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Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. FC Cincinnati 2: Final Score 5-3 as OCB Dominates in Kentucky

OCB came back from a two-goal deficit in a wild game to beat FC Cincinnati 2.

Published

2 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B

Orlando City B (8-6-2, 27 points) came back from a two-goal, second-half deficit to beat FC Cincinnati 2 (4-8-3, 16 points) 5-3 at NKU Soccer Stadium in Highland Heights, KY. The Young Lions used braces by Juninho and Jack Lynn and an own goal by Matt Dreas to score their five goals. David Garcia gave the hosts the lead in the 30th minute and Ryder Mills scored two early second-half goals before OCB took over.

OCB made two changes to the lineup that lost 3-0 to Philadelphia Union II Wednesday night. Alejandro Granados came on at right back for Alex Freeman and Zakaria Taifi returned the starting lineup at center back, replacing Thomas Williams.

The Young Lions started with a 4-4-2 formation and a back line in front of Javier Otero of Granados, Nabi Kibunguchy, Taifi, and Franco Perez. The midfield four were the same as the midweek contest, consisting of Imanol Almaguer, Juninho, Cristian Medina, and Jhon Solis. First-team forwards Shak Mohammed and Lynn started up top.

The start of the game was delayed due to severe weather, pushing the scheduled 7 p.m. kickoff to 8:45. The Young Lions dominated the game once it kicked off, destroying FC Cincinnati 2 in every statistical category. The hosts scored three goals on just four shots, keeping them in the game, and some bad giveaways by OCB on its own side of the field is why the winning margin was only two.

Other than the long delay, there was nothing out of the ordinary in the first half. But the second half went off the rails with the teams combining for six goals, including two times where multiple goals were scored within two minutes of each other.

OCB kicked off and immediately went downfield looking for a quick start. Solis ended up with the ball outside of the box and took the game’s first shot, but it was blocked by Garcia. Following that initial chance, the game slowed down for a few minutes.

The Young Lions got their second chance in the eighth minute from a short corner. Solis received the ball and sent it back to Juninho well outside of the box. Despite the distance, the OCB captain attempted a curling shot that went just over the head of the Cincinnati defense, forcing Evan Louro to push it away.

FC Cincinnati 2 had its first chance in the 11th minute when Lynn received the ball on the opposition side of the field and immediately lost it. The hosts used some quick passing to head the other way in numbers. Otero came off his line to challenge the attacker and Granados was there to clear it away.

In the 13th minute, Juninho lost possession of the ball near his own end line and ended up knocking it out for a Cincinnati throw in. Bret Halsey found Mills in the box and the forward immediately laid it off for Dreas for a shot. The attempt skipped across the front of the goal, but was never on target and went out for a goal kick.

OCB hit the woodwork in the 20th minute when Lynn found Perez on the left. The left back sent a long ball towards the back post where Taifi was making a run into the box. The defender volleyed the ball towards goal and on target. Lynn was inside the six-yard box and beat Joey Akpunonu to send it on, but flicked it off the crossbar.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 30th minute after an OCB turnover in the defensive half, when Kibunguchy stepped up to challenge Quimi Ordonez, taking out the forward and receiving a yellow card. Halsey took the ensuing set piece, finding the head of Garcia between Kibunguchy and Mohammed. The defender’s header was beyond the reach of Otero and into the top corner of the goal to give Cincinnati a 1-0 lead.

In the 34th minute, Juninho drew two defenders as he approached the box and laid it off for Lynn. Rather than attempting to get a closer look, Lynn released a shot from distance. It was a strong attempt and on target, but Louro had a good view of it the whole way and blocked it.

Two minutes later, Mohammed sent a cross to the top of the six-yard box that found the head of Kibunguchy. Looking to make up for his earlier foul that resulted in the opening goal, the center back headed the ball down, but Louro was there to collect it.

The Young Lions found an equalizer in the 39th minute through a great individual effort by Juninho. A throw-in by OCB ended up with the midfielder in a seemingly innocuous position. The Brazilian split two defenders before entering the box and sent a strong shot towards the goal. The ball beat Louro into the far corner to even the game at 1-1.

The final chance of the first half came in the 45th minute, when Solis found Mohammed at the top of the Cincinnati box. The forward attempted a long-distance shot, but it was always going high and didn’t cause any concern for Louro.

After 45 minutes of play, OCB had more possession (72.5%-27.5%), shots (8-2), shots on target (5-1), corners (6-0), crosses (14-2), and better passing accuracy (92%-74.1%). However, the hosts made it to the break with the game tied at 1-1.

As if the long delay to start the game didn’t make the night long enough for both teams, the start of the second half was delayed when the referees didn’t appear from the locker room. Both teams waited for around 10 minutes, warming up while they waited for the officials to arrive. Eventually, they decided to show up and the second half commenced.

