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Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. Columbus Crew 2: Final Score 6-1 as OCB is Hammered in Columbus

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3 years ago

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Orlando City B (2-6-3, 11 points) was dominated by Columbus Crew 2 (10-2-0, 30 points) at Historic Crew Stadium in a 6-1 result. MLS NEXT Pro’s leading scorer, Jacen Russell-Rowe, led Crew 2 with two first-half goals. Nick Taylor provided OCB with a consolation goal.

OCB Head Coach Martin Perelman displayed an unexpected lineup for this one. After being on the bench last night in Orlando City’s 2-1 win over the Houston Dynamo, Alex Freeman and Thomas Williams both started in Columbus. However, the lineup was missing two common names as Victor Yan was on the bench and team captain David Boccuzzo was left off the team sheet. It’s the second time this season Boccuzzo hasn’t started and the first time he wasn’t in the team. For Yan, it was the first time he hasn’t started since April 10 against Inter Miami II.

The game started evenly with both teams looking to gain control of the middle of the field. OCB got the first chance of the game in the fifth minute when the Young Lions won a pair of corners. The second corner found the head of Freeman in the box, but it was right at Crew 2 goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.

A minute later, Ethan Subachan found Jack Lynn in the box. The OCB striker took the ball outside instead of inside, eliminating his angle. Lynn was able to get a shot off, but Schulte was right there to make the stop.

Crew 2’s first good chance of the game came in the 16th minute and resulted in the first goal. A cross into the box landed at the feet of Alexandru Matan. The midfielder used some slick skill to avoid the surrounding defenders, creating enough space to find Noah Fuson. OCB goalkeeper Javier Otero got a piece of Fuson’s shot, but the ball got underneath him and into the net for the opening goal.

Just three minutes later, Crew 2 doubled the lead. A cross into the box bounced off the arm of Diego Pareja in the box. Referee Ricardo Fierro didn’t hesitate to point to the spot, awarding the hosts a penalty.

After some protesting by Moises Tablante and Ignacio Galvan, Crew 2 captain Marco Micaletto stepped up to take the kick. He sent Otero the wrong way, sliding the ball into the low left corner of the goal for a 2-0 Columbus lead.

Crew 2 scored their third goal of the first half and third in nine minutes in the 25th minute. A long ball down the right for Mo Farsi saw Crew 2 dive into an attack. The defenders were worried about the forward-most run, which allowed Russell-Rowe to trail behind unmarked. Farsi played it in for the striker, who put it away to make it 3-0.

Russell-Rowe and Lynn entered the game with nine goals apiece — joint leaders atop MLS NEXT Pro. The goal by Russell-Rowe saw the Columbus goal scorer take the league lead back after Lynn caught him with his goal in New England last weekend.

It appeared as though OCB had a chance in the 29th minute when Mauro Bravo sent Lynn through from near midfield. The Young Lions’ top goal scorer was through on goal with Schulte coming out but the assistant referee’s flag was up for offside.

Fuson nearly scored his second of the half in the 32nd minute. The midfielder found some space in the box and got a shot off towards the far post. The ball beat a diving Otero but not the post as it bounced off.

Unfortunately, the Young Lions were unable to clear and Columbus continued its attack. After receiving a pass back to him, Williams lost the ball as Russell-Rowe applied pressure, tapping the ball to Fuson. The midfielder sent it right back to Russell-Rowe who made a run behind Williams and into the OCB box. Otero came out to cut down his angle, but Russell-Rowe put it past him for his second goal of the game.

Another bad giveaway in the back by OCB in the 38th minute created an opportunity for Crew 2 to make it five. However, nobody in yellow was there to get on the end of the cross as it rolled harmlessly across the six-yard box.

OCB nearly got a goal back two minutes into injury time when Moises Tablante received the ball in the center of the box. The OCB attacker quickly fired on goal and it appeared to be headed in, but Schulte made a great save to keep his clean sheet.

As the 4-0 scoreline would indicate, the hosts led most statistical categories. Crew 2 finished the half with more possession (52.4%-47.6%), shots (11-8), shots on goal (5-3), crosses (3-2), and passing accuracy (85.1%-80%). However, the teams had the same number of corners (2-2) and split the duels (23-23).

After dominating the first half, Crew 2 got off to the better second-half start. In the 47th minute, Matan took a shot from outside the box that was blocked and Fuson missed a shot wide in the 50th minute.

Columbus scored its fifth goal in the 51st minute. It started when a shot wide of the target was stopped by Otero. However, the referee said that Otero took the ball over the line and awarded a corner kick. Had Otero let the ball roll out of play, it would’ve been a goal kick.

The ensuing corner was sent toward the near post, where it was flicked on for Ryan Telfer further back. Nobody was marking Telfer, who easily got his head to the ball and put it in for Crew 2’s fifth goal.

OCB has called on Otero to make some big saves this year and he made another great one in this game. In the 63rd minute, Matan got in on goal and took a shot from point-blank range. Otero came off his line and blocked the shot. The rebound went right to Fuson, who shot on goal, but Andrew Forth was there to block it.

Columbus was close to a sixth goal again in the 70th minute. Jake Morris’ cross found a head in the middle of the six-yard box, but the ball was just a bit high, glancing off the head of the attacker and going out on the other side.

OCB got a consolation goal in the 72nd minute. It was a combination of second-half substitutes, as Taylor received the ball on the left from Alejandro Granados. Taylor carried the ball toward the middle of the box and beat Schulte to the far post to make it 5-1.

