Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. FC Tucson: Final Score 2-1 as Two Quick Goals Before Halftime Doom Young Lions

Published

6 years ago

June 12, 2019

MONTVERDE, FL — It was two goals in three minutes at the end of the first half that doomed Orlando City B (3-6-3, 12 points) tonight against FC Tucson. The Young Lions pulled one back in the second half but were unable to equalize, falling 2-1. The loss snapped OCB’s four-game USL League One unbeaten streak.

OCB made its first change to the back line since April 12 as Jordan Hill replaced Randy Mendoza, who was on loan to the first team for the Lions’ U.S. Open Cup game in Memphis. Captain Rafael Santos also missed out on this game after coming off with a lower extremity injury Friday night against Forward Madison FC.

Thiago Souza, who entered the game with a team-leading three goals, started from the bench. It was his first time out of the starting lineup since April 5. This game saw 17-year-old academy product Moises Tablante re-enter the lineup after missing the previous two games.

The game started quickly with both teams getting an opportunity at goal. Within the first minute, a quick scramble in the box forced OCB goalkeeper Christian Herrera to make an early save. Less than two minutes later, the Young Lions got their first chance on goal. Tablante made a nice run down the right and played the ball into the box for the oncoming Tresor Mbuyu. However, the ball got through the box without the final touch.

The game settled down after those two chances with neither team getting as close to opening the scoring. It picked up again just before the half when FC Tucson was able to strike twice in succession leading into the break.

The first goal came in the 44th minute. After receiving a cross-field pass by Colin Stripling, Jamael Cox nearly lost the ball to Serginho. He quickly was able to regain possession and attempted a shot from about 30 yards away from goal. The low shot skipped by Herrera for the game’s opening goal.

The second goal came off a set piece, something that has plagued OCB this season. A Terrón corner kick toward the back of the box was headed back across goal by Stirpling. After Jordan Jones attempted a bicycle kick and didn’t make contact, Kyle Venter took a left-footed shot on goal. The hard shot got behind the kneeling Herrera and in, giving the visitors a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

“I think it was a lack of concentration,” OCB Head Coach Fernando Jose de Argila Irurita said after the game. “All of the team had a lack of concentration the last three minutes. The other player, when he saw our mistake, he knew how to take advantage of that. I think if we went to halftime 0-0, we would’ve won this game. This kind of thing can happen to a team that is young.”

“Maybe unlucky, maybe our concentration went down, it happens on younger teams,” Herrera added. “It’s just something we’ve got to learn from. Professional soccer games are decided in those little moments. It’s something we need to learn from.”

After giving up those two goals just before the half, the team had to quickly respond to get back into the game.

“In halftime we told them we have to be more aggressive,” Argila said. “We are already down 2-0 so we have nothing to lose. We need to press high. We made some tactical changes in the middle and we made some substitutions with Steven (Hernandez) and Thiago (Souza) that changed the rhythm of the game.”

OCB responded early into the second half, cutting the deficit in half in the 59th minute. A quick one-two near midfield with Matheus Silva allowed Leonardo Simas to beat his defender and make a run into the box. As he carried the ball into the box, Devyn Jambga took him down and referee Natalie Simon pointed to the spot.

“I saw that I could take the guy on and my style is my strength,” Simas said about the play. “It was a grateful moment to push forward and help with the PK.”

Second-half substitute Souza stepped up to the spot and put the penalty off the fingertips of FC Tucson goalkeeper Carlos Merancio Valdez and into the corner. It was Souza’s third penalty conversion this season and his fourth goal, a team high.

Following the goal, OCB picked up some momentum in the game and was able to produce the best opportunity all game. In the 62nd minute, William Bagrou was dragged down in the box, prompting penalty calls from the Young Lions but to no avail. Bagrou nearly scored the equalizer in the 73rd when a misplay in the back allowed a shot by the forward, forcing Valdez into a one-handed diving save.

In the 84th minute, it was Tablante’s chance to get in on the action. The midfielder found some space at the corner of the box and fired on goal, just hitting it over the crossbar. In the 87th minute, Souza thought he had his second goal of the night, shooting a low shot from just outside the box. The ball appeared to be curling toward the back post but just skipped by and out of play.

While OCB had its chances, those two minutes at the end of the first half were the difference and the Young Lions fell 2-1 to FC Tucson. The loss breaks a three-game home winning streak and a four-game point streak.

“We played 87 minutes really good and three minutes bad,” Argila said about the performance. “That is how soccer is. The team that takes advantage of the mistakes of the other team has the opportunity to win. We had the option in the first five minutes to get in front on the scoreboard. But when you don’t take advantage of your opportunities, you take the risk of the other team taking advantage of their opportunities.”

Silva explained that you have to maintain concentration throughout all 90 minutes and that’s what doomed the team.

“You’ve got to be constantly in the game,” he said. “If you’re not tuned in, in two seconds they were able to capitalize. They were fortunate to capitalize on those mistakes.”

