Orlando City B

The B-List: Orlando City B Loses in Louisville

Published

9 years ago

April 13, 2016

I spent the majority of the past week in Germany on a business trip. This is not the first time I've made this trip, and it generally involves a massive amount of work, good beer, and lots of food. I would prefer to stay home and play with my kids, but if I have to go, I may as well make it a productive trip.

And productive it was. We were able to accomplish all of our objectives and get in a little authentic German grub and brew. Part of the reason for the success of the trip is that we had the chance to block out all other distractions and focus on this one thing. It's amazing how a little bit of discipline can turn difficult goals into realities.

So, as I sat on one of my many return flights, which felt like they took 87 hours and covered roughly a billion miles (though spending the previous night out at a Thai karaoke bar may have influenced that perception), I pondered whether Orlando City B might have a similar experience. Perhaps getting away from Florida and going out on the road might help the players clear their heads and finally start putting together a strong performance.

Or perhaps not.

Color Blind

It may have been the jet lag, the fact that I spent the day doing some construction around the house, or the fact that I had dinner at my parents' house on Saturday, where my mom made an amazing beef tenderloin and my dad busted out 27 bottles of wine (all figures approximate), but I have to admit that I was initially confused during the first few minutes of the game when the purple team was sluggish and the white team was making clean, crisp passes (for the record, I had the volume off, so the kids could properly focus on Paw Patrol). My initial reaction was, "Here we go again," and I was bummed to see the white team with a cheeky play for the initial goal.

But then, wait, that was Richie Laryea with that slick back heel, and Michael Cox with the sweet finish. Oh, crap…away kits!

OCB's performance during the first 10 minutes or so of the game serve to provide hope that this team may yet come together. We sometimes have to remind ourselves that this is a young team, composed mostly of players in their early 20s or late teens. Their on-field performance right now reminds me of a bunch of cars in a turn lane. The turn signals never quite line up, but every once in a while they click in unison, and it's a beautiful thing.

The opening goal was one of those moments. It started with strong pressure by Zach Ellis-Hayden, who stole the ball, dribbled down the right flank, and passed it back to Laryea, who then flicked it to Cox. It was a beautiful goal and provides a view of what these players are capable of.

You can't simply gloss over the fact that the team lost 4-1. This team has a long way to go, and it would be nice to see a victory before players and fans start to get too frustrated. Yet, just as the primary focus of this team is the development of players, a side effect of that development will be us, as fans, learning how to apply a bit of patience.

Corner Kick

My favorite moment of this past weekend's game, aside from the goal of course, took place in the 23rd minute, when OCB tried to pull off what I called (to nobody in particular) the soccer version of the hidden ball trick. Note: I grew up as a "baseball-first" guy, so I tend to bring most of my soccer, and even life, analogies back to baseball.

The play started innocently enough, when Ellis-Hayden stepped up to take a corner kick. He started making his way back to the field as if to change places with Laryea. Before Ellis-Hayden made his way back on to the field, he tapped the ball, thus putting it in play. Laryea strolled over to "take the corner," but instead started dribbling towards goal. It took a while before the Louisville players realized what was going on. Laryea cut the ball back inside, but the pass didn't connect.

Overall, it looks like OCB has worked on its set pieces, which is good, as it was a point of weakness in the first two games. I'll list this as another sliver of hope in what has been an otherwise disappointing start to the season.

Checking the Table

OCB currently sits in 11th place in the 14-team Eastern Conference, with just one stinking point. The three teams below them are Pittsburgh, Montreal, and Harrisburg City. None of these teams have earned a point yet, but neither have they played three games like OCB has.

Next Week's Opponent

Speaking of Harrisburg City, they're the next opponent for OCB, and with any luck, the first victim. They have played two games and lost both. The first was a 3-1 loss to the Richmond Kickers, and the second a 2-1 loss to the Charlotte Independence. Both games have been away. The porosity of their defense may give a bit of hope to OCB's anemic offense. It's the resistible force against the movable object!

Extra Time

While OCB is still looking for its first win, I actually feel that despite the score, this was a better performance than last week's 0-0 draw to Charleston. I'm not going to sugar coat it — the central defense was way too porous, the attack struggled to maintain any sustained pressure, and the midfielders were slow to react to Louisville's pressure. Still, and this may be more of an indictment on the Charleston game than it is praise to the Louisville game, the team looked like it was slowly getting more accustomed to playing with each other.

Maybe that's false hope on my part, but again, if I were to identify a theme for this past week, and for the season as a whole, it would have to be patience.

Perhaps it would be best to pull a quote from Charlie Papazian, the father of American home brewing: "Relax, don't worry, and have a home brew."

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.