Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. Ottawa Fury: Final Score 3-0 as OCB Extends Unbeaten Streak to Nine

Published

8 years ago

August 16, 2017

Led by Earl Edwards Jr. and Hadji Barry, Orlando City B (7-6-10, 31 points) thrashed the Ottawa Fury (7-8-6, 27 points), 3-0, to jump into playoff position in front of 1,004 fans in Orlando City Stadium. The young Lions extended the longest unbeaten streak in the USL to nine games, won their second straight game — both by shutout — and moved into a seventh-place tie in points with FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference standings. FCC does, however, hold the tiebreaker.

“I’m obviously really pleased,” said OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis. “The biggest satisfaction for me is that the guys have been rewarded for all their hard work because the performance levels have been really, really well [in past games this season] and they haven’t been rewarded for their good results. I’m just pleased for all the players for all the hard work that they put in every single day. To get a 3-0 victory is very satisfying.”

It was just the second home win for OCB in 2017 and the first since beating Toronto FC II on April 4.

Pulis brought his team out with a few changes to the starting XI. Edwards Jr. and Seb Hines remained to defend the net, but there were three changes on the back line from OCB’s 1-0 win on Saturday at Richmond. Austin Martz, Fernando Timbó, and Zach Ellis-Hayden all were brought into the starting XI. Additionally, Jordan Schweitzer and Michael Cox were in the midfield and forward line, respectively.

“If you look at the past nine games, I don’t know if the back four has been the same two games in a row,” said Earl Edwards, Jr. “Guys are constantly coming in, getting the job done, and getting the ball in places where I can make saves. So a lot of credit goes to the back four and the guys in front of me.”

To start the match, OCB had two chances at the six-minute mark to go ahead. First, Seb Hines tried to redirect a corner, but Ottawa goalkeeper Callum Irving made a one-handed save to keep it scoreless. Seconds later, Lewis Neal whiffed off a low cross at the top of the box.

In the ninth minute, Edwards Jr. made a great diving save that OCB fans have become accustomed to seeing. Ottawa was on the counter attack, and Martz kept the visitors onside, leading to the Fury outnumbering the OCB defenders.

10' | No sir! The Land Lord, Earl Edwards, at it again with some classic save work!

0-0 | #ORLvOTT pic.twitter.com/15a3cg2NIj

— Orlando City B (@OrlandoCityB) August 16, 2017

Ten minutes later it was the same story. Ottawa got down the field on the counter after Ellis-Hayden went down injured, and Martz — a midfielder the majority of the year — kept the opposition onside. The Fury captain, Carl Haworth, could have sent the ball across goal but he decided to go straight at goal instead and Edwards was again there to save the day for the young Lions.

Martz made up for his earlier mistake by first perfectly reading a pass and starting an OCB counter. Unfortunately, he then dribbled the ball right out of bounds. In the 26th minute, the fullback took a shot off a bouncing ball that went through the legs of Andrae Campbell, and headed for the corner netting. It was then Irving’s turn to make a great save to keep the game scoreless.

In the 34th minute, none other than Seb Hines put OCB ahead, 1-0. The young Lions had a free kick about 25 yards out, and it looked like a play straight from the training ground. Jordan Schweitzer played the ball in and Hadji Barry ran onto it, turned, and shot. The ball looked to be goal bound, but Hines added a flick of his head to ensure that it found the back of the net.

Check out that touch! @OrlandoCityB capitalizes on a free kick in the 34' minute to take the lead over @OttawaFuryFC, 1-0. #ORLvOTT pic.twitter.com/SooASOiA0n

— USL (@USL) August 17, 2017

Two Edwards saves and an almost Edwards own-goal, and the first half was finished. Hines’ goal was the difference, but the Fury had their chances. Edwards made five saves in the first half, as Ottawa used the width of the field to try to beat the OCB defense.

The teams engaged in a little back-and-forth action to start the second half but in the 53rd minute, Campbell took a shot and Timbó came diving in to block it. Timbó's left hand was high above his body when he blocked it, and the referee gave a yellow card to the Brazilian and a penalty kick to Ottawa with no video review. Gerardo Bruna stepped up to the spot for the Fury, but Edwards saved the attempt to keep the young Lions ahead.

NOT A CHANCE! @Earljrucla with yet another big-time save for @OrlandoCityFC to hold onto the 1-0 lead! #ORLvOTT pic.twitter.com/hofJQe523I

— USL (@USL) August 17, 2017

After the game, Pulis was “really disappointed” with the officiating. Replays at the stadium showed that the ball hit Timbó’s chest, not his arm, but there was no VAR usage.

“If we are going to use VAR, then these are the types of situations that we need to review,” said Pulis.

Seven minutes later, Barry came up huge for Orlando. Neal’s one-touch pass to Barry set up the UCF product to nutmeg Ramón Del Campo, sending the defender in circles, before slotting the ball under Irving to find the back of the net to put OCB up, 2-0.

Hadji Barry pockets one in the low right corner to extend @OrlandoCityB's lead, 2-0! #ORLvOTT pic.twitter.com/TmyXKFtRLO

— USL (@USL) August 17, 2017

Ottawa Head Coach Julián de Guzmán then used all three of his substitutions trying to find some offensive spark for the visitors.

Of course, when you push players forward it leaves the team open to counter attacks, and OCB took full advantage of that. Cox attempted to play Barry long, but the Ottawa defense easily defended it. Barry, full of confidence after scoring three goals in his last three games, fought to win the ball back, then pickpocketed it, and turned, shot, and scored before Irving even knew what was happening.

HAVE A DAY HADJI BARRY! The forward delivers a beautiful placement for his second goal of the match! @OrlandoCityB leads @OttawaFuryFC, 3-0. pic.twitter.com/NAMlGO8NRe

— USL (@USL) August 17, 2017

After the third goal, OCB started to sit back more and just secure the lead. While in the past this has led to mistakes leading to goals, the young Lions held strong and helped Edwards to his league-leading ninth shutout.

“We need to take one game at a time and try to get as many points that we can in the remaining games,” said Barry. “We started that today, which is something we haven’t been really good at in the past few games. The main focus was for us to get three points today and we did that.”

OCB is back in action on Saturday when the young Lions travel to North Carolina to take on the Charlotte Independence at 7 p.m. ET.

Starting XI: Earl Edwards Jr.; Austin Martz, Seb Hines, Fernando Timbó, Zachary Ellis-Hayden; Lewis Neal, Tony Rocha, Pierre Da Silva (Joe Gallardo — 74’), Jordan Schweitzer; Michael Cox (Ben Polk — 86’), Hadji Barry (Albert Dikwa — 72’).

Unused Subs: Ryley Kraft, Youmeni Jules, Connor Donovan, Jake Fenlason.

Goals: ORL — Hines (34’), Barry (60’, 71’); OTT — None.

Yellow Cards: ORL — Timbó (53’), Ellis-Hayden (80’); OTT — Dixon (67’).

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.