Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. NYCFC II: Final Score 2-0 as Jack Lynn’s Brace Lifts Young Lions to Victory

Published

3 years ago

August 12, 2022

Orlando City B (5-10-3, 20 points) used a brace by Jack Lynn to beat NYCFC II (8-7-4, 30 points) 2-0 in Queens, NY. The OCB striker opened the scoring with a header in the 30th minute and doubled the lead in the 51st minute, allowing his team to claim all three points.

OCB Head Coach Martin Perelman made four changes to the team that lost 3-0 to Toronto FC II last weekend. Javier Otero, Nick Taylor, Diego Pareja, and Moises Tablante replaced Mason Stajduhar, Victor Yan, Alejandro Granados, and Favian Loyola. As a result, the back line remained the same, with Alex Freeman, Thomas Williams, Andrew Forth, and Ignacio Galvan playing in front of Otero. Taylor, Erick Gunera, and Pareja made up the midfield, with Tablante, Lynn, and Neicer Acosta making up the front line.

Wake up, new line up just dropped 🤩#NYCvORL | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/lOR0ziWpl3

— Orlando City B (@OrlandoCityB) August 12, 2022

NYCFC II dominated the majority of this game. After half an hour it appeared as though any goal scored in this game would be by the hosts. However, OCB took advantage of the chances it did have, allowing the Young Lions to come away with the win.

OCB kicked off the game and had the most possession in the opening minutes, resulting in a long shot by Acosta. However, it was right at NYCFC II goalkeeper Alex Rando, who made the easy save.

The first chance for the hosts came in the 12th minute. Stephen Turnbull stepped up at the top of the box and no OCB players closed him down. There was plenty of space to get the shot on target, but Turnbull got under it and sent the ball sailing well over the target.

The best early chance was for NYCFC II in the 14th minute. Francesco Di Ponzio played a through ball to the six for Maximo Carrizo, putting the latter in on goal. Despite having the whole net to shoot at, the midfielder shot the ball right at Otero, allowing him to make the easy catch.

The hosts continued their pressure, winning a pair of free kicks near the OCB box. In the 25th minute, the free kick was headed out of play by Williams. In the 27th minute, Jonathan Jimenez won a free kick a little further out but it too was sent out of play for a corner.

In the 29th minute, Jimenez took a shot from the top of the box that was caught by Otero. OCB quickly went the other way, leaving the hosts chasing. It resulted in Tablante taking a shot from inside the box that was blocked by Brian Flores for the Young Lions’ first corner kick of the game.

Acosta’s corner flew into the box where Lynn was able to get his head on it. The OCB striker beat Rando, giving his team the lead.

OFF THE CORNER!

Jack Lynn puts @OrlandoCityB in front! 👏 pic.twitter.com/VvcFSGHK35

— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) August 13, 2022

The Young Lions had spent most of the first half on the back foot but the goal seemed to spark life into the side. In the 33rd minute, Yan sent a curling ball into the box. It ended up with Tablante, who laid the ball off for the overlapping Taylor. The midfielder quickly sent the ball across the face of goal, looking for Lynn closing in. However, Lynn was unable to reach it and the ball went all the way through the box for a throw-in.

In the 39th minute, Acosta beat his defender and carried the ball into the box to the right of goal. The midfielder went down after entering the box, but it appeared that he tripped over his own feet so the referee didn’t award a foul or penalty.

Two minutes later, the Young Lions came inches away from doubling their lead. Galvan came up from his defensive position and took a seemingly innocuous shot from way out. But the ball moved quickly across the ground, forcing Rando to tip it wide of the target.

The strike. The save. Alex Rando says no! 🚫 pic.twitter.com/9zgMb5JcCq

— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) August 13, 2022

Despite the 1-0 scoreline, NYCFC II dominated the first 45 minutes. The hosts ended the first half with more possession (61.6%-38.4%), shots (5-4), shots on target (4-3), and crosses (6-1). The only attacking statistic led by OCB was corner kicks (3-2).

Down a goal, NYCFC II got off to the better second-half start. Less than a minute into the second period of play, Carrizo took the ball to the end line and attempted to get into the box. Galvan took down the midfielder, resulting in him landing inside the 18. However, the foul fortunately occurred just outside of the area.

