FC Tucson vs Orlando City B

FC Tucson vs Orlando City B : After going winless through the first seven games of the season, Orlando City B (2-5-2, 8 points) has won its last two. Tonight, the Young Lions will travel to Arizona for the first time, where they will take on FC Tucson (3-4-1, 10 points).

FC Tucson vs Orlando City B

Losing five of its first seven games, OCB appeared to be at its lowest point when the team fell 4-1 to North Texas SC on May 11. Rather than allowing that loss to negatively impact the upcoming games, they’ve managed to turn their season around, defeating Toronto FC II and the Richmond Kickers in back-to-back games.

On the attacking end, the Young Lions have been led by Moises Tablante and Thiago Souza, both having scored in those two games. While Souza scored both of his goals on penalties, Serginho assisted on both of Tablante’s before converting a long-range strike of his own that resulted in the midfielder being awarded the USL League One Goal of the Week.

Darren Sawatzky called over his FC Tucson players at the end of a recent midweek practice. As they gathered around him, Sawatzky preached about having a positive mindset. Not everybody, he reminded the team, will get a chance to dress for Friday night’s match against Orlando City B at Kino North Stadium.

In that regard, the first-year coach is setting a good example.

The last team from Florida remaining, Orlando City will join the U.S. Open Cup in the fourth round and is set to take on Memphis 901 FC at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex in Memphis, TN on June 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET. Orlando fans may recognize Memphis 901 FC as the destination Cam Lindley was loaned to at the start of this season. Lindley won’t be able to play in the match, but former Orlando goalkeeping coach Tim Mulqueen will be involved as he has become head coach for Memphis.