Orlando City B gave a lot of players a workout recently against the Chicago Fire II. They made their time count with a hard-earned win.
Several Orlando City B players debuted or notched first-time statistics against the Chicago Fire II. They also made an impression as the Lions left the Osceola County Stadium pitch with a 2-1 win.
The team is 1-1-0 with this first of many wins in the 2026 season.
In the 39th minute, the Lions started the scoring with a career-first goal on a first-time assist. That minute is when Pedro Leao caught up to fellow forward Harvey Sarajian’s pass.
The Sarajian pass that got the Lions started on their win came from deep on the right side of the Fire II box. It is the first assist of his professional career. The player now has a goal contribution in his first two pro matches. He’s proving the scouts right after getting picked in the first round of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.
But the Fire II players wanted to send a message to the Lions before they went to their clubhouse for halftime. In first-half stoppage time, Fire II defender Jack Sandmeyer got in position on a corner kick by Damien Nigg. The ball was struck in the box and parried by Lions goalkeeper Tristan Himes.
The ball fell before Sandmeyer, who wasted no seconds kicking it back in the net for an equalizer and his first professional goal.
It was Himes’ first start in goal for the season. He finished the match with four saves.
In the second half, Orlando City B introduced some fresh new legs to press harder in defense against Chicago. But they also wanted an offensive push from their experienced players.
Forward Justin Ellis was on the City B pitch after some drilling with the First Team. Midfielder Bernardo Rhein sent in a pass from the left side of the box that Ellis nabbed. He had to curl his shot past Fire II goalkeeper Owen Pratt, but it ended in the upper-right corner.
In a game of firsts, it was Rhein’s first assist of his career. It was the first goal of the season for Ellis and the ninth career goal for Orlando City B across all competitions. Their combination produced the game-winner.
Look for more firsts from Orlando City B. And look for many more victories.