Orlando City B (1-0-0) vs Atlanta United 2 (0-1-0)
When: Sunday, March 16, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, FL
Season Opening Dominance
Orlando City B started off its 2025 regular season campaign with a 2-1 win over Columbus Crew 2 last Sunday at Osceola County Stadium. With the win, the Lions continued their dominance in season openers by winning four in a row since joining MLS NEXT Pro for the league’s inaugural season in 2022. The Lions were backed by goals from newly signed forward Dyson Clapier and academy product Zakaria Taifi. Taifi’s goal was his first for OCB and served as the game-winner in the victory over Columbus.
Making Their Presence Felt
New signing Dyson Clapier and Orlando City Academy product Zakaria Taifi made their presence felt last Sunday as they each contributed a goal in the Lions’ victory over Columbus Crew 2. Clapier, who made his first appearance for the Lions on Sunday, was the 51st overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft and was acquired by Orlando City B in February via trade and signed to a deal through the 2025 season with a Club option in 2026. Taifi, a homegrown talent, who joined the Lions’ academy in 2015, had appeared 36 times for OCB prior to last weekend’s match, signing an MLS NEXT Pro contract in March of 2024.
Atlanta Attitude
Coming off two victories and one draw in their last three matches against Atlanta United 2, the young Lions will look to continue that run of form on Sunday evening. Orlando City B has outscored Atlanta United 2 by nine goals to five in those last three matchups, including an end-of-regulation shootout victory. The Lions hold a 3-1-2 all-time record against Atlanta United 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, dating back to the 2023 season.
Leaving on a Good Note
Before the Lions head out on a two-game road trip, they will look to go perfect at home to start the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season. A win in Sunday evening’s match against the Five Stripes would set Orlando City B up high in the table to start the season, before the Club travels to take on Crown Legacy FC and Chattanooga FC in its next two fixtures. OCB will return home on April 9 when the Lions take on New England Revolution II at Osceola County Stadium.
