Orlando City B

What We’ve Learned From Orlando City B’s Season So Far

Published

8 years ago

May 22, 2017

Orlando City B just completed another off weekend — its second in three weeks. With nine games played this season, it seems like a good time to look back at the beginning of the season and assess the team so far.

Earl Edwards Jr. is Making Strides by Playing

It’s commonly thought that the best way for a player to develop is to play. This can involve going out on loan or, in Orlando City’s case, playing for USL reserve side Orlando City B. Earl Edwards Jr. spent the last two seasons backing up Tally Hall and Joe Bendik after being drafted in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. With the acquisition of veteran MLS goalkeeper Josh Saunders to back up Bendik this year, Edwards has had the opportunity to join OCB and start regularly. At 25 years of age, Edwards is still a young player, especially for a goalkeeper, and has a lengthy career ahead of him.

Being stuck behind Hall and Bendik, two of the league’s best goalkeepers during their tenures, Edwards was rarely seen in net during games for the Lions, so it was unclear how he was truly developing. However, this USL season has already shown what the third-year professional can do. Other than giving up three goals to two of the league’s best teams — Louisville City FC and New York Red Bulls II — Edwards has not conceded more than two goals and has recorded clean sheets in his last three games. While Bendik has signed a three-year extension with the club, Edwards seems to be an excellent alternative if need be. Even if Bendik is the long-term answer for the Lions and Edwards’ time with the club is limited, he’s quickly raising the price the club will be able to demand for his services.

Richie Laryea Shows Offensive Prowess

Orlando City had two early first-round picks in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. With the seventh selection, the club took Canadian midfielder Richie Laryea from Akron and with the 13^th pick selected Guinean forward Hadji Barry from UCF. While Barry has bounced up and down between the senior and reserve team, making an impact on both, Laryea has yet to make his senior debut.

Last season, Laryea played attacking midfield, defensive midfield, and even slid out to the right during his 23 appearances. While Laryea played well, most praise went to the left side, where teenage star Pierre Da Silva was making a name for himself with stellar play. Laryea recorded just two assists and looked a bit timid on the field. This year, Laryea has seemingly adjusted to professional play and has become a serious offensive threat. In his first seven appearances this season, Laryea has scored three times, including a brace in Bethlehem, PA. It may have taken a little longer than expected for some, but the Lions are starting to see the player they drafted so highly.

Pierre Da Silva is For Real

The breakout star for OCB last season was unquestionably left-sided midfielder Pierre Da Silva. The native of Port Chester, NY, joined the Lions’ academy from the U.S. Soccer U-17 residency program at IMG Academy. Following the 2016 season, Da Silva was signed to an MLS contract with Orlando City.

Despite being only 17 years old during the 2016 season, the U.S. U-18 international was often the best player on the field. So far in 2017, Da Silva is proving that last season was not a fluke with a goal and four assists in eight appearances. His pace and skill on the left makes him a tremendous headache for any defender and his ability to cut inside causes even more problems. Now that Orlando City has him on an MLS contract, the future looks bright for this 18-year-old, who appears to be a future star in the top league in the country.

OCB Continues Producing Players

One of the main purposes of Orlando City B is to produce players for the senior team and it’s something that the team has done well over the past two seasons. Last year, the team produced Tony Rocha and Mikey Ambrose for the MLS side and this year it is already doing the same. In March, OCB acquired defender Léo Pereira from Brazilian side Clube Atlético Paranaense, with which the Lions have a partnership. After playing just four games with OCB, Pereira was loaned to the senior team in April where he has become a regular on the team sheet. While signed to the senior team, Brazilian Victor “PC” Giro, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rowdies, is another defender that started the season at OCB but has become a key player for the Lions, recording the go-ahead assist on a nice overlapping run in San Jose Wednesday night.

Another major factor of OCB is getting academy products regular playing time prior to them being ready for the MLS level. Two such players, David Loera and Joe Gallardo, are already seeing the benefit this season. Loera is still in the academy but played a handful of games last year and has already made an appearance this year. The U.S. youth international looks like he’ll be a future star for the senior team, especially if he forgoes college and signs a Homegrown contract this summer. Gallardo is ineligible or a Homegrown contract, as he had made U.S. U-17 appearances prior to joining the academy, but is an academy product. Another potential future impact player for the Lions, the 19-year-old has made two appearances this season, bouncing between OCB and the U-17/18 academy team. These two players are the start of what is turning into a pipeline of young local talent that is flooding the club’s academy and will be coming through the ranks in the coming years.

As expected, OCB has already seen improvements from 2016, both on the field and in the development of players. That will only increase in the coming years as the reserve team produces more players for the senior team. While there have been plenty of positives already for the young Lions, there will likely be plenty more as the season progresses.

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.