Orlando City B

Which Orlando City B Players Could Make the Jump to MLS Next Season?

Published

8 years ago

October 12, 2016

With the inaugural season in the books, there are a lot of positives to take from Orlando City B’s debut in USL. More regular loanees from the first team received double-digit appearances, led by Tyler Turner with 27, and got crucial playing time and experience that will hopefully elevate their game to the next level. OCB also helped with injured players getting back to match fitness, providing opportunities for Luke Boden, Cristian Higuita, Pedro Ribeiro, and Rafael Ramos to get back into shape in a meaningful match. Several current academy players got a taste of life in the pros.

But potentially the most important development that OCB provided was the signings of Tony Rocha and Mikey Ambrose to first-team contracts at the tail end of the summer transfer window.

Bringing up those two players gave tangible evidence to the bridge between Orlando’s reserve side and taking the next step. They weren’t even City academy products having come over from the Austin Aztex in the off-season. With the pipeline now open, who’s next to come through and earn a first-team contract? And is there anyone with OCB that could be a helpful addition for next year’s playoff run?

Michael Cox

OCSC’s eventual successor to Cyle Larin might just be his countryman. If Jason Kreis is rolling out the 4-4-2 full-time next season, he could do worse than adding Canadian Michael Cox into the mixer. The young striker already has European experience in Portugal and Finland and when he finally took over the starting job in Melbourne, he shined. Cox took a backseat to Hadji Barry until the latter was brought up to the first team in the middle of the season, but his performance pushed Barry into relative obscurity at the end of the year. With the uncertain roles of Julio Baptista and Bryan Rochez heading into 2017, a spot on the depth chart is there for the taking.

Cox had a team-leading 11 goals and three assists in 29 appearances with OCB. He doesn’t look it, but he’s roughly the same size as Larin — both are listed at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds — and Cox has some similar skills even though he’s not as prolific. He can play with his back to goal and turn and shoot. His first touch is adequate and he has all the makings of an MLS-quality striker. He could do with some improvement on keeping possession, but that’s something that can easily be improved upon. He’s got a good soccer IQ and knows how to find the gaps in opposing defenses.

Cox is the type of player that can make an impact off the bench and he has the potential to be an adequate spot starter next year in the target-man role.

Pierre Da Silva

Da Silva is likely the next City academy product to make his mark on MLS. He can play as a striker or a wider forward depending on the system and he’s already involved in the U.S. youth setup. Should Kreis implement his diamond, Da Silva can be effective further back in the formation. His versatility is something that MLS clubs desire and Kreis can plug him into the midfield or striker tandem and he can hold his own. Pierre notched 23 appearances for OCB and chipped in five assists and two goals. He could make Pedro Ribeiro irrelevant as he fills the same niches but fits better into Kreis’ pass-and-move philosophy. His technical ability and vision at just 18 years old make him the perfect candidate for a role with the first team. His ability on dead balls and free kicks is an added bonus.

Orlando may have a fight on their hands to sign Da Silva thanks to MLS rules regarding Homegrown Players, but it’s important that they lock him in for the future. He has the potential to be a key component on the offensive end next season and beyond. Getting him in as soon as possible to understudy players like Kaka and Antonio Nocerino could be great for his development.

Zachary Ellis-Hayden

It seems odd to add to the logjam of young fullbacks on the roster, but Zach Hayden belongs in the conversation for a contract with the first team. He can play both right and left back and has the offensive ability to stretch the width of the attack that Kreis looks for to complement his midfield. For a short time, he had actually pushed HGP Tyler Turner to the bench when Mikey Ambrose had the left back spot locked down. He came on strong toward the end of the season, grabbing two assists.

Hayden has great closing speed and overall athleticism that could prove vital in defending some of the quicker forwards the Lions have historically struggled with. Like a lot of fullbacks, he’s a converted forward and he uses that knowledge and ability to his advantage. He fits the mold of what Kreis looks for in a fullback but he’s untested against quality opposition. His professional experience is limited to PDL and USL and he played his college ball at Cleveland State. While he won the PDL title with K-W United and earned a starting position with OCB, he’s got an uphill battle to make it to the first team.

The kicker is that Zach’s signature is most likely dependent on some departures ahead of him on the depth chart. He’s older than Turner, Ambrose, and Ramos and, if Luke Boden or Kevin Alston were to leave over the winter, he’d be a viable depth signing. He’s more athletic than Boden and cheaper than Alston, but unless he gets a green card he would take up a valuable international spot.

Marius Obekop

Obekop has the potential to be the quick forward that Kreis loves to utilize next to his target strikers. He has a wealth of experience already, as he’s been heavily involved in the Cameroon youth setup and earned an MLS contract with the New York Red Bulls at just 18 years old. He spent three years with the Red Bulls before coming down to Orlando and couldn’t quite break into their loaded roster, making eight appearances for the first team. He’s got a second chance to get into the big leagues in Orlando and he has the ability to get there eventually.

Obekop started the year as a winger in the 4-2-3-1 formation and couldn’t get onto the field, averaging fewer than 30 minutes in 12 appearances while Adrian Heath’s system was in place. But since OCB made the change to a 4-4-2, Obekop has seen an uptick in usage and averaged almost a 45 in his final six games, including three starts. The big questions about Obekop’s game were his willingness to put in a shift on the defensive end. As a forward, his responsibilities are lessened and he can focus more on producing. He’ll need a little more time to develop but he’s still just 21 years old. He has the potential, he just needs time to play in the right system. Kreis’ preferred style seems to tick all of his boxes and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him making cameos soon like he did for the Red Bulls.

It’s promising that all of this talent is at Orlando City’s disposal and it’s encouraging for the future of the club. Getting players in early and learning the system will do wonders down the line. If some of these OCB products can make their mark in MLS, it’s a testament to the success of the system.

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.