OCB Defeats Defending USL Champion Rochester Rhinos 2-1

MELBOURNE, Fla. (May 22, 2016) — Orlando City B (3-5-2, 11 points) defeated the defending United Soccer League (USL) champion Rochester Rhinos (4-2-2, 14 points) 2-1. Orlando City SC loanee Hadji Barry opened his scoring account with a brace for the Lions while defender Conor Donovan played his first full 90-minute performance since recovering from a knee injury suffered last August.

“Pleasing performance. Good result. I think it’s no mean feat to beat the reigning champions here at home. They’ve been on a good run and they’ve kept a lot of clean sheets so to score two was pleasing,” OCB head coach Anthony Pulis said. “I’m delighted that [Hadji Barry] got his first two goals for us. I’m pleased. I thought the boys played some good stuff tonight.”

After starting the match with majority of possession and threatening the Rhinos in the final third, OCB opened the scoring in the 41st minute. Midfielder Tony Rocha recovered the ball in midfield and found Barry in behind the Rochester back line, and the 2016 MLS SuperDraft first-round selection slotted it past goalkeeper Adam Grinwis for his first goal with the Lions.

Barry continued his strong evening in the second half, consistently getting open for passes from the midfield and making dangerous runs into the box. The Guinean’s offensive efforts resulted in the game-winning goal in the 57th minute, when his powerful low strike from 20 yards out found the back of the net.

Despite the defending champion’s attempts to come back, reducing the lead in the 86th minute from the penalty spot, City managed to maintain control of possession and secure points for the third time in their past four home fixtures.

OCB returns to action when it hosts the Charlotte Independence on Saturday, May 28, at Titan Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. E.T. Tickets to all City home matches are available at OrlandoCitySC.com or by calling 855-ORL-CITY.

Orlando City