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Orlando City B vs. FC Cincinnati 2: Final Score 4-0 as Young Lions Maul Cincy to Stay Unbeaten at Home

A four-goal outburst in the first half paced the Young Lions to an easy home win over FC Cincinnati 2.

Published

2 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B

Orlando City B scored four times in just under 20 minutes in the first half to blow out FC Cincinnati 2 at Osceola County Stadium. Jack Lynn, Juninho, Shak Mohammed, and Imanol Almaguer provided the offense for OCB (7-4-2, 24 points), and Javier Otero only had to make two saves to keep a clean sheet in a comprehensive win over visiting Cincinnati (3-6-3, 13 points).

With the win, OCB improved to 5-0-2 at home in 2023.

“We dominated the whole game,” OCB Head Coach Martin Perelman said after the match. “The boys were amazing so I’m happy for them because they deserved this win.

Perelman’s starting lineup included Javier Otero back in goal for OCB, behind a back line of Alex Freeman, Thomas Williams, Nabi Kibunguchy, and Imanol Almaguer. Cristian Medina served as the shield for the back four in the 4-1-3-2, behind a midfield line of Luca Petrasso — working his way back from his thigh injury — Juninho, and Shak Mohahmmed, with Jack Lynn and Jhon Solis up top.

The first half was an absolute massacre, as OCB was ruthless in the opening 45 minutes.

OCB tried to get on the front foot right away, taking the ball up the field and working it around the left side and finally to Lynn at the top of the area but he didn’t get all of his shot and it was an easy save for Paul Walters. Moments later, Petrasso sent a good cross from the left to the back post for Mohammed but the defense was wise to it and headed it away.

Cincinnati’s first shot came eight minutes in when Gerardo Valenzuela fired from distance and hit his shot well over the bar. Valenzeula had time and space outside the area again and this time got his strike on goal but Otero made a good diving save and gave up no rebound.

OCB quickly got back on the front foot after a brief spell of Cincinnati pressure. Freeman had a cross cut out for a corner in the 18th minute and then tried to volley home a ball that was pinging around the box on the ensuing set piece but he hit his shot over the bar a minute later.

The breakthrough came in the 26th minute. Medina stepped in front of a forward pass from Cincinnati and fed it quickly to Lynn. The Orlando City MLS SuperDraft pick dribbled toward the top of the area and curled a beautiful shot into the upper right corner to make it 1-0. It was Lynn’s team-leading seventh goal of the season.

The Young Lions didn’t let up after the goal. Almaguer had a shot blocked and then Kibunguchy made a sliding effort at a corner kick cross that fell for him but missed wide.

Solis set up the second goal in the 30th minute, putting some moves on the defense and drawing a foul near the left corner of the box. Juninho stepped up and sent a gorgeous shot just inside the left post and into the top corner to make it 2-0.

Just after the goal, the game went into a hydration break and the teams traded unsuccessful set pieces. Then OCB extended its lead. Lynn played Petrasso down the left and even though there was a mixup in where the Canadian wanted the ball, he was able to get to it and send a perfect cross to the back post where Mohammed volleyed it in to make it 3-0 in the 37th minute.

The Young Lions continued to attack. Mohammed sent a looping header off a Petrasso cross in the 39th that looked like it might dip under the bar but Walter tipped it over. The ensuing corner was played short and was worked to Lynn in the box. Lynn cut it onto his right and fired but Walter got just enough of it to send it inches wide.

The fourth goal came anyway, just four minutes later. The ball fell for Almaguer, who sent a screamer inside the left post from just outside the area. It was his first goal of the season and made it 4-0 in the 44th minute.

“I feel like I really deserve that goal,” Almaguer said. “I feel as a player in the team I don’t really get that much recognition but I’m happy that the soccer gods really helped me today to get my first goal. I’m a big part of the team and I scored because of them.”

That was it for the first-half chances and the Young Lions took a sizable advantage into the locker room at halftime.

The stats sheet showed OCB’s first-half domination. The Young Lions led in possession (61.2%-38.8%), shots (15-4), shots on target (6-1), corners (7-2), and passing accuracy (88.7-81.2%)

The second half started much more quietly than the way the first period ended. There weren’t many opportunties Freeman sent a free header right at the goalkeeper in the 49th. Four minutes later, FC Cincinnati got its first shot of the half, with Salim Adams trying his luck from over 35 yards out but sending his effort over the crossbar.

Lynn tried a shot from long range of his own in the 58th minute and nearly caught Walter napping. He struck the shot well and Walter had to make a diving save to prevent the deficit from growing even larger.

Moments later, both teams sent some fresh legs onto the pitch. Perelman withdrew Petrasso and Lynn and replaced them with Franco Perez and Moises Tablante. After Matthew Dreas fired wide from distance moments later for the visitors, OCB sent on Alejandro Granados and Zakaria Taifi for Medina and Almaguer. Cincinnati also made a pair of subs, but not much changed on the pitch. The pace slowed as the hot evening wore on.

Shak Mohammed sent a shot wide in the 71st minute. Adams sent a shot from a tight angle on goal in the 75th and Otero made the save.

The last good chances of the match fell OCB’s way but there was no more scoring.

Juninho came within inches of a brace in the 80th minute after working a give and go to free himself in the box. His shot hit the right post and stayed out, however. Two minutes later, Taifi stepped into a shot and blasted a rising effort that went over the bar.

Tablante fizzed a shot just inches wide of the right post in the 86th minute. Then, in stoppage time, Tablante set up Loyola near the top of the box but the Homegrown Player’s shot hit a defender and deflected away.

OCB dominated the final stats,finishing with more possession (60.3%-39.7%), shots (25-7), shots on target (8-2), corners (8-2), and passing accuracy (88.1%-82.2%).

“Winning 4-0 at home and keeping that consistency of winning at home, being unbeaten at home is really good for the team.” Almaguer said.

“It’s important, because before the season started we spoke about it,” Perelman said of winning at home. “That is one of our goals so I’m happy that we are doing that part of the job. I wish we can keep it for the whole season. That’s the main objective.”

OCB will be back in action quickly, visiting Chicago Fire II on Thursday. Game time is 8 p.m.

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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.

Published

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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