Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. Atlanta United 2: Final Score 3-1 as OCB Falls for the First Time This Season

OCB was dominated by Atlanta United 2 in their first loss of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season.

Published

2 years ago

April 16, 2023

Sean Rollins

Image courtesy of Orlando City B

Orlando City B (3-1-0, 9 points) was thoroughly outplayed in its first-ever game against Atlanta United 2 (1-2-1, 4 points) in Kennesaw, GA. Erik Lopez opened the scoring and Nick Firmino scored a brace, giving the hosts a 3-0 lead early in the second half. Cristofer Acuna got one back for OCB late, but it wasn’t enough as the Young Lions fell 3-1 for their first points dropped of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season.

OCB Head Coach Martin Perelman made two changes from the team that beat Inter Miami II 2-0 last weekend, both on the back line. Franco Perez wasn’t in the team for tonight’s game, replaced by Tahir Reid-Brown. Abdi Salim was initially listed as starting alongside Thomas Williams, but was replaced by Nabi Kibunguchy shortly before kickoff. As a result, the defensive unit in front of Javier Otero was Alex Freeman, Kibunguchy, Williams, and Reid-Brown. Imanol Almaguer, Cristian Medina, Jhon Solis, and Juninho made up the midfield with Favian Loyola and Jack Lynn up top.

In their first three games, OCB got off to a strong start, scoring inside the first five minutes and eventually taking a 2-0 lead. In two of those games, the Young Lions continued on the front foot, providing relief for their defense. While Atlanta had yet to win this season, the hosts were the better team from the opening kickoff.

Neither team was able to build much in the first five minutes, but Atlanta took the first attempt in the seventh minute when Jonathan Villal found Kofi Twumasi outside of the box. Despite the long distance, Twumasi took a shot, but Otero did well to get down and block it away.

The hosts almost had another opportunity in the 10th minute when Tyler Young sent a cross towards the back post. Otero jumped up and got a hand to it before it could reach an Atlanta player.

In the 12th minute, Luke Brennan found Lopez in the box. The pair that caused trouble on multiple occasions for OCB connected, but the cross was a little too high for Lopez to get over it. Falling backwards, his header bounced off the crossbar, keeping the game scoreless.

The first chance for OCB came in the 14th minute, when Lynn found Loyola making a run into the Atlanta box. Unfortunately, Loyola’s first touch was a bit strong, causing him to reach out for the ball. The action caused him to learn back in his attempt at goal, sending the ball high and wide of the target.

The Young Lions’ defense was shaky throughout the early parts of the game and that came back to haunt them in the 23rd minute. Brennan dribbled into the box and was ultimately challenged by Reid-Brown. The two got tangled up, resulting in Brennan going down, but the ball went directly to Lopez. After a brief hesitation, Williams slid in to challenge Lopez, but his tackle was too late and the forward went down. Referee Anya Voigt took a minute to think about her decision, but ended up pointing to the spot.

After drawing the penalty, Lopez stepped up to take it himself. As Otero dove to his right, Lopez sent the ball down the middle. Otero was able to keep a leg back and got a piece of the ball, but not enough as it went in to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Erik López converts from the spot! 🎯

1-0 @atlutd2 pic.twitter.com/UTHsLhsi1Q
— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) April 17, 2023

OCB had scored inside the first five minutes of each of its first three games and hadn’t trailed. In addition to failing to score an early goal, the penalty saw the Young Lions fall behind for the first time this season.

As OCB went to midfield to kick off, Otero remained down in his box. He was attended to by the OCB medical staff, and was eventually helped off the field. It was a tough break for a goalkeeper who has been key to the Young Lions’ successes these past two seasons. Backup Dominic Pereira replaced the starting goalkeeper for OCB’s first change of the game.

In the 32nd minute, a quick one-two between Solis and Juninho enabled the latter to attempt a cross. The ball was blocked out by Twumasi, giving OCB its first corner of the game. After Loyola’s short corner was knocked out of play, he attempted a longer corner. These crosses were the first time OCB had a sustained threat, but nothing came from it.

During the first corner, Villal went down and required attention. Rather than going down a man for three minutes, Atlanta made a substitution, bringing on Firmino. That change had a significant impact on the game..

While Loyola’s first few corners didn’t find anyone in white, he found the head of Williams in the 37th minute. However, an Atlanta defender did well to challenge the first-team center back and Williams’ header was well off target.

The fourth official held up six minutes of injury time, enough for Atlanta to double its lead. In the second minute of first-half added time, Firmino took advantage of an OCB turnover near midfield. The substitute carried the ball all the way into the Atlanta box and took a left-footed shot as he fell backwards. The shot probably would’ve been handled by Pereira or gone wide, but it deflected off Almaguer and then Kibunguchy, sending it to the opposite corner. Pereira was defending the near post and the ball rolled in the far side to give Atlanta a 2-0 lead at halftime.

