ORLANDO –  Albert Dikwa's first professional goal helped Orlando City B secure a 1-1 tie against the Charlotte Independence at Orlando City Stadium on Saturday. Lewis Hilton scored the Independence's first goal of the 2017 United Soccer League campaign an hour into the match, firing a shot by OCB goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr., who had a strong game despite conceding the goal. Dikwa, a Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA) product who signed for OCB in February, tapped in his goal after teammate Austin Martz sent a dangerous ball across the six-yard box. Orlando City B is now 1-1-2, while the Independence move to 0-1-1.

Scoring:
60' – CLT – Lewis Hilton (Alex Martinez)
70' – ORL – Albert Dikwa (Austin Martz)

Three Things That Mattered:

• 1. While Orlando City B is still looking for its first shutout of the 2017 season, Earl Edwards Jr. has been crucial to the success of the team. The 25-year-old netminder has made eye-opening reaction saves throughout the first four games of the year, including two stops on Saturday evening. The Independence's Yann Ekra sent a dangerous cross in from the right wing, and Léo Pereira attempted to clear the ball out but sent it towards goal. A last-second kick-save by Edwards Jr. kept OCB in the game, and his side scored the equalizer minutes later.
• 2. After multiple good looks, the Independence netted their first goal of the 2017 USL campaign. Ekra was strong up front for the road side, creating a chance four minutes into match and combining with teammate Casey Townsend, who was denied on the doorstep, in the 40th minute. Joel Johnson showed well attacking down the right wing, and one of the Independence's best chances started at his feet in the 23rd minute. After beating a man, Johnson cut inside and dribbled towards the box before sending a cross to the back post, where Alex Martinez headed the ball on frame. OCB goalkeeper Edwards Jr. was up to the task, though, and made the point-blank save. In the 60th minute, Lewis Hilton, who was ranked fourth on the final edition of the Premier Development League's Top Prospect list in 2015, found the breakthrough in the 60th minute. A beautiful through ball from Alex Martinez found the run of Hilton, who hit his shot in from close range.
• 3. Orlando City B's young lineup continues to impress. While there is no substitute for experience, a handful of OCB's players, including Albert Dikwa, Jordan Schweitzer and Zach Carroll, turned in strong performances. Schweitzer, who recently played for the Canada Under-23 National Team in Qatar, and Carroll were key for OCB in preventing Ekra and the Independence's attackers from causing more damage. And Dikwa created problems for the visitors throughout the match.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match:
Earl Edwards Jr., Orlando City B – The former UCLA standout made crucial saves throughout the 90 minutes, including a USL Save of the Week-worthy stop in the 73rd minute of play.

Upcoming Games:
Orlando City B at New York Red Bulls II – April 14, 7 p.m. ET, MSU Soccer Park
Charlotte Independence vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds – April 15, 7 p.m. ET, Eagle Field