Orlando City B

Selecting the 2017 Orlando City B Best XI

Published

7 years ago

October 17, 2017

Throughout the 2017 USL season, 32 players have played for OCB in at least one of the young Lions' many different starting XIs. Fourteen players found the back of the net, while another 21 picked up at least one card. There have been players that have made as many as 28 appearances to as few as one.

With the developmental side’s roster constantly changing, it is difficult to pick one player at each position that excelled more than anyone else. However, to make things a little easier, all the players in this 2017 Best XI played a minimum of 10 games. Also, with only two contracted players above the age of 25 — Timbo and Lewis Neal — there is so much potential with almost all the individuals. All the players involved are judged simply on their performances in 2017 USL play, and not on what they could contribute to OCB and Orlando City in the future.

Goalkeeper: Earl Edwards Jr.

This is the only position with no contest. Orlando City signing Josh Saunders was the best thing for Edwards, and the 25-year-old former third-round pick finished the season seventh in saves and third in clean sheets in the USL, while only playing 22 games. Edwards was not just the best keeper for OCB, but one of the best in the league.

Fullback: Zachary Ellis-Hayden

Ellis-Hayden made 24 appearances, 19 of which were starts, in his second season on OCB. The Canadian needs to improve his attack, but was as solid defensively as he could’ve been asked to be in 2017. He led the team in tackles and was in the top five in clearances, blocks, and interceptions. His eight yellow cards are a cause for concern, and his 80% passing accuracy could have been better, but you know what you are going to get with Ellis-Hayden. He was a consistently impressive fullback that got forward and threatened offensively.

Center Back: Seb Hines

I wrote about Hines’ roller coaster of a career a few weeks ago, which has had as many ups and downs as a gymnast. This year, however, Hines has only improved. MLSers that are sent down to the USL could take it in two ways — as a joke, and proceed to just go through the motions; or by making the best of it and showing that they belong. Hines chose the latter option and helped OCB to a 12-match unbeaten run. When Hines has started and played the first five minutes of any match, he hadn’t lost since September of 2016 until this past Sunday vs. Columbus. Hines played 15 games for OCB in 2017, and finished with 79% passing accuracy, a 77% tackle success rate, just five yellow cards, and a goal. The center back was rewarded for his great play with a starting spot on the MLS side.

Center Back: Zach Carroll

Statistically, Carroll was OCB’s best defender. His 39 interceptions, 85 clearances, and 57 aerial duels won were all team highs. Additionally, he had the second-most passes with 1,035, which is 187 better than the third-best player. Carroll’s 11 blocks and 271 long passes were also second-best among the young Lions. The defender played 24 games in the USL this season and was a key part of the defense after signing from the USL defending champion New York Red Bulls II.

Fullback: Scott Thomsen

Statistically, nothing about Thomsen’s 2017 jumps off the page. He played just 15 games, did not score any goals, and his 74% passing accuracy is one of the worst on the team. However, left back was probably OCB’s weakest position and when Thomsen was in he performed well. He got forward when he could and made some key stops on the defensive end. The 23-year-old put the ball on a platter for Albert Dikwa on his lone assist of the year that helped the young Lions to a comeback 1-1 draw against Charlotte. Also, unlike many fullbacks, the majority of his passes were in attacking positions instead of back to safety. Finally, Thomsen played in less than half of the young Lions’ games, but put in the fourth-most crosses on OCB.

Midfielder: Pierre Da Silva

Over his first two seasons, Da Silva is arguably Orlando’s biggest success story and it is nowhere even near being finished. The 19-year-old is the first player to jump from the Orlando City Academy to OCB to Orlando City, and this season it’s been clear why. A look at the stats sheet tells you that Da Silva was second in shots and games played and led the young Lions in assists, starts, chances created, and shots on goal. All those things are great accomplishments, but the real treat is seeing him play. In 2017, Da Silva showed that he was one of the most talented players in USL, but he is not quite ready for MLS. Sure, he had games where he was quiet — the season finale against Tampa, for example — but expect the academy product to get some minutes with the MLS side in 2018 after his performances this year.

One thing that needs to be looked at with Da Silva is his disciplinary record. Not only did he commit the most fouls on OCB this year, but his six yellows and two red cards are also cause for concern. Opponents tended to mark him closely and foul him often, but he needs to stay calm and not give up unnecessary fouls that can hurt the team.

Midfielder: Richie Laryea

Laryea spent most of the year with the MLS side, so he was a tough one. On one hand, he only played 12 games in the USL, but he finished second in goals and fourth in assists among OCB players. When Laryea was in, he was constantly changing the game and one of the better players. His standout performances in USL earned him 10 games in MLS.

Midfielder: Austin Martz

On a roster that was constantly changing, Martz was one of the few constants. The 25-year-old played in 30 of OCB’s 32 games, making 22 starts. Of his 30 appearances, he only went the full 90 minutes 12 times so, moving forward, that is something that will need to increase. However, he did what was needed of him in each game and could be counted on to perform his role. In those 12 games that Martz played the full 90, the young Lions went 7-1-4, and OCB failed to win both games that Martz did not take part in. Additionally, his versatility was key, and he filled in on the back line this season, as well as playing in his natural midfield position.

Midfielder: Jordan Schweitzer

The 23-year-old played in 24 games in 2017, and his season could be summarized in his call up to the Canadian National Team. Schweitzer’s touch is arguably the best on the team, and he rarely gives the ball up in possession, leading to an 85% passing accuracy. That 85% is second-best among players that played at least 15 games, and just 1% behind Conor Donovan, whose majority of passes were inside OCB’s own half. Schweitzer finished with just one goal and one assist, but was in the top 10 in all the key defensive statistics — clearances, blocks, interceptions, and tackles. Schweitzer could have done a little more on the attacking end of the field, but playing the majority of the time in one of the holding midfield roles limited him in that area. Overall, Schweitzer was one of the best young Lions in 2017.

Midfielder: Lewis Neal

Neal is a tough one, as Paul Clowes could have definitely been in this spot. However, Neal gets the edge for his leadership and teaching role on the team, as well as playing the third-most minutes for OCB, behind only Da Silva and Edwards. Many times the game seemed to go through Neal, which culminated in him finishing the season with the most passes on OCB. The 36-year-old veteran was not always the best player on the field — and he may not be back in 2018 — but as the captain of a young, developmental team, his leadership should not be undervalued. He finished the year with three goals and three assists in 24 appearances.

Forward: Hadji Barry

Another obvious choice, Barry was one of the best players for OCB. The UCF product led the team in goals (10) and scored more than three times more than the next-highest player. Barry showed flashes of why Orlando City drafted him, and dominated the games most of the time when he was in. Similar to Da Silva, Barry’s quality is above most of the USL players, but not good enough for MLS yet. After a successful 2017 season, Barry should be rewarded with on-and-off time on the MLS squad in 2018.

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.