Week 16 of the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season features an in-state showdown between two Eastern Conference teams that are continuing their push for playoff involvement later this season.
Both Orlando City B and Inter Miami II have alternated victories in their past two head-to-head meetings this season and will look for three points in the final showdown this weekend. OCB has only won one of their last five matches in league play while Inter Miami II has won two-consecutive matches and three of its last five.
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Orlando City B comes into Sunday’s clash five points behind Inter Miami II in the Eastern Conference table and could definitely use a win on home soil. Two of OCB’s three league wins this season have come at home, while they’ve only suffered defeat once in front of their home supporters.
Jack Lynn has excelled for Orlando City B this season, leading the Florida-based club with 11 goals to date. Lynn, 22, has scored in five of his last six MLS NEXT Pro appearances,totaling six goals in that span. The former Notre Dame standout will need help though if OCB wants to knock off their in-state rivals and move closer to the top-four.
Jack Lynn, forward: Lynn has been a one-man wrecking crew this season, continuing to find the back of the net for the OCB attack. If he gets going against Inter Miami II, it could be a long night for the visitors.
Moises Tablante, forward: Moises Tablante has been the best creative player in the OCB squad this season, registering four assists. The 21-year-old will be under close watch from the Inter Miami defenders as they try to limit the forward’s connection with Lynn.
Alex Freeman, defender: Freeman has been one of OCB’s best defenders this season, taking part in 129 duels and making 15 interceptions. The 17-year-old will be key in trying to stop a creative Inter Miami II attacking unit.
Inter Miami cannot conclude Week 16 in the top four of the Eastern Conference, but a win over Orlando City B would move Darren Powell’s side just one point behind fourth-place RNY FC. Inter Miami II has won back-to-back home matches over the past two weeks, but now kicks off a three-match roadtrip this Sunday in Orlando.
Shanyder Borgelin (five goals) and Shaan Hundai (three goals) have each scored in consecutive victories and will be a dangerous 1-2 duo for OCB to monitor. Romeo Beckham leads the team with six assists and will pull the strings in midfield.
Romeo Beckham, midfielder: Beckham’s distribution and playmaking abilities will be key for Inter Miami II during the second-half of the season, especially if the club wants to get into the playoffs. The 19-year-old has six assists this season and two in his last five appearances, giving the young attacking midfielder added confidence going forward.
Shanyder Borgelin, forward: Borgelin has been Inter Miami II’s best goalscoring threat of late and will be relied on to deliver in key matches this summer, starting with Sunday’s rivalry showdown.
C.J. Dos Santos, goalkeeper: A former U.S. Youth National Team player, Dos Santos is still developing at the club level. The 21-year-old has been busy for most of the season and will be important for Inter Miami II down the summer stretch of the season. With Inter Miami’s offense being inconsistent at times, Dos Santos might need to steal a match on his own with a top performance in between the posts.
