Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. Rochester Rhinos: Final Score 1-1 as Barry’s Goal Helps Earn Point

Published

8 years ago

June 8, 2017

Four days after its 2-1 win in Pittsburgh, OCB (4-4-4, 16 points) played to a 1-1 draw at home in front of 967 fans. Hadji Barry put the Lions ahead but Antonio Correia equalized minutes later as the teams split the points. Rochester (4-1-4, 16 points) is now unbeaten in the last eight matches, including U.S. Open Cup.

“I thought it was a frustrating evening to be honest,” Head Coach Anthony Pulis said after the game. “We had a really good idea of how Rochester was going to come and play, and how they were going to set up, but our decision-making in possession was poor I think at times. Obviously we had a lot of possession, but I don’t think we did enough with it.”

OCB finished the match with 56% possession, but poor passing accuracy from key players like Pierre Da Silva (63%), Barry (75%), Austin Martz (65%), and Scott Thomsen (72%) led to turnovers, which allowed the Rhinos to keep OCB from doing much offensively.

Pulis only made two changes from Saturday. Josh Saunders made his first appearance of the season, coming in for USL save leader, Earl Edwards, Jr. Da Silva also got a rest, as Richie Laryea returned from suspension and was back in the starting XI.

When asked why Saunders was starting instead of the red-hot Edwards, Pulis said, “Jason [Kries] wanted Josh to get a game, as simple as that.”

Additionally, Zach Ellis-Hayden was part of a back four with Seb Hines, Zach Carroll, and Scott Thomsen that remained unchanged from Saturday. Ellis-Hayden constantly got up the field to try and help out the attack, but at the same time did not forget his defensive duties. The defense only gave up nine shots, with four of them after the 80th minute, when OCB was pushing forward and leaving Rochester chances on the counter.

“I think it was right to keep the back four. We are gelling together, and it’s good to have leaders like Seb and Zach in the middle, and the back four I think did a good job today,” Ellis-Hayden said.

Both teams played physical right out of the gates. Richie Laryea was brought down hard about 30 yards from goal, and Hines came in late and earned a yellow card just three minutes in.

The game started out slowly, with both teams passing the ball around and trying to feel the other team out. It looked like it was going to be a long, goalless game, but things changed quickly.

In the 23rd minute, Orlando City broke the deadlock. Barry and Laryea combined for a give-and-go that put Barry one-on-one with Rochester goalkeeper Tomas Gomez. Barry made a great run that beat the entire Rhinos’ defense, took one touch around Gomez, and found the back of the net.

If the name Tomas Gomez sounds familiar it is because Gomez was part of the 2014 14-round shootout in which the Orlando City U-23s upset the Charleston Battery.

“Richie [Laryea] is a good friend of mine, so every time we step on the field we want to showcase the chemistry we have off the field,” Barry said. “It was a great ball by him. We have the chemistry and I played him one-two and he played it right back to me and I kind of put it around the ‘keeper and finished it.”

The goal brought some life into the game, and Rochester immediately went on the attack. Raymond Lee ran down the left side of the field and put a cross into the box that hit Saunders in the chest. Saunders whiffed on the catch and the ball fell to the feet of Correia, who had no problem finding the equalizer.

After the second goal of the match, the game dropped in momentum some. Both teams played conservatively, not forcing anything, and attempting to keep possession. Ellis-Hayden looked goal hungry after scoring his first career goal a few days ago, and made a number of of speedy runs into the box. Both Laryea and Barry also tried using their speed to beat the Rhinos’ high defensive line, but were unable to connect for a second time.

Rochester nearly went ahead just as the match entered first-half stoppage time. Jordan Dover shot from about 20 yards out at what should have been a routine save for the veteran ‘keeper, but it was deflected and changed directions and Saunders was able to get a hand on the ball. His parry went right to the feet of Sofiane Tergou, but luckily for the young Lions, Tergou did not make good contact with it and Orlando City was able to clear the danger.

The first half ended in a fitting 1-1 draw. Orlando City B held the slight edge in possession (54%), shots were tied at two, and both teams combined for 560 total passes.

The second half was just a slow as the first. The two teams tried to keep possession, but turnovers were constant and neither team could get a foothold on the match.

Rochester goal scorer Correia came off in the 60th minute for Wal Fall, followed by Da Silva coming on for Danny Deakin. After this was two yellow cards, one issued to Fall for persistent infringement and the second to Laryea for a hard tackle. That was Laryea’s sixth card of the season, which leads the league. Da Silva gave the young Lions some more energy, but they were still unable to break the deadlock. This led to a change up top, with Albert Dikwa coming on for Barry.

“To have six yellows at this point in the year isn’t ideal to be honest, and that’s something we are going to have to address,” Pulis said of Laryea. “He’s missed a game already and at this stage of the season six is a little bit of an issue.”

The final OCB substitute came in the 76th minute, as David Loera came on for Martz, and the match all of a sudden opened up. Three minutes into Loera’s game and he almost got his first career goal. Laryea crossed the ball in and found Loera all alone, but Loera missed the ball completely.

Josh Saunders recovered from his early mishap to make a few crucial saves down the stretch, including this one:

89' | Snuffed and smothered.#ORLvROC | 1-1 pic.twitter.com/RKphkrjbW3

— Orlando City B (@OrlandoCityB) June 8, 2017

“To be fair to Josh Saunders,” Pulis added, “he kept us in it there at the end. I think he’ll be the first one to admit that he obviously made a mistake on the first goal, but he made three or four fantastic saves at the end.”

In the 90th minute, Dikwa should have found the game winner for OCB. He was clear on goal but rushed the chance and Gomez made an easy save. The Rhinos went straight on the counter, and found a breakaway of their own, but the shot hit Saunders in the chest. Rochester had another chance with the last kick of the game but Edoung-Biyo’s shot went over the crossbar.

“I give credit to Rochester,” said Barry. “They didn’t give up when we scored that goal, and they came right back and equalized it. I feel like they are a great defensive team. They sit back and it is hard to break them.”

OCB is back in action again on Wednesday, June 14. The young Lions play in Toronto at noon as part of “School Day Games.”

Starting XI: Josh Saunders; Zachary Ellis-Hayden, Seb Hines, Zach. Carroll, Scott Thomsen; Richie Laryea, Lewis Neal (c), Austin Martz (David Loera – 76’), Jordan Schweitzer, Danny Deakin (Pierre Da Silva – 62’); Hadji Barry (Albert Dikwa – 73’).

Unused Subs: Earl Edwards Jr., Ryley Kraft, Michael Cox, Conor Donovan.

Goals: ORL — Barry (23’); ROC — Correia (25’).

Yellow Cards: ORL — Hines (3’), Laryea (66’), Da Silva (87’); ROC — Fall (62’).

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.