Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. Bethlehem Steel: Final Score 2-2 as Young Lions Can’t Capitalize on 10-Man Visitors

Published

7 years ago

August 30, 2017

MELBOURNE, FL — For a change it wasn’t Orlando City B drawing the red card and going down a man, it was the opposition, Bethlehem Steel FC. But the young Lions (2-5-2, 8 points) failed to take full advantage of a 40-minute manpower edge, drawing 2-2 against the Philadelphia Union’s USL side at Titan Soccer Complex. Tyler Turner and Michael Cox provided the scoring for the hosts, who squandered a chance to move ahead of Bethlehem Steel (2-2-3, 9 points) in the USL Eastern Conference standings.

Still, considering the Lions fell behind 2-0, they'll probably be happy with getting a point out of the match.

Excitement was palpable around the Titan Sports Complex, as first-team players Earl Edwards Jr., Luke Boden, Conor Donovan, and Hadji Barry were all in the starting lineup. While Boden and Donovan continue to work themselves back to full health from injuries, Edwards and Barry were with the reserve side to see minutes as they’ve spent most of their time with the first team on the bench.

However, the game quickly went south. In the 11th minute, midfielder Tony Rocha attempted to slide in and keep a low cross by Eric Ayuk from reaching striker Fabian Herbers. But the ball came off his foot and past Edwards for an own-goal, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Just three minutes later, Derrick Jones played a slick ball through the OCB defense which helped Herbers past Donovan. This time it was the German striker who had the last touch, as he slid the ball past Edwards and into the right corner of the goal to double the visitors' lead.

In the 17th minute, OCB got one of those goals back. After Michael Cox was able to shield the ball from the defender, the ball popped out of his reach. But it set up perfectly for oncoming right back Tyler Turner, who hit a rocket past Bethlehem goalkeeper John McCarthy.

Bethlehem’s best chance to make it three in the first half came in the 31st minute, when Leo Fernandes was played on through the OCB defense. As he was about to extend the Steel’s lead back to two, Edwards came off his line and made a sliding save, clearing the ball out of play.

The game seemed to change in favor of the Lions in the 50th minute, when the team that has made a weekly habit out of earning a red card saw the opposition have a man sent off. After Turner appeared to push Walter Restrepo down from behind in the box, the Bethlehem midfielder retaliated by going after Turner. His response caught the attention of referee Neil Barbulescu, who showed red to the 27-year-old.

OCB took immediate advantage of the dismissal. Just four minutes after the sending off, Turner sailed a ball over the defense to a waiting Cox, who chested the ball down to his feet and slipped it past McCarthy for the equalizing goal.

With a man advantage and a 2-2 game, OCB pushed for the winner but was unable to capitalize. The final half hour saw an open contest with both teams having multiple opportunities to net a winner. However, the game ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw.

"It's good to come from two goals down, which was really pleasing to see," Head Coach Anthony Pulis said following the draw. "But to be honest it feels like two points dropped. We had an extra man for 35, 40 minutes. We played well in patches but it's going back to the same thing, which we've had for a majority of the year, which is that little bit of extra care in the final third. A pass instead of shooting maybe or the quality of the cross, the quality of the final ball has let us down a little bit."

The man of the match for OCB was right back Tyler Turner. Apart from his assist to Cox on the equalizing goal, Turner's energy in the beginning of the second half set the tone for the Lions. His strength getting forward was a noticeable game changer.

"Tyler was great again going forward," Pulis said. "That's never been in question — his ability to go forward. He's obviously quick, he's very energetic, he's got good feet, and he's got descent delivery. Tyler's forward play has never been an issue for me and he obviously got forward tonight."

The question coming into the game was the back four. While Turner and Garcia have become regulars in the defense, left back Luke Boden is with the team only until he regains full fitness and Donovan is working his way back from a torn ACL last season. While the lack of playing time together was obvious in the first 15 minutes, they seemed to gel going forward and were able to keep the Steel off the board and allow their offense to come back.

"It's a back four that's been thrown together. We've had one day together. They haven't played together an awful lot," Pulis said. "We gave away two poor goals which, unfortunately, at any level if you defend the way we did at times tonight, you're going to concede goals. But after that I thought we settled down a little bit and looked more solid."

After having three games in the span of a week, OCB will now be off for two weeks. The team returns on May 22 to host the Rochester Rhinos.

Starting XI: Edwards; Turner, Boden, Donovan (McFadden, 60'), Garcia; Neal (c), Mendoza (Obekop, 46'), Heath, Rocha (da Silva, 85'); Cox (Rochez, 82'), Barry

Unused Subs: Fenlason, Ambrose, Ribeiro

Goals: ORL – Turner (17'), Cox (54') BET – Rocha (og) (11'), Herbers (14')

Yellow Cards: ORL – Donovan (35'), Boden (65') BET – Daly (33'), Chambers (87'), Missimo (90')

Red Cards: BET – Restrepo (50')

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.