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Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds: Final Score 0-0 as OCB’s Home Struggles Continue

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8 years ago

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Orlando City B (5-6-6, 21 points) came out strong and dominated the match possession-wise, but Pittsburgh (5-7-5, 20 points) did not break, and the young Lions and Riverhounds played to a goalless draw in front of 1,042 fans at Orlando City Stadium. The draw gives OCB a record of 1-0-1 against the Riverhounds this season and it was the first time in the series that the home team didn’t lose.

“I thought we played some really, really good football tonight,” OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis said. “We moved the ball well through the lines, created numerous chances. Our defense organization was really good, especially when you consider we had one day with that group of players. We’ve had six, seven, eight, I don’t know exactly how many MLS guys join us and I thought they were excellent.”

OCB came out in a much different starting lineup, due to a large amount of first-team players getting some USL action. Leo Pereira, Rafael Ramos, Richie Laryea, and Hadji Barry were all part of Jason Kreis' 18 a week ago, but with the Lions on international break they used this time to get game action. 

After gaining some MLS experience, Layea played in his first USL game since June 7 and did not miss a beat. He was one of the best players on the field, finishing with a team high two shots, with the only shot on goal for the young Lions. He was one of the focal points going forward and the Riverhounds knew it, and fouled him seven times — more than double of anyone else.

“Obviously it’s good to get minutes,” Laryea said. “It was good to be out there. I guess if you’re getting fouled, you’re doing the right thing and getting forward.”

Pittsburgh has some players that Orlando City fans should be familiar with. The first is Corey Hertzog. Hertzog was a member of Orlando City in 2014. He played  22 games for the Lions in the last season before the move to MLS.

Romeo Parkes is also a name fans may be familiar with. Parkes was part of Pittsburgh last year when he committed one of the worst fouls ever (see below for a reminder). The Jamaican international was immediately cut by the Riverhounds after that incident and was banned by the USL and FIFA, but was given another contract this past May. 

The game was delayed because of lightning strikes during warm-ups, and when the game began 30 minutes later, the rains were still falling. Perhaps, this extra warm-up time helped the young Lions get ready, as they came out with more energy than they have played with in a long time. 

The first big moment of the game came for the Lions in the 19th minute. Laryea got the ball at midfield and immediately took it to the left side of the field. He out-muscled one defender, made a move to get by another one, cut in towards goal, and took a shot off a tough angle. Pittsburgh goalkeeper Keasel Broome saved made a diving save to keep the game scoreless. 

After being fouled in his own third of the field a few minutes later, Laryea played a quick ball to Lewis Neal. Neal hit a bomb across the field that found Austin Martz on a breakaway. Hounds defender Tobi Adele defended it perfectly though, and the young Lions were unable to capitalize on its second opportunity of the game. 

Holding 71% possession a half hour into the match, OCB continued pushing forward and Neal was the next Lion to nearly pull his team ahead. With the ball in the 18, Ramos found Neal all alone. The Englishman’s first-time shot was going wide, but Jamal Jack blocked it first with his foot and then what looked like his hand. The call was a corner, though, so referee Elvis Osmanovic clearly missed the handball. 

Edwards was called into action for the first time in the 43rd minute. Parkes had a little bit of space from about 35 yards out and decided to try his luck. While Edwards was forced to make a diving save, he could handle those types of shots all night long. 

Although the young Lions dominated the first half, it ended scoreless. The home team led in shots (3-1), corners (3-1), passes (283-123), and possession (70-30), but Pittsburgh kept the game goalless after the first 45 minutes. 

The young Lions started the second half with just as much energy as the first and should have went ahead in the 49th minute. Ramos put a perfect cross to the back post to Barry, who headed it back across the grain but instead of going in, it hit the post. 

In the 53rd minute, Orlando City fans saw an all-too-familiar sight. Ramos went down clutching his hamstring, and was forced out of the game. Zachary Ellis-Hayden replaced the fullback, and Pulls was down to one sub after bringing in Jordan Schweitzer for Tony Rocha at halftime. 

“Disappointed obviously with Rafa’s injury,” said Pulis. “We don’t know how bad that is. We’ll assess it and probably find out more tomorrow morning.”

Neal again tried to hit an end-to-end pass, this time to Barry. However, yet another breakaway opportunity was thwarted — this time by Tobi Adewole, who made a great, last-ditch defensive play. The ensuing corner fell to the head of Timbo, but it went inches wide. 

“I thought the last 20 minutes we had three or four of [MLS players] that looked like they were really tired and struggling, just because they haven’t played a lot recently,” said Pulis. “But they managed to get through it, which was important that Laryea, Barry, Pereira, those guys now have 90 minutes under their belt.”

Entering the final 10 minute of the game, OCB earned a free kick near the right corner. It was a poor take and Neal’s free kick went straight into the hands of Broome. A minute later, the young Lions had another free kick in exactly the same place, but the result was the same. 

In stoppage time the visitors had a few opportunities to grab the three points. Kevin Kerr had the fans holding their breath as he looked to chip Earl Edwards Jr. from 30 yards out. The Riverhounds followed that up with two crosses and a corner, all of which were close to finding the back of the net. The final kick of the game was a ball over the top looking for Hertzog, but it was too long. 

OCB was the better team on the night but the Lions were unable to find the back of the net, and could only manage to grab a point. This is now the seventh home game in a row that the young Lions failed to win. 

“The fact that we got the best stadium in USL, I think teams come here and raise their game because I think it’s a cup final for them,” said Pulis. “No disrespect to other stadiums and places you play in USL, this is the best. Our home form needs to improve.”

OCB is back in action again on July 13 as the young Lions take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies at home in the I-4 Derby at 7:30 p.m.

Starting XI: Earl Edwards Jr.; Fernando Timbo, Leo Pereira, Seb Hines, Rafael Ramos (Zachary Ellis-Hayden – 53’); Lewis Neal, Tony Rocha (Jordan Schweitzer – 45’), Paul Clowes, Austin Martz (Danny Deakin – 82’); Richie Laryea, Hadji Barry. 

Unused Subs: Jake Fenlason, Conor Donovan, Albert Dikwa, Ben Polk. 

Goals: None.

Yellow Cards: ORL — Fernando Timbo (78’); PGH — Danny Earls (60’), Michael Green (71’), Taylor Washington (85’).

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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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