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Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. FC Cincinnati: Final Score 1-1 as Young Lions Draw Red Hot Cincinnati

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8 years ago

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Orlando City B (5-6-5, 20 points) returned home tonight for the first time since June 7, against an FC Cincinnati (5-5-6, 21 points) team that has been making headlines for its impressive U.S. Open Cup wins. Jordan Schweitzer opened his OCB account with an early goal, but the visitors bounced back to earn a draw, in front of an announced crowd of 980.

“I want to start off by giving Cincinnati huge credit,” OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis said. “For them to perform like that, two days after playing 120 minutes against Chicago in the Open Cup is fantastic. For the most part I was pleased. We spoke and we worked on a press for the past couple of days. I thought the guys executed well, for the most part, and the disappointing thing for me was that we gifted them a goal.”

Pulis made just three changes to his side that beat Rochester last week. Youmeni Jules, Scott Thomsen, and Joe Gallardo made way for Zach Ellis-Hayden, Jordan Schweitzer, and Austin Martz.  

The game started out hot for Orlando City B and the Lions took the game right at Cincy. In the third minute, Martz put a low cross into the box. Schweitzer came out of nowhere to get on the end of it and his curling shot found the back post, as he opened up his account. Mitch Hildebrandt could only watch as his team went down a goal.

“It was something that we worked on in training,” Schweitzer said of the goal. “We noticed that they drop off and don’t track runs in the midfield. So, it’s something that we work on in the training ground, and it comes off well there and it’s a good little combination, and a play by Austin [Martz]. My goal was just to try to get something on it, and try to get it on frame, and it goes in.”

After going up a goal, Pulis’ side became very compact defensively, and it was clear that the plan was to secure a shutout. Every time that a Cincinnati player got on the ball, two or three Lions were right there to disrupt the attack and win the ball back. When in possession, the young Lions played a patient game, aiming to control the ball. Much of the play was horizontal as they worked their way up the field. 

Edwards nearly gifted the visitors a goal in the 13th minute. Hines played the ‘keeper a pass, and Edwards made a mess of it, opting to hit the ball first time. The ball went right to Djiby Fall, who had a breakaway on goal. Edwards was able to recover and make the save, though, and keep the game at 1-0. 

Cincinnati tied the game up in the 17th minute, as a perfect ball over the top led to a two-on-one with Andrew Wiedeman leading the way. Hines was caught up field on Clowes’ turnover and Edwards ran to Wiedeman to cut down the angle, but the speedy Fall was wide open on the far side for the tap-in. 

The second goal of the match opened it up a bit, and both teams struggled to get a foothold on it. Turnovers and fouls led to a large portion of the remainder of the first half being played inside the middle third of the field. Cincy defended with eight or nine men behind the ball, and made it difficult for the young Lions to go through the middle. Pulis’ side countered this by using the width of the field. OCB constantly switched the field, made overlapping runs, and put low crosses into the box. However, the Ohio side used physicality to win the ball back and then the speed of Fall to get behind OCB's defense. Donovan and Hines simply could not keep up with the Senegalese striker and it led to multiple chances, including this big save from Edwards: 

The first half ended with the score tied, 1-1. Cincy was ahead in shots, 9-3, but seven of them were from long range as the OCB defense held strong. Apart from total shots everything else was pretty even. The visitors held the slight advantage in possession (52%) and duels won (51%), while passing accuracy was even at 83% and both teams had about 250 total passes in the first 45. Cincinnati had seven total chances, but Edwards came up with four big saves. 

The second half started much the same as the first half ended. The visitors had a few chances, but neither team was able to gain an advantage or separate themselves from each other. Around the 55th minute Cincinnati started to hold onto the ball more, instead of going directly onto the counter, and had a few long spells of possession. The OCB defense stayed compact, though, and, with the help of Edwards, Cincy was unable to break through. 

“I think it’s a little more care from all of us to take care when in possession,” Schweitzer said. “We need to keep the ball better and we’ve got the quality to do so. We’ve got to watch the film. We’ll get better from this. We’ll look at what went wrong, what went well, and all focus is on the next one now.”

