Orlando City B

Orlando City B at New England Revolution II: Final Score 2-0 as Young Lions Claim First Win of 2020 Season

Published

4 years ago

August 27, 2020

Orlando City B (1-1-0, 3 points) rebounded well from last week’s loss to Tormenta FC with a 2-0 win over New England Revolution II (0-1-1, 1 point) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. Moises Tablante set up Wilfredo Rivera and Kenji Tanaka as academy products created and scored both goals in the win. It was the first win for the reserve side under new coach Marcelo Neveleff.

OCB made a few changes to its starting lineup for this game. Michael Halliday was replaced by 15-year-old Homegrown defender Thomas Williams. USF alum Jonathan Rosales also slid into the starting lineup for this game. While there were some changes, many of the starters from the first game returned. This included Austin Aviza, Nick O’Callaghan, Mateo Rodas, Jose Quintero, Moises Tablante, Wilfredo Rivera, and Julian Kennedy.

Similar to OCB, Revolution II serves as a developmental team for an MLS side. However, while OCB is mostly made up of teenagers out of the club’s academy, Revolution II has only two academy graduates on the team and most of the “baby Revs” are 20 years old or older.

The experience of the Revolution players showed in this game as they held the majority of possession. The hosts out-shot the Young Lions 8-1 in the first half but only put two of those eight shots on goal. In the first 20 minutes, Revolution II nearly found Orlando Sinclair multiple times but the crosses were just out of his reach. Damian Rivera caused trouble on the left for the hosts but solid play by O’Callaghan kept New England off the board.

Despite being dominated for much of the half, OCB had a decent chance in the 44th minute when Tablante found Quintero at the top of the box. The Orlando City academy product took a curling shot that was just wide of the Revolution goal.

The game appeared to take a major change when Revolution II defender Ryo Shimazaki was sent off for his second caution. He received his first caution for a foul on Tablante in the 29th minute. After a shot was cleared off the line on the other end, Shimazaki pulled Tablante back by the shirt as the midfielder pushed forward in the 38th minute. Referee Ernie Constantine had no choice but to show a second yellow and give Shimazaki his marching orders.

OCB used the man advantage in the second half much better than it did in the first half. The Young Lions nearly broke through in the 51st minute when Kennedy got his head on a cross but put it just wide of the New England goal. Six minutes later, Tablante looked to the far post and forced a diving save from New England goalkeeper Joseph Rice.

The Young Lions finally broke through for the first time this season in the 66th minute. A beautiful ball by Rosales across the field found Tablante. The midfielder found the head of fellow academy product Rivera, who nodded home for the opening goal. It was a goal created by the two most dangerous players OCB has had offensively this season in Tablante and Rivera.

What were you doing as a 16-year-old? If you're Wilfredo Rivera, the answer is scoring your first professional goal 🙌#NEvORL | @OrlandoCityB pic.twitter.com/eGBiAHfvaC

— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) August 8, 2020

The goal came 13 minutes after Sinclair found Isaac Angking at the six-yard box, forcing Aviza into a great save from his knees. That was the last real chance to lead for the hosts as the OCB goal took the wind out of the Revolution’s sails. The Young Lions were able to hold better possession after their goal and create even more chances.

The Young Lions doubled their lead a minute into injury time when Tablante again set up a goal for OCB. A cross-field ball was flicked out wide to Tablante with a deft touch by Aleksandar Gluvacevic. After nearly losing possession, Tablante regained control of the ball and found Orlando City academy product Tanaka at the far post. It was an easy goal for Tanaka, sealing the win for the Young Lions.

These yutes ain't bad 👊#NEvORL | @OrlandoCityB pic.twitter.com/2WzHoJtv38

— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) August 8, 2020

Prior to the 66th minute, the game was all New England. Even a man down, the Revs ended the game with 56% possession and out-shot OCB 15-12. However, OCB got more shots on target (5-3) and the goal changed everything, as New England only created two chances following the goal and only had one shot.

The clean sheet by Aviza is his first as a professional and the fourth for the team since OCB joined USL League One in 2019. Juliano Chade had three clean sheets last year.

OCB now heads home, where the Young Lions will take on Fort Lauderdale CF, Inter Miami’s second team, at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee next Friday night at 7 p.m. The stadium is not open to the public for that match, which can be seen on ESPN+.

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.