Orlando City B x FC Tucson

FC Tucson begins their first professional season tomorrow in Orlando at 4:30 AZ time against Orlando City B. Watch the match on ESPN+.

Tucson has had a busy week with the long awaited Jersey reveal, travel to Orlando and some unexpected transfer news. FC Tucson signed two players this week, including one loan from LAFC. Unfortunately the club announced yesterday that it had parted ways with the team’s first signing of the year, Moshe Perez. No additional information was given about the release. I’m going to avoid speculation, but when more info is available, I will post it.

Recent Additions:

Eligible for the match are FC Tucson’s two newest signings, Forward Eti Tavares and Goalkeeper Philip Ejimadu.

Eti is a pacy winger that spent last season with USL Championship side Tulsa Roughnecks. He has been with the team the past few weeks, so he is already comfortable in the system. Eti definitely impressed in the preseason friendly against Sporting AZ, I could see him sneak into the starting XI this week.

Philip Ejimadu is a U-20 US Men’s national GK on loan from LAFC. Prior to being signed by LAFC, Ejimadu spent five years playing in the academy of Brazilian club Nacional Aletico Clube. He adds much needed depth at GK with Keenan Weekes still recovering from an undisclosed injury,

Roster Preview:

With this being the first game of a new era, I can honestly say I have zero clue about who is starting at most positions. I have only seen FC Tucson line up a few times this preseason.

If I had to guess at a starting XI, it would look something like this:

    Cox      Delgado      Wright

Wheeler-Omiunu    Martinez     

Somersall

Terron    Bjornethun    Wakasa    Ledbetter

I think Terron and Ledbetter have locked down the starting full-back spots. If Kyle Venter is fit he may supplant Wakasa at CB. Colin Stripling has impressed at DM this preseason, but I think Raheem is the starter this week. Karsten Hanlin, Devyn Jambga, and newly signed Eti, could all break into the Starting XI.

Preview of OCB:

One word to describe Orlando City B: Youth

The average age of Orlando City B’s players is 20 years old.

The program took a hiatus last season in preparation to transition into USL League One. OCB felt that League One is more suited to their youth development than USL Championship.

Orlando City B is clearly emphasizing youth development as one of their core principles for the coming season. Orlando has stated that the team will “serve as the bridge between the First Team, the top of the Orlando City SC development pyramid, and the Academy”.

The players lack experience, but make up with it in raw talent and determination. There are only a handful of players on the roster with professional experience. GK Christian Herrera played for Swope Park Rangers last season, as did Defender Matheus Silva. Koby Osei-Wusu also joined after spending last year with the Richmond Kickers.

OCB has recently acquired 3 players on loan from Brazilian Club Aletico Paranese. This should help add depth and experience to a roster that sorely needs it.

Prediction:

FCT 3 x OCB 1

I think Tucson’s defense will hold and Orlando’s attack will open them up to the counter. I think Delgado will have a brace and Luis will get his first goal of the season.

Closing thought:

USL League One is brand new, and the level of competition has yet to be determined. It might not be until the mid point of the season, when the dust settles, that we see the league’s identity emerge. Will it be a sustainable addition to the competitive landscape, or will it be just another rung on the development ladder?