In addition to dropping a game they feel like they could’ve won, this is a difficult loss to swallow because of how tight the league currently is.

OCB will now hit the road heading to face South Georgia Tormenta FC Saturday night. The Young Lions won’t return home again until June 28 when they host Greenville Triumph SC.

Orlando City B

Orlando City B Signs Bernardo Rhein, Justin Ellis to MLS NEXT Pro Deals

OCB adds two signees ahead of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.

Published

1 week ago

February 13, 2025

Michael Citro

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City B announced this morning that the club has signed two Orlando City Academy players — midfielder Bernardo Rhein and forward Justin Ellis — to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. Rhein signed through 2025 with a club option for 2026, with Ellis’ deal running through 2026. Both players featured Saturday night in Orlando City’s preseason scrimmage against CF Montreal.

“Bernardo and Justin are two more great examples of young players that have shown belief and trust in the development pathway we have set up here at Orlando City,” Orlando City SC Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira said in a club press release. “By signing with OCB, Justin and Bernardo have shown trust in us, the pathway, and in Head Coach Manuel Goldberg. They both put in the work since their early academy days; took the opportunities that they were given to continue developing their skill sets; and have shown us that they’re ready to take the next step along that pathway, and we’re excited to see how they both continue to progress these next few years.”

The 17-year-old Rhein (known as Bernardo Goncalves in 2024), appeared in six matches with OCB a year ago, coming off the bench each time and playing a total of 33 minutes. The Windermere native and Brazilian national did not record a goal contribution, attempting one shot, which he put on target, and completing 81.8% of his 22 pass attempts. Rhein subbed on for the latter stages of Saturday’s preseason scrimmage against Montreal and looked good, getting himself into scoring position but firing just over the bar in the extra 30-minute sesson.

Ellis, also 17, appeared in 18 matches with OCB in 2024 (three starts), scoring two goals and putting eight of his 13 shots on target. He did not record an assist, but passed well from the forward position, logging three key passes and completing 76.7% of his total pass attempts. The Wellington native traveled with the MLS squad to Mexico for the team’s week-long camp in Cancun. On the international stage, Ellis was called up to the U-18 USMNT in September, scoring two goals in two appearances.

What It Means for OCB

This is positive news for both OCB and the Orlando City Academy. Ellis was a regular contributor last season at a young age, while Rhein got his feet wet with a few appearances at the MLS NEXT Pro level. At just 17, both have shown a lot of potential upside already. Ellis will turn 18 in May, while Rhein won’t reach his 18th birthday until Sept. 21. Both will get a chance to further their development with OCB.

While neither player will be expected to make an impact with the first team in 2025, Duncan McGuire’s injury absence may require Shak Mohammed to spend more time with the first team, meaning Ellis would be in line to get more minutes with the Young Lions in the early part of the season.

Orlando City B

Orlando City Signs Goalkeeper Carlos Mercado to a New Contract

Carlos Mercado signs a new contract to remain Orlando City’s third-choice goalkeeper.

Published

3 weeks ago

January 30, 2025

Sean Rollins

Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City announced this morning that the club has signed goalkeeper Carlos Mercado to a new contract. The deal is through the 2025 season with club options for 2026 and 2027.

“Carlos did a great job for us last year with Orlando City B and continued to provide a positive work ethic and atmosphere every day in training up with the first team and showed his skill and ability to compete every chance he got,” Orlando City Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said in a club press release. “He’s part of a strong goalkeeping unit here at the club and we feel confident in the future of that entire position group moving forward.”

Mercado originally joined Orlando City prior to the 2024 season to back up Javier Otero. However, when Mason Stajduhar broke his tibia and fibula in a June 28 game against New York City FC, Otero became the primary backup to Pedro Gallese and Mercado was the starter for the Young Lions.

In his debut season in purple, Mercado started 20 games — including a playoff game in Chicago — playing 1,830 minutes. He conceded 30 goals for a goals-against average of 1.48 and saved 81 of 111 shots faced for a save percentage of 73%. He kept three clean sheets and compiled a record of 9-5-6 (W-L-D) while saving two of the four penalties he faced in regular play.

The 25-year-old signed a short-term deal following Stajduhar’s injury with his lone game on the team sheet being on the bench for a July 3 game against Toronto FC. He went on to sign a first-team contract on Sept. 20 through the 2024 season with options for 2025, 2026, and 2027. However, his 2025 option was declined following the season.

Mercado played for the FC Dallas academy in his youth, earning call-ups to the United States U-16 National Team and Mexico U-18 National Team. He played collegiately at the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX, before joining San Antonio FC of the USL Championship.

The goalkeeper made his professional debut in 2021, coming on for the final 29 minutes in a 3-0 win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. He stayed with San Antonio FC through the 2023 season before joining OCB.

