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Orlando City B

Orlando City B vs. NYCFC II: Final Score 4-3 as OCB Completes Second-Half Comeback

A pair of braces by Shak Mohammed and Jack Lynn saw OCB erase a 3-1 deficit and win it late.

Published

2 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B

Orlando City B (11-9-3, 37 points) came back from a two-goal, second-half deficit tonight to beat NYCFC II (9-11-2, 29 points) 4-3 at Belson Stadium in Queens, NY. Shak Mohammed gave the Young Lions an early lead, but Matt Myers and Jack Beer scored two goals in two minutes to flip the scoreline. Myers’ second in the 55th minute made it 3-1, before a Jack Lynn brace and an 87th-minute winner by Mohammed secured all three points for the visitors.

OCB had some first-team players in the lineup during Wednesday night’s 5-4 loss to New England Revolution II, so there were some changes in the team for this trip. Javier Otero, Zakaria Taifi, Nabi Kibunguchy, and Wilfredo Rivera entered the lineup in place of Mason Stajduhar, Alex Freeman, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Felipe. Freeman was the only one of those four to make the trip.

The back line in front of Otero was Taifi, Kibunguchy, Abdi Salim, and Moises Tablante. Imanol Almaguer, Cristian Medina, Wilfredo Rivera, and Jhon Solis were in the midfield with Mohammed and Lynn up top.

OCB got off to a great start in this game, but NYCFC II settled down after the first 15 minutes. The hosts controlled the final half hour of the first half and took a commanding lead 10 minutes into the second half. But Lynn’s 62nd-minute goal provided a spark for the Young Lions and they had NYCFC II on their back foot for the majority of the second half. Braces for the two forwards were the difference as the Young Lions completed their largest comeback win of the season.

OCB had the game’s first chance when Stevo Bednarsky fouled Solis directly in front of goal and 25 yards out. Solis was the only one to step up and take the set piece, sending it into the arms of NYCFC II goalkeeper Alex Rando.

The Young Lions had another attempt in the fourth minute when Jonathan Jimenez fouled Tablante just outside of the box and to the left of goal. Rivera sent the free kick towards the near post, where Solis was making a run, but it missed the midfielder. Mohammed was the first to reach it behind him, but he sent the shot over the target.

The pressure by OCB paid off in the sixth minute when it forced the hosts into a mistake. Receiving the ball from Rio Hope-Gund, Klevis Haxhari attempted a pass for Samuel Owusu, but Taifi stepped in front to pick it off. The defender quickly sent the ball forward for Mohammed, whose second touch was a shot past Rando and into the corner to give the Young Lions an early 1-0 lead.

OCB had a chance to make it two in the ninth minute when Rivera took the ball away from a NYCFC II corner kick. He found Mohammed on his left and the Young Lions had numbers going forward. Mohammed’s low cross looked like it would connect with Medina, but it went by the midfielder and to Solis, whose shot was blocked.

NYCFC II found the equalizer in the 17th minute when Mohammed fouled Christian McFarlane by the sideline. Owusu sent the free kick into the box where MLS NEXT Pro’s leading goal scorer Myers got behind Medina and volleyed the ball past Otero. Medina held his arm up claiming it was offside, but the goal was given to make it 1-1.

Less than a minute later, Kibunguchy played a short ball to Medina, who was quickly swarmed by NYCFC II players. Beer took the ball off Medina’s foot and his second touch was a strong shot that beat Otero inside his near post, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead.

It looked like OCB might have a breakaway in the 27th minute when Lynn made a run through the middle of the field and called for the ball. Almaguer had it on the right and sent it forward for the striker, but Lynn couldn’t hold his run and was ruled offside.

NYCFC II nearly had a third goal in the 32nd minute when quick passing by the hosts resulted in Jimenez receiving the ball on the right. The midfielder sent a low cross towards the far post, where John Denis was making a run, but Almaguer slid in to block it. The ball popped up for Myers at the penalty spot and the forward tried to turn and put the ball on goal. Fortunately, he couldn’t get over it and the shot went harmlessly over the crossbar.

Jimenez received the ball on the right again in the 37th minute, dribbling behind Salim. He had Denis making a run towards the far post, but decided to take the shot himself. He had a decent angle, but sent the shot right to Otero who easily made the stop.

OCB Head Coach Martin Perelman made his first change of the game in the 41st minute. Starting the game on the bench, regular right back Freeman came on for Taifi shortly before halftime.

In the 43rd minute, a quick give-and-go between Freeman and Mohammed enabled the latter to send a dangerous cross towards the near post, where Lynn was making a run. Unfortunately, it was a bit too far in front of the striker, and Rando was able to fall on it. Seconds later, Mohammed beat his defender to the end line and sent another ball towards Lynn at the near post. This one was closer to the striker and Lynn tried to use his heel to knock it past Rando, but couldn’t get on the end of it and the ball bounced through the box.

The fourth official put up three minutes of first-half stoppage time and NYCFC II was the only team to create a chance before the end of the half. Jimenez played the ball outside for Hope-Gund, who played it back to the midfielder at the top of the box. His shot was through the legs of Kibunguchy, but into the arms of Otero.

