Connect with us

Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. New York Red Bulls II: Final Score 6-5 as OCB’s Comeback Comes Up Short

Published

7 years ago

on

With a chance to secure a playoff spot, Orlando City B ( 10-9-12, 42 points) failed to make the best of circumstances in a 6-5 goal-fest in front of 1,009 fans in Orlando City Stadium. With the win, New York Red Bulls II (13-13-5, 44 points) move to sixth place in the Eastern Conference and the Baby Bulls are now in control of their own destiny, while OCB needs a win on Thursday against rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies and other results to go its way to make the post season.

“Crazy game. Unfortunately we paid the price for some really, really poor defending tonight,” said OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis. “Didn’t pick the best of games to defend how bad we did, and it’s just a shame because I think up until tonight we’ve had the best or the second best defensive record in our conference. Individual errors have cost us, but massive positive for me was the way the guys kept going, didn’t give in, and kept fighting right to the final whistle.”

OCB started the game quickly and pushed players forward, but the visitors struck first. New York’s Stefano Bonomo got in behind the OCB defense and out muscled Conor Donovan to go one-on-one with Edwards. Bonomo easily slotted the ball in the back of the net to put the Red Bulls up 1-0 in just the third minute. 

Less than 10 minutes later, the visitors doubled up on Orlando. Florian Valot found some space and took a crack from about 25 yards out. His shot went upper 90 and Edwards had no chance at keeping it out. 

In the 16th minute, OCB pulled one back. Hadji Barry took on a defender at midfield before putting a perfect through ball up top to Michael Cox. Cox was one-on-one with the ‘keeper and decided to pass to a wide-open Lewis Neal. Neal passed the ball into the back of the net to cut the deficit in half. 

New York dominated much of the first half. The young Lions’ defense looked shaky and had difficulty stopping the Red Bulls attack. When in possession, OCB quickly went on the counter, but seemed to turn the ball over more than go on the attack. 

In the 42nd minute, Bonomo got his brace and put the visitors up, 3-1. Valot put a cross across the box to Junior Flemmings, who took a one-touch shot. Edwards made the diving save but OCB’s defenders were caught ball watching as Bonomo’s half volley went in the upper corner. 

“We win as a team, we lose as a team,” said Neal. “You can talk about defenders making mistakes or not doing well in that first half, but there has been games this season where the defense has kept us in the game. We all make mistakes at times but we all have to come together as a team, and accept that loss as a team. Not just blame it on the defenders for the first half.”

The half ended 3-1 in favor of the visitors, and it was all New York. The Red Bulls II held 57% possession and took 14 shots to OCB’s two. The young Lions struggled to get any offense going and the lead could have been much worse. 

Pulis made two changes to start the second half, clearly hoping to spark a change in his team’s performance. However, the young Lions still struggled and Bonomo netted his hat trick just six minutes into the second period. Four minutes later, the lead was extended to 5-1 after Basuljevic found the back of the net off of a pass from David Najem. 

“We’re fighters,” said Zach Carroll. “Going down early is never the best start to a game but, you know, you have to keep grinding and we showed that tonight. We put five goals up against one of the best teams in the USL, and so I think that gives us confidence going into Tampa that if we do go down it’s never over.”

Down four goals, Pulis used his last sub in the 61st minute. Austin Martz came on for Pierre Da Silva and the young Lions started to throw players forward. This led to a handful of opportunities for OCB to get back into it.

Cox took a first time shot in the 65th minute, but his shot at the six-yard box rocketed over the crossbar. A minute later, OCB won a foul about 30 yards out. Lewis Neal took the free kick and found the diving head of Carroll and his headed goal gave the young Lions some life. Carroll’s strike against his former team cut New York’s lead to 5-2.

In the 77th minute, OCB won another free kick and tried to run the same exact play. Neal’s kick was just a tad long, but Carroll headed it back to a wide-open Timbo. Timbo hit it off the volley to bring the young Lions within two, at 5-3.

“Pierre [Da Silva] went off, and he’s usually our free kick taker. Ant [Pulis] shouted out and told me to take the free kick, and it wasn’t rocket science,” said Neal. “It was just putting it into a decent area and trying to get on the end of it.”

OCB had a few more chances, but any hope at a comeback ended in the 86th minute when Timbo fouled Valot in the box. Valot took the spot kick himself and easily converted it to put the Red Bulls II up, 6-3.

With New York thinking the game was won, OCB kept throwing players forward and had multiple chances as the clock wound down. After being played in over the top, Cox drew a foul in the box in the 90th minute. The referee viewed the play as denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity and New York’s David Abidor received a red card for the violation. Barry took the penalty and powered it into the back of the net to pull the young Lions back within two goals. Rejuvenated, OCB won the ball back and Austin Martz found the back of the net seconds after Barry’s goal to make it 6-5.

Down just a goal, it looked like OCB found a miracle and would come back. However, after 11 goals, 18 fouls, four yellow cards, a red card, and two penalty kicks, the referee awarded just two minutes of extra time. This ended any hope of the comeback, and New York held on to win.

When asked after the match about there only being two extra minutes, Pulis was clearly frustrated by it but responded by saying, “I don’t want to say anything about that because I’ll get myself into trouble.”

OCB plays its last regular season game on Thursday, against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The young Lions need to win to have a chance at making the post season.

“It’s not over,” Pulis said. “Everybody’s sick and really disappointed and really down. But when we get back in at the start of the week it’s important than we, as a staff, rally them, get them going again, and we put in a really good performance and get a result against Tampa on Thursday.”

Starting XI: Earl Edwards Jr; PC (Kevin Alston – 46’), Connor Donovan (Fernando Timbo – 45’), Zach Carroll, Zach Ellis-Hayden; Pierre Da Silva (Austin Martz – 61’), Tony Rocha, Lewis Neal, Richie Laryea; Hadji Barry, Michael Cox. 

Unused Subs: Jake Fenlason, Paul Clowes, Danny Deakin, Ben Polk.  

Goals: OCB — Neal (16’), Carroll (67’), Timbo (77’), Barry (91’ – pen.), Martz (92’); NY — Bonomo (3’, 41’, 51’), Valot (12’, 87’ – pen.), Basuljevic (55’). 

Yellows: OCB — Donovan (28’), Ellis-Hayden (80’); NY — Kutler (43’), Basuljevic (63’), Bonomo (72’), Ndam (76’). 

Red Cards: OCB — None; NY — Abidor (91’).

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

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

on

February 13, 2025

By

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.

Continue Reading

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

on

January 30, 2025

By

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.

Continue Reading

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

on

January 27, 2025

By

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.
Continue Reading

Trending