Orlando City B
Orlando City B vs. Chicago Fire II: Final Score 1-0 as OCB Is Shut Out Again on Road
OCB falls on the road again to a struggling team, this time to Chicago Fire II.

Orlando City B (7-5-2, 24 points) fell on the road again, this time to Chicago Fire II (4-5-4, 16 points), 1-0 in Bridgeview, IL. Charlie Ostrem’s 24th-minute header was the difference as the Young Lions fall to 2-5-0 away from Osceola County Stadium.
OCB Head Coach Martin Perelman made four changes to the lineup that crushed FC Cincinnati 2 last weekend. Starting goalkeeper Javier Otero is on international duty with Venezuela, replaced by Dominic Pereira. First-team left back Luca Petrasso played last weekend as he returned from injury and was replaced in the lineup by Franco Perez. Thomas Williams and Juninho also were out of the lineup tonight with Zakaria Taifi and Alejandro Granados taking their places.
The back line in front of Pereira consisted of Perez, Nabi Kibunguchy, Taifi, and Alex Freeman. Imanol Almaguer, Granados, Cristian Medina, and Shak Mohammed were in the midfield with Jack Lynn and Jhon Solis starting up top.
This was a poor performance offensively and defensively for OCB. Especially in the first half, the Young Lions struggled to handle the Chicago press, conceding possession in their own third on several occasions. On the other end, they had trouble putting shots on frame, often putting relatively open chances well over the target.
The Young Lions created the first decent chance of the game in the fifth minute when Perez won the ball from Henrique Gallina near midfield. Approaching the Chicago box, the left back found Lynn to his left in a one-on-one situation with Andreas Ueland. Lynn attempted to find enough room for a shot, but Ueland did well to stay in front and blocked the eventual attempt.
The Young Lions felt they should’ve had a free kick in a dangerous position in the ninth minute when Solis found Freeman making a run down the right. Freeman got behind Ostrem and there was contact with OCB’s right back going down, but referee Peter Bernardy determined that it wasn’t enough for a foul.
Chicago had its first decent chance in the 11th minute when Freeman cleared out a cross for the game’s first corner kick. After the first attempt was cleared out, the second bounced right along the top of the six-yard box. It was there for someone to get on the end of, bouncing just over the head of Kibunguchy, but went all the way through.
In the 14th minute, Granados found Perez making a long run on the left. It looked as though Perez would send a cross into the box, but he decided to shoot from a tight angle instead. Chicago goalkeeper Jeffrey Gal was there to block the attempt at his near post and caught the rebound.
A poor pass by Almaguer off an OCB throw-in in the 16th minute gave Chicago a good opportunity. It was intercepted by Javier Casas, whose pass was flicked on by Victor Bezerra for former Orlando City MLS SuperDraft pick Jonathan Dean. It appeared as though Dean had space for a shot, but it was blocked by Taifi.
Despite OCB having the best early chances, it was the hosts that took the lead in the 24th minute. Receiving a chip forward from Richard Fleming, Dean sent a cross to the back post where fellow outside back Ostrem was charging in. It was a defensive mistake, as Almaguer left his man for Freeman, who had left Ostrem to cover the inside run. As a result, Ostrem was left wide open at the far post and headed the ball past Pereira to give Chicago a 1-0 lead.
In the 32nd minute, Taifi did well to get in front of a cross and clear it out of the box. Unfortunately, it went right to Gallina, who took a long attempt at goal. It was on target, but Pereira did well to make a diving save, blocking it out for a corner kick. The ensuing corner by Casas found the head of Dean, but the header was over the crossbar.
A minute later, a pass back from Taifi to Pereira nearly gave Chicago another great opportunity. The goalkeeper casually accepted the ball but was pressured by Bezerra. The striker won it just outside of the OCB box, but Pereira was able to recover, blocking Bezerra’s cross out of play.
In the 38th minute, OCB turned the ball over again on a throw-in in the Lions’ own third of the field, providing a great opportunity for the hosts. Pressure by Casas resulted in Medina turning the ball over to Bezerra. Quick passing by Alex Monis and Gallina allowed the latter to find Fleming behind the OCB defense. But Pereira did well to come off his line and block the shot over the crossbar.
