Orlando City B
Orlando City B vs. Atlanta United 2: Final Score 3-2 as Young Lions Take All Three Points On the Road
OCB opened its 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season with a 3-2 win over Atlanta United 2.
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Orlando City B (1-0-0, 3 points) opened the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season with a 3-2 win over rival Atlanta United 2 (0-1-0, 0 points) at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA. Javier Armas and Jhon Solis traded first-half penalties before Yutaro Tsukada gave the Young Lions a halftime lead. Colin Guske and Erik Centeno both scored in the second half, but OCB held on for the opening day victory.
While OCB had some new faces in its starting lineup, most were returners from the 2023 season. Newly-signed goalkeeper Carlos Mercado started in goal behind a back line of Manuel Cocca, Thomas Williams, Nabi Kibunguchy, and Alex Freeman. Academy product Guske made his professional debut next to Imanol Almaguer behind an attacking line of Tsukada, Solis, and Wildredo Rivera. Favian Loyola was the lone man up top.
Atlanta dominated most of the game, both in possession and chances. However, the hosts struggled with their finishing, sending most of their shots off target or directly to Mercado. Meanwhile, the Young Lions were lifted by two exceptional goals and a penalty conversion by Solis.
The first chance of the game came in the ninth minute when Derrick Etienne, Jr. carried the ball across the top of the box and aimed a shot towards the top corner. The attempt was curling towards the target, but missed wide.
Two minutes later, the hosts took the lead. Luke Brennan dribbled into the box with Almaguer behind him. The Young Lions’ captain initially pulled up, but took down the attacker and referee Alex Beehler immediately pointed to the spot. Armas stepped up to take the kick and sent Mercado the wrong way, giving Atlanta an early 1-0 lead.
OCB nearly had a chance in the 14th minute when the Young Lions won a free kick near the Atlanta box. Atlanta had trouble clearing the set piece, but nobody in white could get their foot on the ball. Eventually, the hosts cleared the danger.
The first shot for OCB came in the 17th minute when a short set piece resulted in Almaguer sending a cross into the box. It looked like Kibunguchy would get his head on the ball, but it sailed over him and to Rivera. The Orlando City academy product attempted to redirect the ball on goal, sending it into the side of the net.
The Young Lions found their equalizer in the 25th minute and it was also from the spot. Solis played a nice give-and-go with Freeman, getting behind the Atlanta defense to the right of the goal. Morales tripped Solis with a slide tackle attempt and Beehler pointed to the spot again. Solis’ penalty was a hard shot right down the middle while Atlanta goalkeeper John Berner dove to his right.
Five minutes later, OCB got its first lead of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season. A foul just outside of the Atlanta box set up a free kick, taken by Orlando City 2024 MLS SuperDraft pick Tsakada. The rookie’s attempt was over the wall and into the top corner, beyond the outstretched arms of Berner, giving the Young Lions a 2-1 lead.
Atlanta should’ve had an equalizer of their own in the 34th minute when Etienne sent a free kick into the OCB box and Nick Firmino got behind the back line. The ball landed right on his head just outside of the six-yard box, but his header was right into the arms of a relieved Mercado.
The hosts had another opportunity in the 40th minute when a pass across the box was taken on the first touch by Noble Okello. It was a hard and low shot from outside of the box, but directly at Mercado.
The final chance of the half came in the 44th minute with a dangerous cross into the OCB box. It would’ve been another free attempt on goal for Firmino, but sailed just over his head.
At halftime, Atlanta had more shots (7-4) and shots on target (3-2), and better passing accuracy (88.5%-76.4%) than OCB. However, Tsuakda’s strike in the 30th minute and some attempts into the arms of Mercado allowed the Young Lions to take a 2-1 lead into the break.
It didn’t take long for the Young Lions to build on their halftime lead, scoring their third goal of the game in the 49th minute. Freeman made a long run into the Atlanta box, evading multiple defenders, before losing possession. The clearance only went as far as Guske, who took a long-distance shot. It was a rocket that went inside the far post to give OCB a commanding 3-1 lead.
Atlanta’s 2021 MLS SuperDraft pick, Aiden McFadden, tried to pull the hosts back into the game with some ambitious attempts. In the 55th minute, he drew a free kick and the set piece was blocked out by Mercado for a corner kick. The second set piece ended with McFadden trying a bicycle attempt, but he couldn’t connect.
Three minutes later, Kibunguchy’s clearance landed at the feet of McFadden about 35 yards from goal. The midfielder attempted a very long-distance shot, but sent the attempt well over the target.
In the 63rd minute, an Atlanta ball into the OCB box was blocked out of play by Kibunguchy. The ensuing corner kick found the head of Morales, but he sent the attempt wide of the target.
Second-half substitute Centeno had a chance in the 66th minute when Armas’ cross sailed over everyone else in the box. Centeno attempted a shot from a tight angle, sending the chance over the crossbar.
Atlanta had a decent opportunity in the 77th minute when Cocca fouled Alan Carleton 25 yards out. Daniel Russo sent a curling free kick into the box, but nobody in black could get on the end of it. Instead, it harmlessly bounced wide of the far post and out of play for a goal kick.
While Atlanta had been making substitutions throughout the second half, OCB waited until the 78th minute to make any changes. Zakaria Taifi, Tahir Reid-Brown, and Majed Abdullah made their 2024 MLS NEXT Pro debuts, replacing Loyola, Tsukada, and Cocca. They were defensive moves as the Young Lions looked to see out the game.
