Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs Greenville Triumph: Final Score 4-1 as Young Lions Fall Again in Season Finale

Published

4 years ago

October 24, 2020

Orlando City B (1-11-3, 6 points) finished the 2020 USL League One season this afternoon with a 4-1 loss to Greenville Triumph SC (11-3-2, 35 points) at Osceola County Stadium. The loss gave OCB its eighth consecutive defeat to end its run in the USL, as the Young Lions will not make up the postponed match against Chattanooga.

This game ended the 2020 season for OCB and completed their existence in USL League One. While nothing has been officially announced yet, it is widely believed that OCB will be joining a new MLS reserve league to be launched next year. If so, several academy products on this year’s team should be returning for 2021.

“We played a very good team, a team that is playing for the championship next Saturday,” OCB Head Coach Marcelo Neveleff said after the game. “I think that we were there competing but we paid for some of the inexperience from our guys. At the end of the day that’s why they are here, to learn from it and hopefully when they are ready to move on to the next team, next level, the first team, they won’t make these mistakes.”

The most noticeable addition to today’s lineup was goalkeeper Javier Otero. The 17-year-old Orlando City Development Academy product has been on the bench most of the season but got his first start in this game. That moved Austin Aviza to the bench for the first time since Sept. 12.

While possession percentage was close, Greenville had far more chances and that showed up on the scoresheet.

OCB started the game well, creating a couple of early chances. Three minutes in, Moises Tablante played a nice ball across the box for Kenji Tanaka, the same combination that scored against the Richmond Kickers midweek. Tanaka got his head to the ball but sent it just wide of the far post.

After that chance, the visitors took over. Greenville got its first goal of the game in the 11th minute. Noah Pilato’s ball toward the back post found the foot of Lachlan McLean. The Triumph’s leading scorer sent the ball back across the box but it was too close to Otero. The teenager got his hand on it but only tipped the ball to Alex Morrell, who was sitting free of any defenders right behind Otero and in front of goal. That allowed Morrell to tap the ball into the wide open net with no Lions anywhere near.

Won't get much easier than this for @amorrell9. #ORLvGVL | @GVLTriumph pic.twitter.com/So3acqPMJi

— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) October 24, 2020

The Triumph doubled their lead in the 26th minute through another defensive mistake by the Young Lions. A turnover by Wilfredo Rivera in the opposing half allowed the Triumph to break. Evan Lee played a nice ball across the stretched OCB defense for Morrell on the far side. The attacker cut back to his left to avoid the oncoming Juan Pablo Monticelli and fired on goal. The ball may have been heading into the far corner but Owen Guske came sliding in, knocking the ball into his own net to ensure Greenville had its second.

Just over 10 minutes into the second half, Greenville got its third goal of the afternoon. Franklin Carabali had a chance to clear a long Greenville ball forward on a break but he was unable to get a piece of it. That allowed Morrell to claim possession at the top of the box. Morrell played the ball toward the far end line for Paul Clowes, who found McLean charging toward the six-yard box. The Australian’s first touch was on goal and the visitors took a three-goal lead.

A lesson in keeping things simple by @GVLTriumph. #ORLvGVL | @Lachlan__McLean pic.twitter.com/BTPppgLMbF

— USL League One (@USLLeagueOne) October 24, 2020

It didn’t look like OCB would get anything on this day but the Young Lions did get a goal back in the 73rd minute. A strong run by Teddy Ndje ended with a ball out wide to Julian Kennedy. The forward’s first touch was a cross into the middle and onto the head of second-half substitute Aleksandar Gluvacevic, who put it past Dallas Jaye, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

The Young Lions nearly got a second in the 79th minute when Tablante sent a cross into the box. Similar to the earlier OCB goal, Gluvacevic was charging into the six but this time the cross was just over his head.

For good measure, Greenville added one more goal in second-half injury time. Once again, it was OCB’s defense giving up too much space in the box. Omar Mohamed played a short pass to Morrell, who sprinted to the end line and played it back across goal. Receiving the ball on the far side, Clowes played a nifty backheel to Andrew Booth, who converted for the team’s fourth goal of the afternoon.

Greenville didn’t dominate possession, only possessing the ball 54% of the game, but the visitors had far more chances. The Triumph out-shot the Young Lions 20-8 and 12-2 in shots on target. The final score was a fair result given the amount of attacking possession the Triumph had compared to OCB.

Neveleff said that it’s the inexperience from the young players that makes the difference in these games.

“At the end of the day, once again, the experience of their players — some of them are 10 years older than Thomas Williams, for example, or Wilfredo Rivera — it comes into play,” he said. “That’s when they take advantage.”

In the end, it was a tough year for the Young Lions. It started out promising with a win in their second game and some draws. But they ended the year on an eight-game losing streak, finishing the 15-game season with just one win and three draws.

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.