Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs South Georgia Tormenta FC: Final Score 1-1 as OCB Draws 10-Man Tormenta FC

Published

4 years ago

August 28, 2020

Orlando City B (1-3-2, 5 points) drew 1-1 with South Georgia Tormenta FC (2-3-3, 9 points) tonight at Osceola County Stadium. It was a unique game that saw a seven-minute display of support to start, an own goal, a penalty, and a sending off.

OCB made several changes to the team that lost 3-1 to Forward Madison on Sunday. Jonathan Rosales, Thomas Williams, Adam Ozeri, Kenji Tanaka, and Teddy Ndje all entered the starting lineup. Team captain Mateo Rodas started from the bench for the first time this season. He was replaced as captain by Raul Aguilera.

The game started with a statement of unity. Tormenta FC played the opening kickoff straight out of play as all 22 players took a knee. While the Tormenta players stayed in their positions on the field, the OCB players all gathered at the center circle. As the game clock ticked to just over four minutes, the players went to the sideline and warmed back up for the start of open play. By the time OCB took the throw-in, more than seven minutes of game time had elapsed.

7 minutes.

For Justice.
For Equality.
For Compassion.
For Unity.
For Empowerment.#UnitedAgainstRacism pic.twitter.com/u1HXKvT9sh

— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) August 28, 2020

Shortly after open play got underway, the visitors nearly took the lead. Aguilera played a careless ball across the middle that was picked up by Pato Botello-Faz. The Tormenta striker was in on goal but Austin Aviza closed him down and blocked the shot away.

While OCB settled down following the early chance, Tormenta still had most of the dangerous chances. The visitors nearly scored again in the 23rd minute when Marco Micaletto sent a great ball across the face of goal. Botello-Faz ran onto it inside the six with nobody in front of goal but his touch was wide and OCB escaped a second dangerous situation.

Tormenta FC got on the board first in the 30th minute but it was OCB that scored. Placed under pressure, Thomas Williams chipped the ball back to Aviza. The OCB goalkeeper took his eye off the ball just long enough for it to roll under his foot for an own goal.

GOAL | We're up 1-0 after a mistake from @OrlandoCityB!

After you enjoy the video, find out how you can register to vote in your state: https://t.co/ghBJIcMfLA @DurrenceChevy | #ORLvTRM pic.twitter.com/jaEly65XNC

— Tormenta FC (@Tormenta_FC) August 28, 2020

The game took a drastic turn in the 61st minute. Wilfredo Rivera’s cross was knocked down by Joshua Phelps but referee Johan Fredrik Roenning determined that the ball came off the defender’s hand. In addition to pointing to the spot, Roenning issued Phelps his second yellow of the game. Aguilera stepped to the spot and put the penalty in off of Tormenta goalkeeper Pablo Jara’s hand and the bottom of the crossbar.

“I thought that for me the most important thing was bailing my teammates out,” Aguilera said after the match. “Obviously we had a mistake in goal but it was my opportunity to kind of bail him out and get us back in the game. That’s all it was in my mind when I took the penalty kick. I felt good, it’s always good to get your professional goal, I wish the result would’ve been a little better but I’m happy to get on the score sheet.”

Despite being a man up, OCB didn’t have many quality chances until the dying moments. With eight minutes remaining, a blocked shot found Mason Lamb in front of goal. The midfielder’s shot was blocked by a diving one-handed save by Jara.

Pab(n)o. 🚫#ORLvTRM | @Tormenta_FC pic.twitter.com/4RtKPLLQS4

— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) August 29, 2020

Five minutes later, Michael Halliday took a shot toward the far post from the right of goal. The ball rolled just wide and hit another ball that was on the field of play. Rather than bouncing back into the goal, it rolled out for a goal kick.

Lamb then nearly scored the winner when Jara came far out of his goal for a clearance. From about 30 yards out, Lamb shot at the open net but it went wide of the goal — the second time in the game that Lamb nearly scored.

The game ended with a little bit of controversy as OCB looked to break out after clearing the ball out of their own end. Moises Tablante received it near midfield with only two defenders back but the referee blew his whistle, ending the game as a 1-1 draw.

OCB was able to gain a lot more possession after going up a man with 27 minutes left. The game ended with the teams nearly even in possession. After just six shots in the first half, the two teams combined for 18 in the second half. OCB ended up out-shooting its guests 16-8 in the 90 minutes. Four of those 16 shots by OCB were on target while two of the eight by Tormenta FC were on the frame.

““Once again in the first 45 minutes we couldn’t connect passes, we weren’t organized, and then the second half was all ours,” said OCB Head Coach Marcelo Neveleff. “I think we should have won the game.”

“I think one of the issues that we have been having is playing consistently for 90 minutes,” Aguilera said “I think that we put ourselves in a position where we are always fighting from behind and I think it’s something that if we want to compete for three points I think it’s something that we need to fix.”

It will be another short week for OCB as the Young Lions will return to action again next Thursday night when they host North Texas SC.

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.