Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. FC Tucson: Final Score 2-2 as OCB Secures First Away Point

Published

6 years ago

June 1, 2019

In a game with near misses, incredible plays, and some controversy, Orlando City B (2-5-3, 9 points) came away with a point after a 2-2 road draw with FC Tucson. The Young Lions took the lead just before halftime through Rafael Santos but Tucson (3-4-2, 11 points) took the lead on goals by Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu and Terron before OCB equalized on a goal by Koby Osei-Wusu.

OCB traveled out to Arizona tonight for the first time ever. Head Coach Fernando Jose De Argila Irurita made two changes to his starting lineup, replacing Moises Tablante and William Bagrou with Tresor Mbuyu and Jordan Bender. While the absence of Tablante was due to an exam and beyond his control, it was the first change to the starting lineup since May 3.

While the first 20 minutes of the game were rather slow, the chances picked up quickly. The first solid opportunity of the game came in the 20th minute when Austin Ledbetter sent a long ball into the box. Jordan Jones climbed the ladder to head it towards the six-yard box, where Kody Wakasa was waiting. The hosts thought they may have had the opener but Leonardo Simas stuck his foot out and was able to clear it out of danger.

Six minutes later, it was OCB’s chance to take the lead. As he has become known to do, Serginho took the shot from long distance, challenging Phillip Ejimadu to his near post. However, the 19-year-old goalkeeper — on loan from Los Angeles FC — pushed it wide and out of play.

The chances picked up again late in the first half. In the 37th minute, Devin Vega picked up a free ball just on OCB’s side of the field and quickly played it forward for the charging Jones. With his third touch, the Tucson striker fired on goal, rattling the crossbar behind Juliano Chade. Devyn Jambga followed it up with a shot over the crossbar but was ruled offside.

The first goal of the game finally came in the 44th minute. After receiving a cross-field pass by Thiago Souza, OCB defender Matheus Silva took a high shot toward goal. Just as the ball left his foot, he was pushed by Jones, giving the Young Lions a dangerous free kick. OCB captain Santos stepped up to take the set piece and hit a hard shot past Ejimadu and into the net for the game’s opening goal.

OCB has been coming out well in the second half of recent games but the Young Lions were as sloppy as they’ve been this season early in this one. Just two minutes after the break, they nearly conceded by their own foot. A bad misplay by Silva allowed Zach Wright to gain possession and send a cross into the box. The ball sailed toward Jones at the back post but Simas beat him to it. The clearance went the wrong direction for Simas, clinging off the defender’s own post.

While sloppy play in the back nearly cost the Young Lions inside the first 10 minutes of the second half, the equalizer came with a little bit of controversy. A corner kick for Tucson gave the visitors a chance to get Osei-Wusu on the field. As the forward was making his way onto the field, the home side took the corner kick. Wheeler-Omiunu won the header against an unprepared defense, putting it past Chade.

Continuing to press forward, FC Tucson took its first lead of the game in the 73rd minute. Another poor clearance allowed Terròn to gain possession and play it outside for Jambga. The first touch by Jambga was back for Terròn, whose diving header went into the far corner for the goal, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead.

The second goal by the home side appeared to awaken OCB as the Lions immediately went on the offensive. In the 76th minute, Santos nearly scored directly off another free kick. The ball appeared to be heading into the top corner but Ejimadu dove across the frame and tipped it off the crossbar.

Two minutes later, OCB did equalize. A deft touch by Serginho looped the ball over the defender with the Brazilian taking control. Ejimadu came out to the top of the box to win the ball, but he knocked it off Serginho’s shin. As the ball rolled towards goal, Osei-Wusu beat the defenders to the ball and played it into the empty net.

With less than 10 minutes remaining, it seemed like there was one more goal left. In the 86th minute, the hosts thought they had scored it. A corner found Jones, who fired on goal. Chade’s save trickled right in front of Wheeler-Omiunu, who hit it off the inside of the post. The ball rolled gently across the face of the goal line before Kody Wakasa put it in.

As the Tucson players celebrated the late winner and OCB players held their arms high for offside, the referees discussed the play on the near touchline. Eventually, they ruled that Wakasa was offside. As there is no VAR in USL League One, the decision was final.

Easily the most entertaining game of the year, it was full of near misses, spectacular plays, and plenty of controversy. Poor defensive play in the opening minutes of the second half can largely be blamed for the Young Lions not claiming all three points. But Tucson will be disappointed at not finding a third goal, as the home team came quite close.

While OCB was unable to win its third consecutive game, the Young Lions will return home with their first away point of the season. The draw also pulls the Young Lions out of last place for the first time this season as, at least for a day, they climb one point above Forward Madison FC.

After this tough game, OCB returns home to Montverde Academy next Friday night to host Forward Madison FC at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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.