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Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies: Final Score 2-0 As OCB Is Eliminated From Playoff Contention

Published

7 years ago

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With the playoffs on the line, Orlando City B (10-10-12, 42 points) needed to get a win to have a chance to make the playoffs. Early on it looked like the young Lions would be able to stay alive another day, but the Tampa Bay Rowdies (14-7-11, 53 points) came out victorious on a pair of second-half goals. OCB dropped its season finale, 2-0, in front of 1,185 fans in Orlando City Stadium.

“Tonight, we really struggled to get any rhythm going forward in attack,” said Lewis Neal. “I hate to say it, but we didn’t deserve to win tonight. That’s my opinion with the poor performance that we put in tonight.”

Pulis, on the other hand, was visibly upset after the match and said from the moment that he sat down that he does not want to talk about tonight’s game. Instead, Pulis focused on the season as a whole.

After OCB’s 6-5 loss a week ago, Head Coach Anthony Pulis made four changes. Earl Edwards Jr. and Richie Laryea both were not in the starting XI, with Laryea not in the 18 at all. Expect to see them both in the 18 for Orlando’s City’s final home game this Sunday. PC also was not part of the 18, and instead Kevin Alston was in at left back. Hadji Barry and Michael Cox combined for a goal and an assist on Saturday, and led the attack tonight again. 

Needing the three points, the young Lions came out of the gates flying. Barry had the ball in the box in the second minute, juked the first defender, looked to shoot, but the second defender was there to stop the attack. Cox had an opportunity seconds later, but shot right at goalkeeper Matt Pickens from about 30 yards out instead of passing to Jordan Schweitzer, who was wide open to Cox’s right. 

Orlando’s first big opportunity came in the 11th minute. On a 2-v-1, Barry made a move, freed himself and opened up space for a shot. Pickens made the diving save but the rebound was just inches beyond any OCB player.

Seven minutes later, Schweitzer made a nice run to get into shooting position. Cox gave him the ball but Schweitzer’s shot went harmlessly wide. 

Tampa finally settled into the match around the 20-minute mark, and this led to numerous opportunities to break the 0-0 deadlock. 

First, in the 18th minute, Georgi Hristov took a shot that went just over the bar. In the 23rd minute, Timbo gave up a free kick 20 yards out on a bit of an iffy call. Marcel Schäfer’s shot forced Fenlason into making a low, diving save.

Seven minutes later, Alston’s poor attempt at a clearance led to Walter Restrepo putting a low cross in that skidded across the face of the goal. Luckily for the young Lions, the Rowdies’ forwards could not get on the end of what would have been a tap in. Schäfer should have put the visitors ahead, this time in the 34th minute, but his shot hit the crossbar instead. 

The half ended as it started, 0-0. Both Orlando and Tampa had opportunities but the defense for both teams held strong. The Rowdies were slightly ahead on possession (56%-44%), shots (5-3, although OCB had more on goal, 2-1), and passes (253-202). 

Starting the second half, Orlando was back on the front foot. OCB pushed players forward, trying to get the much-needed go-ahead goal, but every attack faltered in the final third. Schweitzer, recently back from his stint with the Canadian National Team, made way for Austin Martz in the 55th minute. The game was back and forth and there were not many opportunities for either team. This led Pulis to make his second change of the night, bringing off OCB leading goal scorer Barry for Danny Deakin. 

“I don’t think Hadji [Barry] had his best game,” said Pulis. “We obviously went with a starting shape and it wasn’t quite working. I still thought we were dangerous and I thought we did well up until the final third. Just kinda lacked that little bit of quality that we needed in and around the box.”

OCB’s first big chance of the second half came in the 70th minute. Deakin gave a good long ball to Cox, who put his cross on a platter for Martz. Martz nearly missed the ball entirely and the ball softly floated harmlessly wide. 

OCB’s playoff hopes ended in the 75th minute, when Tampa scored the opener. Schäfer put a perfect cross in off a corner, and Hristov just had to redirect the header. Lewis Neal was on the back post, but could not jump high enough to keep it out. 

After the goal, Pulis made some changes, bringing on Ben Polk for Alston and moved to a three-back formation. The Rowdies adjusted to this by going more defensive and playing long balls over the top.

As the young Lions were throwing players forward, the Rowdies got a consolation goal in stoppage time. Sebastian Guenzatti picked up a loose ball off Zach Ellis-Hayden’s failed back pass, beat Fenlason one-on-one, and then passed the ball into the empty net to kill off any chance of a comeback.

It was a good season for the young Lions, but four losses in their last six matches kept OCB from reaching playoffs in its second season. OCB will finish the season in ninth place in the USL’s Eastern Conference.

After the game Pulis, Neal, and Schweitzer were all visibly upset about the loss and the season ending. They all did not want to focus on the result, but the season as a whole and what lays ahead next season.

“I want to talk about how proud I am of the players,” said Pulis. “The work that they put in on a daily basis has been absolutely phenomenal. The attitude that they show in training and in games, the way they are around the facility, the way they are on the road. It is very difficult for me to put into words how proud I am to have led them.”

“I go back to the first game at Tampa, and how we performed in that to how we’ve come on since then,” Neal added. “Not just as a team, but individually as players, collectively as a group, I feel like we’ve come a long way. I know this team is a development team and I certainly feel like there has been strides that have been made with a lot of our individuals and, obviously, as a team.”

Schweitzer ended by saying, “If the same staff is here and I think a lot of the guys are still here, you’re going to see a lot of improvement [next season]. Hearing conversations from guys last year, just the steps that this group has made from everyone has been good. If a lot of people are on board and if the same staff is here I expect to see even better results next year.”

Starting XI: Jake Fenlason; Zach Ellis-Hayden, Zach Carroll, Fernando Timbo, Kevin Alston (Ben Polk — 78’); Lewis Neal, Tony Rocha, Jordan Schweitzer (Austin Martz — 55’), Pierre Da Silva; Michael Cox, Hadji Barry (Danny Deakin — 66th). 

Unused Subs: Earl Edwards Jr., Paul Clowes, Conor Donovan, Joe Gallardo. 

Goals: OCB — None. TBR — Hristov (75’, Guenzatti, 93’). 

Yellows: OCB — Da Silva ( 76’); TBR — Vingaard (38’), Portillos (51’), Gorskie (80’). 

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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.

Published

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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