Firmino slots the ball through the backline for ✌️!

2-0 @atlutd2 pic.twitter.com/FSd0ScJjVb
— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) April 17, 2023

Atlanta dominated the first half with more possession (51.9%-48.1%), shots (6-2), shots on goal (4-0), crosses (8-5), duels won (25-21), and passing accuracy (85.2%-79.9%). The only statistics led by OCB in the first half were corners (3-0) and tackles won (8-6).

Trailing 2-0 after 45 minutes, Perelman made an attacking change at halftime, with Moises Tablante replacing Solis. Just 10 minutes into the second period, Perelman made two more changes, with Ian Garrett and Alejandro Granados coming on for Reid-Brown and Medina. Unfortunately, those substitutions didn’t change the trajectory of the game.

The first chance of the second half came when Firmino took advantage of a turnover in the back. In the 53rd minute, the attacker took a strong shot from the outside of the box. It was on target, but Pereira did well to get down to make the stop.

A constant threat while on the field, Firmino netted his second goal in the 56th minute. It started when a poor throw-in from Garrett to Juninho went directly to Lopez. The first-half goal scorer dribbled into the box but three OCB defenders converged. Lopez lost the ball, but it went right back to Firmino at the top of the box. Firmino fired from the top of the 18, putting it past Periera and into the corner, giving Atlanta a commanding 3-0 lead.

A brace for the third! We see you, Firmino. 👀

3-0! @atlutd2 pic.twitter.com/vUvm9lfBnA
— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) April 17, 2023

OCB got its first shot of the second half in the 60th minute when Tablante fired from distance. The shot was on target, but was no trouble for Atlanta goalkeeper Vicente Reyes, who easily collected it.

The Young Lions had another opportunity in the 66th minute when Juninho played the ball forward for Tablante, who quickly sent it to Loyola in front of the goal. The forward’s first touch was on target but he didn’t get much on it and Reyes made another easy stop.

In the 72nd minute, Lynn crossed the ball into the Atlanta box, where Garrett was charging in. Reyes beat the substitute to the ball, but had trouble collecting it. However, he got enough contact to send it towards the top of the box, enabling his defenders to clear.

In the 74th minute, Firmino had a chance to complete his hat trick from about 20 yards out when no OCB defenders stepped up to challenge him. He accepted the challenge to shoot from distance and didn’t miss by much as the ball sailed just over the crossbar.

Perelman made his final change in the 77th minute, bringing Acuna on for Lynn. It only took four minutes for Acuna to make an impact when his short corner nearly resulted in an OCB goal. Juninho accepted the pass and sent the ball towards the back post. Williams headed it down in front of goal where Kibunguchy knocked it in. However, the flag was up for offside on the initial cross.

Just before injury time, another short corner gave the Young Lions a chance to avoid the shutout. This time it was to Tablante, who dribbled into the Atlanta box. He got by Karim Tmimi, who came on as a second-half substitute, and was taken down. This time there was no hesitation by Voigt and OCB had a late penalty.

Acuna stepped up to take the spot kick and sent Reyes the wrong way. As Reyes dove to his right, Acuna calmly slid the ball into the bottom left corner to cut the OCB deficit to 3-1.

Cristofer Acuña converts from the spot to pull one back for @OrlandoCityB! 🎯 3-1 pic.twitter.com/Jw7Tikyqnk
— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) April 17, 2023

Despite the game already being out of reach, Acuna celebrated with passion and OCB took the ball back to the center circle. However, it was Atlanta that created the last good chance of the game. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Lopez played a dangerous ball into the box. Tmimi was charging in and collided with Pereira at the top of the six. Fortunately, the ball skipped past both of them, allowing OCB to clear.

In the end, OCB had more possession (51.3%-48.7%), corners (5-1), crosses (13-12), and tackles won (16-13). But Atlanta had more shots (9-8), shots on goal (6-3), and, most importantly, outscored the Young Lions.

OCB got off to its best start in team history by claiming nine points from the first three games. This looked like a different team tonight with Atlanta dominating play from the start. Even when the Young Lions did get chances, they were from long distance or they didn’t get much on their shots.

This game provided the young team with adversity the players hadn’t seen yet this season, falling behind. They didn’t respond well to the challenge, continuing to concede possession and chances. Moving forward, Perelman will be looking for his team to have more energy and attack when trailing.

The Young Lions will look to rebound from this difficult loss when they host New York CIty FC II at Osceola County Stadium next Sunday night.

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.