OCB Draws Conference Leader Charlotte Independence

MATTHEWS, N.C. (August 19, 2017) – In the first match of a two-game road trip, Orlando City B (7-6-11, 32 points) drew the Charlotte Independence (12-4-8, 44 points) 1-1 Saturday at the Sportsplex at Matthews. Hadji Barry scored his eighth goal of the season.

“We started off really brightly and in a strange way that goal came almost too early because I felt like we took a back step and we gave Charlotte far too much respect until the hydration break,” Lions Head Coach Anthony Pulis said. “Second half, we showed a lot of grit, a lot of energy, a lot of togetherness, and we still had two or three really good opportunities at goal. All in all, I think we’re pleased to take a point on the road against the conference leaders.”

Barry opened the scoring in the fifth minute when a foul inside the box gave the Lions an early opportunity on goal with a penalty. The 2016 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick slotted the ball into the left hand corner off the fingers of Charlotte goalkeeper Cody Mizell to give the Lions the quick lead. It was Barry’s team-leading eighth goal of the season and his fifth in the last four matches.

Charlotte midfielder David Estrada equalized in the seventh minute when he connected with an open ball in the box.

The second half saw the save count rocket to 14 with many more shots on goal but no more goals scored. Earl Edwards, Jr. kept the Lions in the match time and time again, making a double save in the 67th minute that would have meant a goal against most goalkeepers. Edwards made eight saves and now has four shutouts in the last six games.

The draw extends OCB’s unbeaten streak to 10 games, a Club record. The draw moves OCB into seventh in the Eastern Conference, one point above eighth-place New York Red Bulls II and one behind Bethlehem Steel FC.

“We’re delighted [with the record],” Pulis said. “We said to the guys before the game that we want to set the bar higher and higher and not just be content with what we’ve done, because we haven’t achieved anything. I’m proud of the players because it is a good record but there is still an awful lot of work to be done.”

In addition to Edwards and Barry, First Teamers Rafael Ramos, Conor Donovan, Pierre Da Silva were in the starting XI.

The Lions visit Louisville City FC next Saturday before returning to Orlando City Stadium to host Bethlehem Steel FC on Thursday, Aug. 31. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

Scoring Summary:
OCB - Hadji Barry (PK) 5’
CLT - David Estrada 7’

Misconduct Summary:
ORL - Paul Clowes (Yellow Card) 53’
ORL - Zach Carroll (Yellow Card) 56’
ORL - Hadji Barry (Yellow Card) 90+2’

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City B - GK Earl Edwards, Jr., D Youmeni Jules, Conor Donovan, ⓒ Zach Carroll, Rafael Ramos (Zach Ellis-Hayden 61’), M Paul Clowes (Timbó 88’), Pierre Da Silva, Scott Thomsen, Jordan Schweitzer, Joe Gallardo (Austin Martz 70’), F Hadji Barry

Substitutes: GK Jake Fenlason, M Ryley Kraft, F Michael Cox, Albert Dikwa

Charlotte Independence - GK Cody Mizell, D Luke Waechter, Henry Kalungi, Austin Yearwood (Donnie Smith 72’), Joel Johnson, M Jun Davidson (Callum Ross 85’), David Estrada, Lewis Hilton, Alex Martinez, F ⓒ Jorge Herrera (Jaime Siaj 57’), Enzo Martinez

Substitutes: GK Kainoa Likewise, D Ashani Fairclough, Dennis Castillo, M Jacob Bender  

Details of the Game
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear
Date: Aug. 19, 2017

Stats:

Possession:
OCB -  35.9%
CLT - 64.1%

Shots:
OCB - 13
CLT - 21

Saves:
OCB - 8
CLT - 6

Corners:
OCB - 6
CLT - 8

Fouls:
OCB - 9
CLT - 10