Orlando City B defeats Chicago Fire FC II 2-1 at Osceola County Stadium in MLS NEXT Pro

Orlando secures first 2026 win as Chicago’s early pressure yields only one goal

Orlando City B earned a 2-1 home victory over Chicago Fire FC II on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, Florida, collecting its first win of the MLS NEXT Pro season. The result moved Orlando to 1-1-0 (3 points) and left Chicago at 0-1-1 (2 points) through two matches.

The game followed a pattern of alternating momentum: Chicago generated sustained attacking pressure early and finished with a 19-16 edge in total shots, but Orlando converted two of its clearer chances and managed key defensive moments in both halves.

First half: Orlando strikes first, Chicago answers immediately before the break

Chicago’s opening phase included a significant opportunity in the 25th minute when defender Jack Sandmeyer forced a goal-line intervention on a header. Orlando, however, opened the scoring in the 39th minute through forward Pedro Leão. The move developed down the right side before a cutback found Leão for a clean finish, with Harvey Sarajian credited for the assist.

Chicago responded in first-half stoppage time. A corner kick from Damian Nigg created a scramble in the area, and after the initial attempt was saved, Sandmeyer finished the rebound to level the match 1-1 at 45+1. The goal was Sandmeyer’s first in MLS NEXT Pro.

Second half: Ellis’ curler separates the teams

Both teams created chances after halftime in a higher-tempo stretch that included 13 total corner kicks and frequent transitions. Orlando regained the lead in the 72nd minute when midfielder Justin Ellis cut inside from the left and curled a right-footed shot into the far side of goal. Bernardo Rhein was credited with the assist.

Chicago continued to push for an equalizer, but Orlando goalkeeper Tristan Himes made four saves in his first start of the season to close out the match. Chicago’s Owen Pratt recorded five saves.

Discipline, debuts, and lineup notes

• Five cautions were issued: two to Chicago and three to Orlando.
• Chicago newcomer Tidiane Diawara made his first appearance, entering as a second-half substitute.
• Orlando handed a first professional start to Jaylen Yearwood and used second-half substitutes Parker Amoo-Mensah, Landon Okonski, and Logan Tsopanoglou, each making an OCB debut.
• Orlando’s matchday squad included significant academy representation; the team used 11 players with Orlando City Academy backgrounds during the match.

What’s next

Chicago Fire FC II returns home for its first home match of 2026, hosting Chattanooga FC at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, on March 15. Orlando City B travels for its first road match of the season, facing Carolina Core FC on March 14 at Truist Point.

Scoring: 39’ Leão (Sarajian), 45+1’ Sandmeyer, 72’ Ellis (Rhein).