s MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month Luka Gavran will also be tough for OCB to beat, as the 22-year-old has only conceded 13 goals in 10 starts and registered four clean sheets to date.
Players to Watch:
Themi Antonoglou, midfielder: 21-year-old Themi Antonoglou has been one of the creative forces in TFC II’s squad this season, scoring four goals and adding three assists. The Canadian international will be fun to watch once again as TFC II aims to continue its unbeaten run.
Luka Gavran, goalkeeper: Gavran’s stellar run of form certainly helped in his MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month nod for July and the in-form shot-stopper isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. His four clean sheets rank fourth in MLS NEXT Pro this season.
Paul Rothrock, forward: Rothrock leads TFC II with five goals this season, including two in last week’s 2-0 road win over New England Revolution II. The 23-year-old is the main man in Gianni Cimini’s squad and should lead the line once again at BMO Field.
Orlando City B has only three matches in the past three months, with two of those coming in the past five weeks.
Martin Perelman’s squad has yet to face TFC II this season and will be in for a tough fight in Canada this weekend. Luckily for OCB though, Jack Lynn has remained one of the top attacking threats in MLS NEXT Pro while Nacier Acosta and Favian Loyola have contributed goals in recent weeks.
Lynn’s 12 goals are good for third in the MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot race with the former Notre Dame product scoring three in his last five appearances. Moises Tablante will also be expected to spark the OCB attack as the midfielder already has four goals and four assists in 2022.
Players to Watch:
Jack Lynn, forward: Jack Lynn has been a one-man wrecking crew for Orlando City B this season, scoring 12 goals and continuing to be a nuisance for opposing defenders. The in-form forward will be relied on to carry the load as OCB pushes to remain in the playoff hunt.
Moises Tablante, midfielder: If Lynn is held in check, Moises Tablante might be called on to carry the load. Tablante has four goals and four assists for OCB this season, while also leading the team in minutes played (1,322) and key passes (23).
Alex Freeman, defender: Alex Freeman leads the backline for OCB and will be key in helping silence an in-form TFC II attack. Freeman has been in 162 duels this season while also delivering 19 interceptions from his defensive position. OCB will rely on Freeman’s growing role in the squad to help start a needed winning run with only two months left to play.
