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Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. Toronto FC II: Final Score 3-0 as OCB is Shut Out on the Road

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3 years ago

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Orlando City B (4-10-3, 17 points) went on the road to York Lions Stadium in Canada and lost 3-0 against Toronto FC II (8-6-3, 29 points). After a scoreless first half filled with plenty of chances for Orlando, Toronto scored in the second half and never looked back. Reshaun Walkes came off the bench and had a brace, with fellow substitute Julian Altobelli also scoring.

OCB Head Coach Martin Perelman made three changes to the lineup that lost 3-1 to Philadelphia Union II on July 24. Goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar made his first appearance for OCB this year as he returns to action following his jaw surgery in June. Neicer Acosta and Erick Gunera both returned as starters, with Nick Taylor on the bench and Moises Tablante not in the lineup after they both started in the previous game.

The Young Lions had the game’s first real chance in the fifth minute as Jack Lynn dribbled into the midfield and laid the ball out to the wing for Acosta to charge into the box. Acosta’s shot rocketed past Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran and struck the underside of the crossbar. Victor Yan was able to get his head to the rebound, but couldn’t get enough power or direction behind it.

Toronto’s first shot came in the 16th minute as Themi Antonoglu slipped a through ball for Rothrock to chase down in the box. Rothrock was forced to get his shot off early without much behind it and Stajduhar was able to easily collect it. Stajduhar faced a bit of a tougher test in the 21st minute but still came up with the easy save as Jordan Perruzza was given space outside of the box to shoot and fired a strong shot towards goal.

The Young Lions had a barrage of chances soon after that shot, but lacked the finishing touch to give Orlando the lead. In the 22nd minute, Lynn dribbled into the box but didn’t have the best angle and shot it wide of goal. Favian Loyola’s first shot of the game came minutes later, with Alex Freeman making a nice run to draw attention, giving Loyola space to shoot. However, the low shot didn’t have enough behind it to sneak into the bottom right corner as Gavran made the save.

After missing earlier from the right, Lynn had an opportunity from the left side of goal in the 26th minute. Acosta laid the ball off for Lynn to dribble into the box, but his shot lacked the needed pace to reach the far post and Gavran collected it.

Yan had a shot of his own a few minutes later, thanks to a nice cutback pass from Acosta to find him open in the box. He one-timed the shot and, like many of Orlando’s shots in this match, it didn’t have enough power behind it to trouble Gavran.

OCB’s best chance of the half came in the 35th minute when Lynn delivered a great cross that skipped all the way across the face of goal to find Acosta racing towards the back post. Acosta’s shot looked destined for the back of the net but was stopped by a sliding Kadin Chung to send the ball out for a corner and keep the game level.

A long-distance shot from Ignacio Galvan that was sent straight at Gavran was Orlando’s last chance of the half and the team survived a pair of corners from Toronto as the game stayed level.

At the half, Toronto barely edged Orlando in possession (50.9%-49.1%) but the Young Lions had far more shots (12-3) and put more on target (5-2). OCB was more accurate than Toronto when passing (87.8%-82.3%) and was able to capitalize on some of those turnovers to create dangerous opportunities.

The start of the second half was filled with fouls and stoppages, but the Young Lions continued to push for a goal with plenty of possession in the attacking third. While individual skill on the ball allowed the Young Lions to dribble into open space, Toronto did well putting bodies behind the ball to block shots and clog up the passing lanes.

While most of Orlando’s success in the first half came in the run of play, Acosta nearly gave the visitors a breakthrough from a free kick in the 58th minute. The shot was well taken from distance, but missed and hit the side netting near the top right corner of the goal.

Toronto was content absorbing Orlando’s pressure and then heaving the ball up the field to counter and it almost paid off in the 60th when a poor clearance by Andrew Forth on a ball over the top left the ball bouncing in front of Perruzza with only Stajduhar to beat. Stajduhar misplayed the ball but stalled the play just enough for Thomas Williams to get back and put his body in front of goal. Perruzza tried to dribble around Williams, but the defender poked the ball towards the end line before sliding to stop the shot. It was enough of an effort by Williams for Stajduhar to recover and make the save at the near post. Still seated, Williams cleared the ball out for a corner to finally put out the fire.

