Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs Richmond Kickers: Final Score 3-1 as 10-Man OCB Falls at Home

Published

4 years ago

October 21, 2020

Orlando City B (1-10-3, 6 points) fell to the Richmond Kickers (8-5-2, 26 points) today for the team’s seventh consecutive loss. Despite taking an early lead on a Kenji Tanaka goal, a 24th-minute red card was too much to overcome for the Young Lions as they fell 3-1.

OCB Head Coach Marcelo Neveleff put out his most homegrown starting lineup to date, with 10 of the 11 starters having come out of the academy or been drafted by the club. The only player in the starting lineup from outside the club for this game was Adam Ozeri. With Mateo Rodas on the bench and Raul Aguilera out of the team, Wilfredo Rivera was given the armband. In doing so, the 16-year-old attacker became the youngest player to captain OCB, Orlando City, or Orlando City U-23.

“I believe that we could have done some better, especially playing, but at the end of the day, it’s good that we are giving playing time to many academy boys,” Neveleff said about his squad selection. “Hopefully one day they will be on the first team with Oscar (Pareja).”

This was a big game for the Kickers as they trailed Union Omaha by three points with two games left heading in. Since Omaha only has one game left, a pair of wins by the Virginia-based club would put them in the USL League One final against Greenville Triumph SC.

Despite having less to play for, OCB was the team that came out flying. The Young Lions had the majority of the chances in the opening minutes and were the first to get on the board. In the eighth minute, Moises Tablante received the ball on the left and darted into the opposing half. He sent a long, low ball toward the end line for Tanaka, who caught up to the ball just before it went out of play. The 19-year-old forward fired from a tight angle and beat Richmond goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald for the game’s opening goal.

Like lightning on the counter ⚡️#ORLvRIC | @OrlandoCityB pic.twitter.com/IPQwHnxwbu

— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) October 21, 2020

The OCB goal was only its second since Sept. 3 and both of those goals have come against the Richmond Kickers. The other goal was scored three minutes into second-half injury time Oct. 7 in Richmond. It was also the first time that the Young Lions had led a game since Aug. 14, when a 22nd-minute goal by Rivera gave OCB the lead over Fort Lauderdale CF in Kissimmee.

A key moment in this game came in the 24th minute when OCB defender Daniel Rosario was sent off. A giveaway by Tanaka created a chance for the visitors. Sprinting into the box, Stanley Alves played the ball across for Matthew Bolduc. As the midfielder shot on goal, Rosario turned his body, resulting in the ball hitting his arm. Since OCB goalkeeper Austin Aviza was out of his net, Rosario was the last defender. That convinced referee Alyssa Nichols to award a penalty and issue a red card.

After earning the penalty, Bolduc stepped up to the spot looking to equalize. Having saved a penalty in the first meeting between these two teams in Richmond, Aviza guessed right again, diving to his right to make the save. However, the Young Lions still had to play the remaining 66 minutes with 10 men.

Neveleff said Aviza standing out is both a good and bad thing.

“He gives the team confidence but it’s also contradictory because making Aviza a good player means that we are not defending that well,” he said.

Richmond equalized in the 36th minute with what would be considered a more difficult attempt. A ball across the top of the box was misplayed by Gregory Boehme but fell to the foot of Mutaya Mwape. The Zambian didn’t make a mistake, curling the ball beyond the reach of Aviza for a long-range equalizer.

.@mumusplash is a small guy with monster-sized skills. #ORLvRIC | @RichmondKickers pic.twitter.com/xKafmQGmur

— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) October 21, 2020

Aviza said that the team didn’t hang their heads at the half, despite being down a man and having given up its first lead in two months.

“I think at halftime we were really focused,” the goalkeeper said after the game. “We were all locked into the game still. We didn’t really hang our heads low or anything. The message was that we could go in and win this game.”

OCB was able to get out of the first half with the game tied at one but it didn’t take long for Richmond to take the lead after the break. In the 51st minute, good ball movement by the Kickers allowed Scott Thomsen to be sent through on the left. The former Young Lion sent a cross too close to Aviza but the OCB goalkeeper was unable to collect. The ball bounced off his palms and right to Mumbi Kwesele. The midfielder’s shot would’ve been a tight angle so he played it nearby to Alves who put it in, making it 2-1.

J̶o̶h̶n̶n̶y̶ Stanley on the Spot. #ORLvRIC | @RichmondKickers pic.twitter.com/ojDa0ggdV0

— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) October 21, 2020

The Kickers nearly doubled their lead in the 55th minute when a turnover by OCB allowed Ivan Magalhaes an opportunity. The defender dribbled through several defenders, keeping his balance to get in on goal. However, Aviza did well to close down Magalhaes and make the save with his right leg.

The visitors did double their lead in the 64th minute. After receiving the ball from Thomsen, Oalex Anderson did well to shield it from Franklin Carabali, creating the space needed to run on goal. Good ball control allowed him to beat Rodas and Thomas Williams and slip the ball past Aviza for Richmond’s third goal of the game.

.@OalexJrA10 to the crib. #ORLvRIC | @RichmondKickers pic.twitter.com/vRwpbXyPii

— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) October 21, 2020

As expected, the sending off of Rosario had the biggest impact on the game. Prior to the red card, OCB had the majority of possession and chances, resulting in the 1-0 lead. However, the Kickers took over after that, dominating most statistical categories. In the end, the visitors ended up with 55% possession and outshot the Young Lions, 19-8.

“I think that the team was in command of the win until the penalty kick, even though we were making some mistakes trying to come out and play,” Neveleff said after the game. “Being down to 10 men conditioned the whole game but the effort from the guys was a good one.”

It was a needed win for the Kickers as they attempt to claim the final spot in the USL League One final. As for the Young Lions, they drop their seventh straight game and haven’t claimed a point since Sept. 3.

Despite having already secured last place in the league, the team wants to show good effort.

“Today, even though we are out of the playoffs, we are in last place in points, but they showed character, that they want to compete,” Neveleff said. “They feel they owe it to themselves to win a game at home.”

“I think the biggest thing is that we know that we are out of the playoffs but the effort is still there,” Aviza added. “No one is really hanging our heads. Every game we go with the same mentality that we want to win and that we want to play. No one is really down on that because every game is a fight for us.”

There is no word on whether the postponed match between OCB and Chattanooga will be made up, so at this point OCB has just one more game currently on the schedule. The Young Lions will host league-leading Greenville Triumph SC on Saturday afternoon.

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.