The ensuing free kick went right through the six-yard box. There were multiple players in sky blue shirts looking to get on the end of it, but the ball skipped all the way through and harmlessly to the other side.

OCB had a chance to double its lead in the 49th minute when Tablante sent a dangerous ball into the box from the left. Lynn was able to get his foot to it while Rando came out to close him down. Despite being right in front of goal, Lynn’s shot was just wide.

Two minutes later, Lynn got his second goal of the game. It started with a ball past the NYCFC II back line. An NYCFC II defender got a touch on the ball, but it still ended up at his feet near the penalty spot where Lynn calmly put the shot past Rando for his brace.

The two goals were Lynn’s 13th and 14th conversions on the season. As a result, the striker passed NYCFC II’s John Denis to move into second among MLS NEXT Pro’s top goal scorers. He now only trails Columbus Crew 2’s Jacen Russell-Rowe, who sits on 15 goals.

Following the goal, OCB looked to hold onto its two-goal lead and NYCFC II went on the attack. The hosts dominated the chances in the final 39 minutes, outshooting the Young Lions 14-2 during the remainder of the game.

In the 59th minute, a good ball provided an opportunity in the box behind the OCB defense. However, Otero did well to come off his line and grab it before any players in sky blue could get to it.

The Young Lions attempted to play the ball out of the back, but couldn’t get it over the halfway line. Di Ponzio ended up with the ball at the top of the box and fired on goal but missed just wide.

In the 64th minute, Piero Elias found himself with the ball right in front of goal but Otero got down and made the block with his leg. The ball went right to Di Ponzio, who took a shot himself, but it too was blocked. While the ball got out of the box, it ended up with Turnbull, whose shot was just over the target.

The Young Lions felt they should’ve had a penalty and a chance for a hat trick for Lynn when he went down in the box in the 66th minute. However, the referee indicated that the striker had gone down too easily and signaled for the teams to play on.

In the 78th minute, Christian McFarlane sent a good cross into the box. The ball found the head of Julian Gomez, who flicked the ball towards the far post but it went just wide.

The hosts continued to pressure, sending large numbers forward. That nearly cost them a third goal in the 85th minute when OCB broke out on a counter attack. Lynn was sent through near midfield and took the ball out to the right. Meanwhile, second-half substitute Ian Silva was breaking in on goal. It was a good cross by Lynn but Silva’s shot was blocked out of play by Di Ponzio.

The ensuing corner by Taylor ended up with Yan who fired on goal, but Rando was there to make the save and NYCFC II cleared the danger.

The breakout by OCB seemed to force the hosts to be a little more conservative, which helped the Young Lions’ defense. In the minutes following the counter attack, NYCFC II had some good crosses into the box, but only purple shirts were there.

In the 87th minute, Di Ponzio found Gomez at the top of the box. The midfielder took a shot at goal but Otero did well to get down and make the stop. The ball bounced out in front of the goalkeeper, but the NYCFC II players had cleared out so Otero easily collected it.

The last real chance for NYCFC II came in the 90th minute when Jimenez received the ball near the penalty spot with his back to goal. Jimenez quickly turned and shot but hit it over the crossbar.

Three minutes into injury time, OCB went down to 10 men when Silva fouled Turnbull from behind. The referee showed no hesitation, immediately showing Silva the red card. However, the Young Lions already had a two-goal lead so there was no way back for New York.

Samuel Owusu took the free kick and found the head of Turnbull in the box but he put it wide and OCB completed a 2-0 win away from home.

NYCFC II dominated the game statistically, ending with more possession (61.9%-38.1%), shots (19-8), shots on goal (7-6), and crosses (14-7). The primary difference in the game was that NYCFC II had 12 shots off target while only two OCB shots were off the frame.

The win ends a two-game losing streak for OCB, which had lost four of its last five contests. It was also the first time in three meetings that either team had come away with all three points. The two previous games were draws, with each team winning a penalty shootout for the extra point.

The three points move OCB past Chicago Fire II and into eighth in the Eastern Conference. It also moves the Young Lions ahead of Chicago in the division, into third. However, they’re still eight points behind Inter Miami II for second.

The Young Lions will look to build on this road win when they return home Wednesday night to face Rochester NY FC at Osceola County Stadium.

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.