The hosts continued their offensive attacks in the 79th minute when Centeno sent a dangerous ball across the face of goal. There were two Atlanta players entering the six-yard box, sticking their feet out to get a final touch on the ball. However, it somehow missed both and OCB avoided conceding a second time.
In the 80th minute, it was Centeno on the end of a cross. A wonderful ball into the six landed on the foot of the 21-year-old, but the volley was over the crossbar for a goal kick.
OCB Head Coach Manuel Goldberg made his fourth change in the 86th minute, bringing on 16-year-old academy player Justin Ellis for Rivera.
In the 87th minute, Russo took a shot from the left of goal, aiming for the far post. However, the ball was blocked out of play for Atlanta’s 10th corner kick. The ensuing set piece didn’t find a teammate and was cleared away.
After dominating possession and chances for over 30 minutes, Atlanta finally broke through during stoppage time. A minute past the 90-minute mark, Centeno sent a cross towards OCB’s back post. Morales got on the end of the pass, heading it past Mercado to cut the deficit in half.
Two minutes after the goal, Goldberg made his final change of the game and it was another defensive substitution as Thomas Bowe came on for Solis.
The final attempt of the game came five minutes into stoppage time as Atlanta looked for a late equalizer. However, the cross was caught by Mercado. OCB cleared the ball downfield, keeping it in the Atlanta half until the final whistle blew, claiming all three points with a 3-2 win.
The hosts dominated the game statistically, with more shots (20-5), shots on target (6-3), corner kicks (10-0), and passing accuracy (88.6%-72%). However, too many of their shots were off target or straight at Mercado, enabling the first-time OCB goalkeeper to make easy stops.
This is the third consecutive year that OCB has begun its season with three points. The Young Lions beat Chicago Fire FC II 2-0 to open the 2022 campaign, Philadelphia Union II 3-1 last year, and topped Atlanta United this afternoon. It’s a strong start to a season in which the Young Lions hope to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year and the third time in their history.
The team will stay on the road and have a short week, traveling to face Huntsville City FC Friday night. Then OCB will return to Central Florida for its home opener on April 2 against another rival, Inter Miami CF II.
Orlando City B
Orlando City B Signs Two Players Ahead of 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Season
OCB adds Brazilian forward Thalles on loan and signs 2024 SuperDraft selection Riyon Tori.
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Orlando City B had a busy Thursday, signing two players ahead of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season. The Young Lions acquired Brazilian forward Thalles on loan from Serie B side Botafogo-SP and signed Japanese midfielder Riyon Tori, a 2024 OCSC SuperDraft selection out of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
OCB has an option to buy Thalles from Botafogo at the conclusion of the player’s loan.
“Thalles is a young player that we were able to see play live in several U-20 tournaments in Brazil last year, and he made an impression on us as a goal scorer during his opportunities,” Orlando City Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira said in a club press release. “He’s very energetic as a player and is a versatile striker that can play over as a winger and create movement across the front of the attack. We’re excited to have him with us this year competing in Orlando.”
The 19-year-old Thalles is a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He has scored nine goals and added an assist in 20 combined appearances with Botafogo’s first team and U-20 squad. The youngster should add firepower to an OCB attack that may be without Shak Mohammed at least until Duncan McGuire returns to the game day squad.
Tori, 23, was selected with the No. 83 overall selection in the third round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. The Lions took midfielders Jeorgio Kocevski and Yutaro Tsukada in that same draft — both of whom have gotten first-team minutes — as well as Pittsburgh midfielder Filip Mirkovic, who was never signed. Tori’s deal with OCB runs through the 2025 season.
“Riyon is a dynamic midfielder that we selected in the draft as an underclassman following our detailed scouting and analytics process and then brought into training with the group last summer,” Moreira said in a club press release. “His play style provides both bite and energy in the midfield, and he proved in his training stint last year that he has a good competitive drive and is ready to take that next step.”
Tori began his collegiate career at St. John’s University, playing sparingly over two seasons with the Red Storm. He only made eight appearances and five starts for a total of 505 minutes. He didn’t score any goals or record any assists, but took four shots in those two seasons. However, all four attempts were off target.
The Osaka, Japan native transferred to Charlotte for more playing time, playing the 2023 season in the American Athletic Conference. In his final collegiate season, Tori played and started 18 games, recording 1,328 minutes. The junior scored one goal and added two assists for four points and put one of his two shots on target.
The only Charlotte player to start all 18 games for the team that season, Tori was named United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-East Region and first-team all-conference. The possession-minded midfielder played at least 60 minutes in each game, helping his team to a conference championship.
Tori returned to college rather than sign a professional contract after being drafted as an underclassmen. Having sustained an injury training with Orlando City, he missed the first eight matches of the 49ers’ 2024 season, appearing in 10 games (seven starts). In his 536 minutes, he did not provide a goal contribution, attempting just one shot. Still, he was a First-Team All-AAC selection and a Second-Team All-East Region selection.
Prior to arriving in the United States, Tori captained Cerezo Osaka’s U-18 team and played for the club’s U-23 J. League team. Considered one of the top U-18 players in Japan, he toured England in 2019 with the Nike Next Hero project.
Along with OCB’s acquisition of winger Dyson Clapier on Tuesday, and the previous signings of Justin Ellis and Bernardo Rhein to MLS NEXT Pro contracts two weeks ago, it’s been a good month of roster building for the Young Lions as they solidify their squad ahead of the 2025 season as they bid for a third straight playoff appearance.
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.
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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.
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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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