The game shifted when Walkes and Altobelli came on in the 63rd minute to add some bite to Toronto’s offense. Lynn lofted a cross towards the far post to Galvan a few moments later, but Adam Pearlman cleared it away and it was Orlando’s last chance before Toronto scored.

With a loose ball up for grabs, Forth simply waited for the ball to come to him rather than stepping up to play it and Walkes took full advantage of the defensive mistake. Williams was the only defender left and couldn’t cover both Walkes and Paul Rothrock. Walkes passed to Rothrock, who fed it back to Walkes while Williams was stuck on an island between them, and the substitute easily tucked the ball past Stajduhar for the first goal of the game in the 67th minute.

Toronto continued to torment Orlando on the counter and found its second goal just a few minutes later in the 71st. A weak shot from Galvan was saved by Gavran and then Toronto was off to the races, sending the ball wide for Walkes to sprint down the left wing. Walkes found Steffen Yeates making a run into the box and then the ball was cut back near the penalty spot for Altobelli. Desperate defending from Forth while sliding wasn’t enough to stop Altobelli from putting the ball in the back of the net.

Walkes, Yeates, and Altobelli continued to cause problems for Orlando’s defense, with Stajduhar getting just enough on a shot by Walkes in the 73rd minute to keep Orlando in the game.

Orlando’s offense struggled to regain its form though after conceding twice. Diego Pareja replaced Gunera in the 71st minute and then Nick Taylor, Tahir Reid-Brown, and Dominic Bell came on for Loyola, Forth, and Williams in the 81st. The changes weren’t enough to revitalize Orlando’s offense or stop the bleeding as Toronto put the nail in the coffin in the 84th minute.

Toronto’s Rohan Goulborne squeezed a pass between Alejandro Granados and Bell to send Walkes in on goal and he beat Stajduhar again to complete his brace and secure the win for Toronto.

Ian Silva came off the bench to replace Yan in the 87th minute and Orlando’s last touch of the game was a shot by Lynn that sailed over the crossbar as the Young Lions were shut out on the road.

In the end, Orlando finished with more possession (51.5%-48.5%) and shots (21-11), but both teams finished with the same amount of shots on target (7-7). Gavran came up with more saves than Stajduhar (6-4) as OCB wasn’t able to make the most of its scoring chances in this one.

This was Orlando’s first time being shut out since a 1-0 loss to Philadelphia back on May 16. The Young Lions have now lost seven of their nine games on the road and are ninth in the Eastern Conference and fourth in the Central Division with seven games left this season.

It was a rough start to a busy month for OCB and the Young Lions will look to bounce back against New York City FC II on the road on Friday.

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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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1 week 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

3 weeks 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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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

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January 27, 2025

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

The 2025 MLS NEXT Pro schedule was released 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.

Orlando City B’s 2025 Schedule

  • Sunday, March 9 — vs. Columbus Crew 2, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 16 — vs. Atlanta United 2, 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 26 — at Crown Legacy FC, 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 5 — at Chattanooga FC, 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 9 — vs. New England Revolution II, 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 15 — vs. Inter Miami II (at IMG Academy in Bradenton), 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 27 — vs. New York Red Bulls II, 7 p.m.
  • Friday, May 2 — at Chicago Fire FC II, 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 17 — vs. Inter Miami II, 7 p.m.
  • Friday, May 23 — at Atlanta United 2, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 1 — vs. Chattanooga FC, 7 p.m.
  • Friday, June 6 — at Huntsville City FC, 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 11 — at Carolina Core FC, 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 25 — vs. Toronto FC, 7 p.m.
  • Monday, June 30 — at Philadelphia Union II, 3 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 6 — at Crown Legacy FC, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 13 — vs. Carolina Core FC, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 20 — at New England Revolution II, 3 p.m.
  • Friday, July 25 — at Huntsville City FC, 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 3 — vs. New York City FC II, 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 9 — vs. Chattanooga FC, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 17 — at Columbus Crew 2, 3 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 23 — vs. Atlanta United 2, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 31 — vs. Crown Legacy FC, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Sept. 14 — at Inter Miami II, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Sept. 21 — vs. Huntsville City FC, 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 27 — at Carolina Core FC, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 5 — vs. FC Cincinnati 2, 1 p.m.
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