KENNESAW, Ga. (August 23, 2024) – Orlando City B (7-6-9, 34 points) scored a season-high three goals in the first half in a 4-1 win over Atlanta United 2 (6-10-5, 26 points) at Fifth Third Bank Stadium on Friday night. With all three points, the Lions are currently in the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference ahead of this weekend’s games.
Yutaro Tsukada continued to find plenty of opportunities to support the Lions’ offense, contributing two goals on the night. The forward opened the scoring early in the first half with a goal and later in the second half set up Shak Mohammed’s 10th goal of the season. Mohammed’s finish moved him into third place for most goals in MLS NEXT Pro.
In addition to Tsukada, defender Alex Freeman also recorded his sixth assist of the season by setting up captain Imanol Almaguer for his second goal of the 2024 season. Both Tsukada and Freeman currently rank fifth in assists in MLS NEXT Pro.
After recording his first career assist earlier this month, defender Luca Petrasso scored his first MLS NEXT Pro goal late in the first half.
The young Lions will finish their short, two-game road trip at Belson Stadium and face New York City FC II for the second time in 10 days on Wednesday, August 28. The game is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. ET and is available to watch with the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
