In its third match of the 2017 United Soccer League (USL) season, Orlando City B (1-0-2, 3 points) defeated Toronto FC II (1-0-2, 3 points) 3-1 at Orlando City Stadium for its first win of the 2017 season. First team players Hadji Barry and Pierre Da Silva contributed to two of the three goals of the game, with a goal and two assists, respectively, while Paul Clowes recorded his first career professional goal.
“Obviously pleased. I thought at times first half we played some really good football, especially on the counterattack. I thought we were really dangerous, Hadji [Barry], Richie [Laryea], Austin [Martz], Pierre Da Silva looked really dangerous tonight,” OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis said. “ [Zach Carroll and Léo Pereira] were outstanding tonight. I think you saw the real Zach Carroll. And Léo Pereira was excellent as well. He can play as a left back but I think he showed everybody tonight that he’s got a lot of potential and I was really pleased in our center backs.”
The Lions started the match dominating possession in the final third and were rewarded in the 16th minute when Clowes beat goalkeeper Angelo Cavalluzzo to Carroll’s cross and headed home. Toronto equalized in the 30th minute with a neat finish by Malik Johnson after the ball bounced off Da Silva but OCB quickly responded 11 minutes later with a well worked team goal. First Team midfielder Richie Laryea started the attack as he dribbled to the top of the box before laying it off for Da Silva on the left. The 19 year old forward then released the ball across the box for Barry to finish at full stretch (pictured below.)
OCB opened the second half determined to secure the three points and captain Lewis Neal added the third in the 51st minute when he fired home after good work by Da Silva on the right hand side. At the back, center backs Carroll and Pereira gave OCB a firm defensive platform and they were put to the test when the Lions were reduced to 10 men in the 68th minute as Da Sila was sent off for a lunge at the ball. The defence and keeper Earl Edwards, Jr. held firm with some good defensive work to keep the visitors out and give OCB its first win in its new downtown stadium.
Barry, a former University of Central Florida star, troubled Toronto’s backline all evening playing as a lone striker. The 2016 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick stretched TFCII and might have added another goal in the 65th minute as his powerful shot found Cavalluzzo’s hands instead of the net.
“[Barry] was a threat for their back line all night long. He probably should’ve had more goals and he got himself into some fantastic positions but then that final decision and that cutting edge, being a little more clinical,” Pulis added. “But again, this is probably his first game in a few weeks. I’m sure he’ll be pleased, I know he’s tired, he got a bit of a cramp at the end but that was a good run for Hadji tonight.”
OCB returns to action on Saturday, April 8, against Charlotte Independence. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Orlando City Stadium. The Lions will then begin a three-game road trip on Friday, April 14, against the New York Red Bulls. Tickets can be purchased for Saturday’s match against Charlotte at www.OrlandoCitySC.com/OCB/
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City B – GK Earl Edwards, Jr., D Kevin Alston, Léo Pereira, Zach Carroll, PC, M ⓒ Lewis Neal, Paul Clowes (Ryley Kraft 64’), Austin Martz, Pierre Da Silva, F Richie Laryea (Danny Deakin 71’), Hadji Barry (Albert Dikwa 79’)
Substitutes: GK Jake Fenlason, D Zach Ellis-Hayden, Conor Donovan, F Joe Gallardo
Toronto FC II – GK Angelo Cavalluzzo, D Oyvind Alseth, ⓒ Mitchell Taintor (Brandon Aubrey 46’), Brandon Onkony, M Liam Fraser, Brian James (Sergio Camargo 64’), Ryan Telfer, Jordan McCrary (Tsubasa Endoh 69’), F Malik Johnson, Shaan Hundal, Ricardo John
Substitutes: GK Brogan Engbers, M Anthony Osorio, , Luca Uccello, F Ben Spencer
Attendance: 1,098
More photos at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com