In the 76th minute, Favian Loyola found Lynn in the box near goal. The striker had a chance to get the Young Lions back to within three but Schulte was there to make an outstanding save.

Tablante attempted to get a second goal for OCB in the 78th minute when he spotted Schulte off his line. Despite being on the right sideline and far from goal, Tablante took a chance but the ball went just over the crossbar.

Crew 2 got its sixth goal in the 84th minute. Colman Gannon’s cross found Isaiah Parente in the box, but his shot was blocked. The ball popped up where Issac Angking attacked it, heading it in for Crew 2’s sixth conversion.

With the Crew fans chanting “We want a touchdown,” it appeared as though Crew 2 scored a seventh in the 90th minute. Parente had the ball on the right and sent a low cross that was redirected in by Abdirizak Mohamed. However, Parente was offside on the initial ball and OCB escaped.

The Young Lions had one last chance to get a second goal two minutes into injury time when Lynn was sent through by Granados. Lynn turned the defender and created the space to get a shot on goal. But his shot was too close to Schulte, who made a nice save.

It was a dominant performance by Crew 2 as the hosts played OCB completely off the field. They had more possession (57.5%-42.5%), shots (26-15), and shots on goal (9-7). The only statistical categories led by OCB were duels won (49-44) and clearances (16-14).

The six goals conceded was the most by Otero this year. Additionally, he only had three saves, making it the second time in 11 games that he conceded more goals than he recorded saves. The other game was the 5-3 loss to FC Cincinnati 2 on May 29, when he had three saves and conceded five goals.

The six goals conceded equals the most in OCB history. The Young Lions previously conceded six goals on Oct. 7, 2017 against New York Red Bulls II, when they lost 6-5 at home. The five-goal loss sets a new team record for its largest defeat.

The Young Lions have now lost the first two matches of their four-game road trip. It continues next Saturday afternoon when OCB faces FC Cincinnati 2.

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Orlando City B

Orlando City B Signs Two Players Ahead of 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Season

OCB adds Brazilian forward Thalles on loan and signs 2024 SuperDraft selection Riyon Tori.

Published

4 days ago

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February 27, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B

Orlando City B had a busy Thursday, signing two players ahead of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season. The Young Lions acquired Brazilian forward Thalles on loan from Serie B side Botafogo-SP and signed Japanese midfielder Riyon Tori, a 2024 OCSC SuperDraft selection out of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

OCB has an option to buy Thalles from Botafogo at the conclusion of the player’s loan.

“Thalles is a young player that we were able to see play live in several U-20 tournaments in Brazil last year, and he made an impression on us as a goal scorer during his opportunities,” Orlando City Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira said in a club press release. “He’s very energetic as a player and is a versatile striker that can play over as a winger and create movement across the front of the attack. We’re excited to have him with us this year competing in Orlando.”

The 19-year-old Thalles is a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He has scored nine goals and added an assist in 20 combined appearances with Botafogo’s first team and U-20 squad. The youngster should add firepower to an OCB attack that may be without Shak Mohammed at least until Duncan McGuire returns to the game day squad.

Tori, 23, was selected with the No. 83 overall selection in the third round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. The Lions took midfielders Jeorgio Kocevski and Yutaro Tsukada in that same draft — both of whom have gotten first-team minutes — as well as Pittsburgh midfielder Filip Mirkovic, who was never signed. Tori’s deal with OCB runs through the 2025 season.

“Riyon is a dynamic midfielder that we selected in the draft as an underclassman following our detailed scouting and analytics process and then brought into training with the group last summer,” Moreira said in a club press release. “His play style provides both bite and energy in the midfield, and he proved in his training stint last year that he has a good competitive drive and is ready to take that next step.”

Tori began his collegiate career at St. John’s University, playing sparingly over two seasons with the Red Storm. He only made eight appearances and five starts for a total of 505 minutes. He didn’t score any goals or record any assists, but took four shots in those two seasons. However, all four attempts were off target.

The Osaka, Japan native transferred to Charlotte for more playing time, playing the 2023 season in the American Athletic Conference. In his final collegiate season, Tori played and started 18 games, recording 1,328 minutes. The junior scored one goal and added two assists for four points and put one of his two shots on target.

The only Charlotte player to start all 18 games for the team that season, Tori was named United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-East Region and first-team all-conference. The possession-minded midfielder played at least 60 minutes in each game, helping his team to a conference championship.

Tori returned to college rather than sign a professional contract after being drafted as an underclassmen. Having sustained an injury training with Orlando City, he missed the first eight matches of the 49ers’ 2024 season, appearing in 10 games (seven starts). In his 536 minutes, he did not provide a goal contribution, attempting just one shot. Still, he was a First-Team All-AAC selection and a Second-Team All-East Region selection.

Prior to arriving in the United States, Tori captained Cerezo Osaka’s U-18 team and played for the club’s U-23 J. League team. Considered one of the top U-18 players in Japan, he toured England in 2019 with the Nike Next Hero project.

Along with OCB’s acquisition of winger Dyson Clapier on Tuesday, and the previous signings of Justin Ellis and Bernardo Rhein to MLS NEXT Pro contracts two weeks ago, it’s been a good month of roster building for the Young Lions as they solidify their squad ahead of the 2025 season as they bid for a third straight playoff appearance.

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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.

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3 weeks ago

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February 13, 2025

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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.

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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

1 month ago

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January 30, 2025

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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.

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