OCB got off to an inauspicious second-half start, conceding a goal inside the first minute. Dribbling the ball out of the back, Perez lost it to Dreas at the top of the center circle. Dreas found Mills to his right before entering the box and the forward quickly shot. Granados was on the attacker and appeared to get a touch to the ball, enabling it to flick over Otero and in to make it 2-1 Cincinnati.

The Young Lions got their first shot of the second half in the 52nd minute when a long ball by Solis for Mohammed was touched back for Lynn. The forward shot from outside of the box, but it was blocked by Akpunonu. A minute later, Perez found Mohammed at the penalty spot, but his header was right at Louro.

The hosts made OCB pay for those misses when they scored a third in the 54th minute. It started when Solis attempted to dribble through a defender, but lost the ball. Cincinnati worked it to the left where it ended up with Isaiah Foster. The midfielder quickly found halftime substitute Philip Horton, who sent a cross to the near post. Mills was there to redirect the ball past Otero for his second goal of the game.

Right off the kickoff, OCB got a goal back. Juninho made a long run towards the Cincinnati box and found Perez on the left. The left back quickly sent a low cross into the box for Lynn. The forward couldn’t control the ball, but it bounced off Dreas and past Louro to make it a 3-2 game.

OCB nearly found an equalizer in the 65th minute when Solis took a shot from outside of the box. Louro had been sure-handed for most of the game, but blocked the ball to Lynn right in front of goal with nobody around. Unfortunately, Lynn hit the rebound into the ground and over the goal from point-blank range.

Juninho nearly topped his earlier goal in the 67th minute when he made a long run into the Cincinnati box. He dribbled through three defenders and used some fancy footwork to create space for a shot. The midfielder was aiming for the far post and beat Louro, but the ball skipped just wide.

Three minutes later, Juninho scored his second goal of the game. Solis found him just outside of the box and he used a good touch to beat his defender, creating room for a shot. With plenty of space, Juninho hit the top corner of the goal for the second time in the game to tie it at 3-3.

The Young Lions took their first lead of the night two minutes later. Solis sent Perez down the left and the defender took a shot on goal that was blocked by Louro. The rebound went right back to Perez, but Louro made a second stop. Finally, Lynn ended up with the ball and put it in to give OCB a 4-3 lead.

In the 75th minute, OCB extended its advantage. The Young Lions had a throw-in and FC Cincinnati 2 took the stoppage to make a substitution. Taifi threw it to Juninho, who spun to beat his defender. Nobody stepped up to challenge him, allowing enough time to slip the ball through for Lynn. Louro got a piece of the shot, but not enough as it went in to make it 5-3.

OCB Head Coach Martin Perelman made his first change in the 78th minute, replacing Lynn with Cristofer Acuna.

In the 82nd minute, OCB almost scored a sixth. The Young Lions used quick movement and sharp passing to maintain possession, primarily working through Mohammed. Eventually, Medina played the ball for Almaguer, but he let it go to Perez behind him. The defender played it to Almaguer, who made a run towards the end line and received it back at the top of the box. After a couple of touches inside to beat his defender, Perez shot past Louro towards the top corner. It was heading in, but Akpunonu got his head to the ball, clearing it off the goal line.

Two minutes after that attempt, Perelman made four changes. Tahir Reid-Brown, Fernando Sanchez, Wilfredo Rivera, and Thomas Williams all came on at the same time for Perez, Solis, Mohammed, and Almaguer.

OCB was just trying to see out the game, but lost a player in the 89th minute when Rivera was shown a straight red by referee Jeremy Scheer. Horton received the ball on the sideline and used a quick touch to beat Medina. Rivera came flying in, swinging at the ball but missing it and catching Horton. Scheer immediately issued Rivera a red card, but replays showed it should’ve been a yellow at most. Since VAR doesn’t exist in MLS NEXT Pro, OCB had to finish the game with 10 men. Per MLS NEXT Pro rules, Rivera will serve his suspension the next time the two teams meet in the final game of the season.

FC Cincinnati 2 held possession for most of the four added minutes, but was unable to create anything and OCB returns home with three points from Northern Kentucky.

Overall, it was a dominant performance by the Young Lions. They had more possession (67.7%-32.3%), shots (24-4), shots on target (13-3), corners (8-0), and crosses (23-6), and better passing accuracy (88.3%-77.3%). Given the statistical dominance, it was only fair that the Young Lions claimed all three points.

The Young Lions have struggled on the road for most of the season, so this is a welcome result as they look to make the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs for the first time. It’s their third win away from home this season after opening the year by beating Philadelphia Union II 3-1 and Inter Miami II 1-0 on May 25.

The win keeps OCB in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, three points ahead of Atlanta United 2. The Young Lions are also three points behind New York Red Bulls II for fourth with 12 games remaining.

After playing two games this week, OCB will have a full week off before facing Huntsville City FC in Alabama next Sunday night.

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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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