What It Means for Orlando City

As previously mentioned, Mercado’s option for 2025 was declined following the 2024 MLS season since the club already had three other goalkeepers. However, signing another goalkeeper became necessary when Orlando City traded Stajduhar to Real Salt Lake on Jan. 15, leaving the club with two under contract.

Mercado will likely continue to be the club’s third goalkeeper and is the presumed starter for Orlando City B when the MLS NEXT Pro season starts in March. He’ll have to join the first team if Gallese goes away on international duty with Peru and Otero enters the starting lineup. Barring unavailability of Gallese and Otero, it’s unlikely he’ll see any MLS action.

Orlando City B

Orlando City B Announces Schedule for 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Season

Find out where, when, and who the Young Lions of OCB will play in 2025.

Published

4 weeks ago

January 27, 2025

Michael Citro

Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

The 2025 MLS NEXT Pro schedule was r eleased this afternoon, telling us where, when, and who Orlando City B will play in the team’s fourth year in the league. The league will again feature 29 teams in 2025, with three teams set to enter the league next year. There are 27 MLS affiliated clubs in the league and two independents — Carolina Core FC and Chattanooga FC.

The schedule remains at 28 games, with Orlando City B playing 14 at home, 13 away, and one at a neutral site at IMG Academy in Bradenton. OCB home games will take place at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee again this season.

OCB will start the 2024 season with a two-game home stand, opening the season on Sunday, March 9 against Columbus Crew 2 at 7 p.m. A week later, Atlanta United 2 will visit Osceola County Stadium. The Young Lions will then hit the road for the team’s first two away games starting Wednesday, March 26 at Crown Legacy FC and following with a match at Chattanooga FC on Saturday, April 5.

In addition to opening the season at home, OCB will close the regular season by hosting FC Cincinnati 2 at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5. Last year, the Young Lions opened and closed the season on the road. All Decision Day games in the Eastern Conference will start at 1 p.m. and all Western Conference matches will kick off at 4 p.m. (ET).

OCB will compete in the 15-team Eastern Conference as part of the Southeast Division. The other teams in the division are Atlanta, Carolina Core, Chattanooga, Crown Legacy, Huntsville City, and rival Inter Miami II. The reserve version of the Tropic Thunder rivalry will play out over three meetings in 2025. The Young Lions will travel IMG Academy to face the Baby Herons on April 15, with the home match in Kissimmee coming May 17. The teams will meet again in Fort Lauderdale on Sept. 14.

MLS NEXT Pro teams will again only play opponents from their own conference, limiting travel. The Young Lions will play each team in the Southeast Division three times, including Atlanta United 2, and Chattanooga twice at home and once away, and Carolina Core, Crown Legacy, and Huntsville City once each at home and twice away. OCB will play the teams from the Northeast Division once, except Columbus and New England, which the Young Lions will face both at home and away. Orlando City B will face FC Cincinnati 2, New York City FC II, New York Red Bulls II, and Toronto FC II only at home in the regular season, while facing Chicago Fire II and Philadelphia Union II only on the road.

The busiest months for OCB this season will be June and August, when the Young Lions will play five matches. They’ll play four times in April and July, three times in March, May, and September, and once in October. The most common day the Young Lions will play is on Sunday (13 games). Additionally, they have five games on Saturday, four games each on Wednesday and Friday, and one game each on Monday and Tuesday. The most common kickoff time is 7 p.m.. The Young Lions will play 18 games with that start time, three times each at 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8 p.m., and once at 1 p.m. (Decision Day).

Once again, the postseason will include 15 games this year, concluding with the MLS NEXT Pro Cup. The higher playoff seeds will again select their opponents for the matchups in the first two rounds.

The majority of regular season games and all playoff games will again air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. The remaining games will be streamed live on mlsnextpro.com.

As far as viewing conflicts go for Orlando City and Pride fans, there are a few overlaps in 2025. OCB plays at 7 p.m. on April 5 at Chattanooga with the MLS Lions playing at 7:30 p.m. at Philadelphia that night. On May 23, OCB plays at Atlanta United 2 at 7:30 p.m. and the Pride and Royals kick off in Utah at 9:30 p.m. just as that game is concluding. On June 25, OCB plays at home at 7 p.m. against Toronto FC II, with Orlando City at St. Louis City at 8:30 p.m. OCB’s game July 25 at Huntsville City will kick off 30 minutes after the senior side begins playing at Columbus. The Young Lions start at home on Aug. 3 against NYCFCII an hour after the Pride and Utah Royals kick off at Inter&Co Stadium. OCB and the Pride are both home on Aug. 9 as well, with the Young Lions and Chattanooga getting underway at 7 p.m. at Osceola County Stadium, just 30 minutes before the Pride and Racing Louisville battle at Inter&Co Stadium. On Aug. 23, OCB will play at 7 p.m. at home against Atlanta United 2, with the senior Lions and Nashville SC kicking off at 8:30 p.m.