In the 68th minute, OCB should have gone ahead. Ellis-Hayden put a perfect cross in from the right hand side, that found the head Albert Dikwa. Dikwa was shoved to the ground by defender Austin Berry, but he still managed to get a head on it that forced Hildebrandt to make a diving save. There was no call on the play, on what should have been a penalty kick, but it was also a superb save by the FCC goalkeeper. 

The game finally started to open up a bit more in the final 10 minutes, with both teams looking for the go-ahead goal. However, in the 87th minute, things got interesting. Pierre Da Silva came in late and his tackle got Kadeem Dacres. The referee handed him a yellow card, but the assistant referee called the center over and, after a brief conversation, he changed Da Silva’s yellow card to a straight red. 

The referee then gave an additional five minutes of stoppage time, and Cincy pushed men forward in hopes of leaving Orlando with all three points. Pulis countered by putting eight men behind the ball and substitute Michael Cox up top. When in possession, the Lions tried to feed Cox the ball and use his speed to go on the counter, but they never got the chance. 

At the dying moments, OCB needed Edwards to once again come up big. Matt Bahner took a long-range shot that forced the ‘keeper to make a one-handed, low diving save. Danni Konig was the only player following up and nearly got on the end of it but OCB was able to clear the ball, and the game ended, 1-1.

Cincinnati finished with more shots (14 compared to OCB’s four) and possession (55%) after a strong second half, but it failed to leave Orlando with a win. A point is a fair result for both teams, and the focus is now on the next match. Pulis was altogether pleased with his team’s performance, but knows that it can still improve in certain areas.

“They never really cause us too much problems in open play,” said Pulis. “It was just us causing ourselves problems in our defensive transition. We would turn the ball over in poor areas and we weren’t organized enough behind the ball. I think in the run of play a point is probably a fair result.”

OCB is now winless in its last five home games, with the last home win coming way back on April 4 against Toronto.

The young Lions are back in action on July 8, taking on Pittsburgh at Orlando City Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Starting XI: Earl Edwards, Jr.; Timbo (Scott Thomsen — 73’), Seb Hines, Conor Donovan, Zach Ellis-Hayden; Austin Martz, Jordan Schweitzer, Pierre Da Silva, Danny Deakin (Lewis Neal — 69’), Paul Clowes; Albert Dikwa (Michael Cox — 81’). 

Used Substitutes: Jake Fenlason, Zach Carroll, Ryley Kraft, Ben Polk.

Goals: ORL — Schweitzer (2’); CIN — Fall (16’).

Yellow Cards: ORL — Hines (45’), Clowes (46’); CIN — Berry (75’).

Red Cards: ORL — Da Silva (87’).

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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.

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1 week ago

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February 13, 2025

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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.

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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

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January 30, 2025

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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.

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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

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January 27, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

The 2025 MLS NEXT Pro schedule was released 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.

Orlando City B’s 2025 Schedule

  • Sunday, March 9 — vs. Columbus Crew 2, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 16 — vs. Atlanta United 2, 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 26 — at Crown Legacy FC, 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 5 — at Chattanooga FC, 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 9 — vs. New England Revolution II, 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 15 — vs. Inter Miami II (at IMG Academy in Bradenton), 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 27 — vs. New York Red Bulls II, 7 p.m.
  • Friday, May 2 — at Chicago Fire FC II, 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 17 — vs. Inter Miami II, 7 p.m.
  • Friday, May 23 — at Atlanta United 2, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 1 — vs. Chattanooga FC, 7 p.m.
  • Friday, June 6 — at Huntsville City FC, 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 11 — at Carolina Core FC, 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 25 — vs. Toronto FC, 7 p.m.
  • Monday, June 30 — at Philadelphia Union II, 3 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 6 — at Crown Legacy FC, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 13 — vs. Carolina Core FC, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 20 — at New England Revolution II, 3 p.m.
  • Friday, July 25 — at Huntsville City FC, 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 3 — vs. New York City FC II, 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 9 — vs. Chattanooga FC, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 17 — at Columbus Crew 2, 3 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 23 — vs. Atlanta United 2, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 31 — vs. Crown Legacy FC, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Sept. 14 — at Inter Miami II, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Sept. 21 — vs. Huntsville City FC, 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 27 — at Carolina Core FC, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 5 — vs. FC Cincinnati 2, 1 p.m.
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