Orlando City B had a lot to celebrate this past weekend as they continued their perfect start to their season with a 2-0 victory against in-state rival Inter Miami CF II.
Their victory on Sunday was primarily thanks to one of their young Homegrown players Favian Loyola. The 17-year-old rising star has been turning heads with his incredible talent and skill on the field, and his performance in OCB’s latest game was no exception.
The young forward scored an impressive goal and provided a crucial assist, helping his team secure a well-deserved victory. Loyola’s performance was a great display of talent and athleticism, earning the Young Lion the MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchday 3 honors.
Loyola began putting his imprint on the game early when in the fourth minute, he received a pass out wide near the corner flag and whipped in a powerful curling cross to Jack Lynn, who redirected the ball for the goal.
Lynn’s goal would mark the third consecutive game that Orlando City B scored within the first five minutes of the game.
The 17-year-old would again connect with a teammate in the box on a set-piece play near the end of the first half. Unfortunately for OCB, the linesman marked Alex Freeman offside, and the score would remain 1-0 until moments later.
In the 40th minute, Loyola scored the goal that sealed the game for OCB after he split his defenders, dribbled into the Inter Miami CF II 18-yard box, and placed a low-driven goal into the back of the net.
After some heroics from Orlando City B's goalkeeper Javier Otero in the second half, the game concluded 2-0 in favor of the home side. When Loyola is not scoring goals for Orlando, we discovered from the OCB's communications team that he is working on his clothing line while pursuing a Business degree online.
Orlando City B and Loyola will now put their undefeated record on the line next week when they travel to face off against Atlanta United 2 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium on Sunday, April 16.