Lynn made a good run behind Noah Egan in the 44th minute and Solis found him. It looked as though Lynn would have an open shot on goal, but Ueland came sliding in from behind and blocked the attempt out for a corner.
Chicago cleared the ensuing set piece, but OCB re-entered the box and won a second corner kick. This time it fell to the foot of Kibunguchy, but his attempt was well over the goal. That was the last chance of the half as the Young Lions went into the break down 1-0.
At halftime, OCB had more possession (54.4%-45.6%), but Chicago led in most statistical categories. The hosts had more shots (8-5), shots on target (4-1), corners (8-2), and crosses (7-6). Both teams completed 81.6% of their passes in the first half of play.
The first second-half chance for either team came in the 50th minute when Solis made a run towards the top of the Chicago box and found Perez to his left. The left back had enough time to take a shot, but it was blocked by Egan.
The hosts had another chance to double their advantage in the 60th minute when Ostrem threw the ball in to Casas and received it right back. The defender sent a cross into the box and Fleming beat the defenders to it. It was a charging header, but he couldn’t get over it and the ball sailed over the crossbar.
In the 68th minute Freeman conceded a corner kick. Casas took the set piece and found the head of Fleming near the top of the six-yard box. The midfielder was aiming for the far post but put it wide of the target.
Immediately following the chance, Perelman made his first two changes of the game, bringing on Favian Loyola and Cristofer Acuna for Mohammed and Lynn.
The Young Lions had a chance in the 72nd minute when Loyola made a run and played it forward for Acuna. The substitute was challenged by a defender, but kept possession. He attempted to chip Gal with the outside of his right foot and the ball went over the Chicago goalkeeper, but it went wide of the far post.
After setting up an opportunity, Loyola had one for himself in the 74th minute. The forward attempted to beat Gal with a strong shot towards the far post, but the goalkeeper did well to get his hand to the ball and knock it wide.
In the 80th minute, Almaguer found Freeman making a run behind the Chicago defense. The right back reached the ball before it went out of play and sent a dangerous cross into the box. Acuna was making a run and got to the ball just before Gal, but the goalkeeper stayed in front of the shot and made the save.
The Young Lions had another opportunity in the 82nd minute, when Luka Prpa fouled Acuna near the top of the Chicago box. Perez stepped up to take the set piece and went directly for goal, but it never challenged Gal, going high.
Almaguer tried a long attempt from well outside of the box in the 85th minute but hit it well over the target. The game’s final shot came in the 88th minute when Solis was sent long by Granados. The midfielder looked like he would go at Egan one-on-one, but shot instead. Egan was right in front of him and blocked it away.
In the end, OCB had more possession (55.8%-44.2%) and better passing accuracy (80.8%-76.2%). Both teams had 12 shots, but Chicago had more shots on target (6-3), corners (9-6), and crosses (11-10).
The struggles on the road continue for the Young Lions. After their opening game win over Philadelphia Union II, they lost three consecutive away from Kissimmee. It looked like they might be turning that trend when they beat Inter Miami CF II, but they’ve now lost their last two away matches to teams well down the Eastern Conference standings and failed to score in either game. In addition to falling for the second time in three games to teams near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, this is the first time OCB has lost to Chicago in three games.
The loss also sees OCB fall from third to fourth, a point behind Columbus Crew 2. The Young Lions are only a point ahead of New York Red Bulls II and two points ahead of New York City FC II, with both teams having games in hand.
The Young Lions have a longer break before their next game as they’ll look to bounce back on June 28 when they return home to face Philadelphia Union II.
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.

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.

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.

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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