Orlando City B Overcomes Two Separate Deficits to Defeat Toronto in 3-2 Thriller

April 30, 2023 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Orlando City B News Release

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Orlando City B (4-1-1, 14 points) remained unbeaten at Osceola County Stadium on Sunday night, defeating Toronto FC II (0-4-1, 1 point) in a 3-2 victory. The match saw the Lions overcome two separate deficits, ultimately leading to a 91st-minute game-winner from Moises Tablante, good for his first goal of the year.

After the visitors took the lead in the third minute of play, the Lions would respond shortly after halftime off the foot of Alex Freeman, scoring his third goal of the year to take sole possession of the team lead. The Reds would answer just six minutes later, with OCB finding yet another equalizer in the 84th off the head of Abdi Salim via a corner kick from Wilfredo Rivera. All knotted up at 2-2, a strike from Tablante from outside the box sent the visitors home empty-handed and secured the Lions’ third win in four contests at Osceola County Stadium this season.

Scoring Summary:

3′ Jesús Batiz (Luka Gavran) – TOR 1, ORL 0

The visitors took the early lead with Toronto FC goalkeeper Luka Gavran sending a ball over top from his own box in behind the Lions’ defense for a running Jesús Batiz, who took his space before slotting a ball into the back of the net.

48′ Alex Freeman – ORL 1, TOR 1

The Lions leveled just after the halftime break with Moises Tablante charging down the left flank, sending a ball into the box that eventually fell to the feet of Favian Loyola. The Orlando City Homegrown’s strike was saved by Gavran, with the rebound falling to Alex Freeman who fired his shot into the top left corner.

54′ Hugo Mbongue – TOR 2, ORL 1

Toronto took the lead once more off of an error by the Lions defense, with Hugo Mbongue dispossessing Orlando City B at the back and sending his shot into the back of the net.

84′ Abdi Salim (Wilfredo Rivera) – ORL 2, TOR 2

Orlando City B leveled off a corner kick, with Wilfredo Rivera sending a ball in from the right side that sailed over the hands of Gavran and right to the head of Abdi Salim for the finish.

90+1′ Moises Tablante (Favian Loyola) – ORL 3, TOR 2

The Lions took the lead at the death, with Zakaria Taifi driving up the middle of the pitch before finding Favian Loyola to his right. Loyola would take a few touches before creating enough space to lay off a ball to Moises Tablante just outside the area. Tablante received it on his right, then spun around to his left foot and fired a strike straight into the back of…