The Young Lions dominated the first 15 minutes, creating multiple chances and striking first. But the goal woke the hosts up and they had the better opportunities in the final 30 minutes of the first half. At halftime, OCB had more possession (51.7%-48.3%) and better passing accuracy (79.1%-72.6%), but NYCFC II had more shots (7-6), shots on target (4-3), and corners (5-1).

OCB had the first second-half chance in the 49th minute after Tablante was taken down by Jimenez just outside of the box. The short set piece ended up with Almaguer, who sent a good ball towards the six. It was headed towards the top of the box by Owusu, where it landed at the feet of Salim, but his shot was blocked by Bednarsky. Kibunguchy took a second attempt, but his shot was blocked by Haxhari.

In the 54th minute, Freeman dribbled the ball across the top of the box and gave it to Rivera. The attacker attempted to find space, eventually going down after contact with Owusu. NYCFC II broke the other way where Beer found Myers for a breakaway. Otero did well to come off his line and block the attempt. Denis ended up with the rebound, but Almaguer got in front to block it out of play.

The ensuing corner kick by Denis went into a group of players in the box. Owusu jumped over everyone, but Myers was the one to get the final touch, putting it past Otero to make it 3-1.

NYCFC II nearly had a fourth in the 59th minute when Denis played a low ball through the box. Jimenez ended up with it and sent a shot on goal, but Otero made a diving save, tipping it wide. Denis neary reached the rebound, but Almaguer got to it first, clearing it out of play.

Lynn almost got one back for OCB in the 61st minute when Tablante sent a dangerous ball towards the top of the six-yard box. The striker was there and got his foot to the ball, but Rando was able to get down and block it away with his foot.

Right after that attempt, NYCFC II tried to play the ball out of the back, but Medina intercepted the pass. Receiving the ball from Medina, Rivera found Solis, who quickly played it to Mohammed. Lynn was making a run towards goal and Mohammed found him, enabling the striker to redirect it in and making it a 3-2 game.

Perelman made his second substitution in the 64th minute, bringing Franco Perez on for Rivera.

OCB received a boost of energy as the game neared the 70th minute, keeping more possession and creating more chances than its opponents. The Young Lions had multiple opportunities, primarily with Almaguer lifting balls into the box, but nobody could get on the end of them. The only shot was a long-distance cross or shot attempt by Almaguer that sailed out of play.

Just after that chance, OCB made its final change of the game, bringing Favian Loyola on for Tablante.

The Young Lions found their equalizer in the 80th minute from a poor touch by Piero Elias. Mohammed got to the ball before Elias, tapping it to Loyola, who immediately sent the ball forward for Lynn making a run behind the NYCFC II back line. The striker shot from just outside of the box, aiming for the near post. Rando should’ve done better with it, but the ball got past him to even the game at 3-3.

OCB took the lead in the 87th minute when the ball was played around for Solis on the left. The midfielder lifted it forward for Perez, making a diagonal run into the box. The substitute found Mohammed at the penalty spot, and the forward didn’t miss his opportunity, putting it past Rando and into the top corner to give OCB a 4-3 lead.

The fourth official showed five minutes of second-half stoppage time, but it was extended when NYCFC II nearly had a chance. A ball through the box found McFarlane, but Almaguer got there just in time. The midfielder also tried to keep the ball from going out for a corner kick, flipping over the advertising boards and requiring attention.

OCB had a great chance to put the game away in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Haxhari swung and missed on a shot from outside of the box. Perez took control and sprinted the other way. Mohammed made a run through the middle of the field, but NYCFC II was lacking numbers in the back as the hosts were pushing for a late equalizer.

Owusu was the only man back for New York and had to make a decision, eventually leaving Mohammed to close down Perez. He played it across for Mohammed, whose first touch should’ve been a shot on goal. Instead, he took a touch, allowing Bednarsky to catch up. Mohammed cut back and shot, but it was blocked by Rando, ending his chance at scoring a hat trick.

NYCFC II had one last chance in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Ronald Arevalo found Elias sprinting forward. After his first touch, Elias and Medina collided and the referee awarded the hosts a free kick just outside of the box. NYCFC II wanted a penalty, but replays showed the foul occurred just before Elias entered the penalty area.

Jonathan Shore and Maximo Carrizo, a pair of second half substitutes, stood over the ball. Shore stepped over it and Carrizo took the set piece. The attempt went high and wide of the target, ending the last chance of the game. The final whistle blew immediately after the shot and OCB picked up a much-needed road win.

While NYCFC II controlled most of the first half, OCB came to life after Lynn’s first goal of the night. At full time, the Young Lions had more possession (57.1%-42.9%), shots (17-12), crosses (19-11), and passing accuracy (81.8%-72.6%). NYCFC II had more corner kicks (11-4) and both teams put seven shots on target.

This is the second time this season that OCB has come back from a 3-1 deficit to claim all three points. The Young Lions had a similar comeback on July 2 against FC Cincinnati 2, winning that game 5-3 at Osceola County Stadium. The win keeps OCB in fifth in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of Chicago Fire II and five points ahead of Philadelphia Union II for the seventh and final playoff spot.

After playing three games in eight days, OCB will have two weeks off before welcoming Columbus Crew 2 to Kissimmee on Aug. 27.

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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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