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Orlando City B

Orlando City B 2016 USL Season Preview at a Glance

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Orlando City B takes on the Wilmington Hammerheads at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night at Titan Sports Complex in Melbourne in what will be the first of 30 regular-season games. With the excitement of the start of Orlando City's second MLS season and the hoopla surrounding the upcoming inaugural NWSL season for the Orlando Pride, it's understandable if brushing up on the USL side has flown under your radar.

We're here to change that. We've gone more in-depth elsewhere and will be covering the team throughout the season, but if you want a quick at-a-glance style preview of all you really need to know, well, simply read on…

Year founded: 2016.

Affiliation: Orlando City SC.

2015 record, standing in conference: N/A. This is the team's expansion year.

2015 playoffs: N/A. See above.

Key additions: Everyone, but especially Tony Rocha, William Eyang, Mikey Ambrose, Kyle Callan-McFadden, Michael Cox, Jonathan Mendoza, Mark Ridgers, Tyler Turner, and Dembakwi Yomba. There will be more key additions coming from the senior club in the forms of loan spells, as well.

Key departures: None.

Overview of team heading into season: Orlando City jumped into the "2" team pool with both feet in the off-season, creating reserve side Orlando City B, which will play in nearby Melbourne, FL, at Eastern Florida State College. The main focus for Head Coach Anthony Pulis will be on developing players and, while the team wants to be competitive and Pulis wants to win matches, the most important aspect of the team's existence is to prepare young players for potentially moving up to the senior squad. Orlando City B has put together a young roster of talented individuals, and the senior team's younger players are also expected to see time for OCB, as Adrian Heath wants his players to stay sharp, even if they can't get into the XI for MLS games. That means that guys like Harrison Heath, Conor Donovan, Bryan Rochez and others you've seen in MLS could suit up and see extended minutes of USL play. MLS and Orlando City veteran Lewis Neal was named team captain and he'll serve as an on-field player/coach for Pulis.

Why you should watch Orlando City B in 2016: Orlando City's stars of tomorrow are already on the OCB roster. Young players like 17-year-old Homegrown Player Pierre da Silva and goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar should see minutes in Melbourne. Players like Tony Rocha, Boxi Yomba and Kyle Callan-McFadden are old enough to potentially push senior team players for a spot in the near future.

3 Players to watch:

Tony Rocha: Due to injuries on the senior team, Rocha saw some time in preseason with the main club and played very well in the Lions' midfield; the 22-year-old is a potential MLS player in the very near future.

Conor Donovan: A defender who was pushing for playing time as a rookie last year, Donovan is coming off a torn ACL, but he was ahead of Tommy Redding in the center back rotation at the time of his injury. He may be weeks away from playing but should make an immediate impact when he gets into the lineup.

Michael Cox: An experienced attacking player, Cox played two seasons with the Portuguese second division and provides OCB with speed, strength and experience at the top of the formation.

The 2016 season will be a success if…Orlando City B makes the playoffs and fills Titan Soccer Complex each week. But, beyond those marks of success, if the team prepares players for emergency stints with the senior team and provides playing time for guys who aren't playing or can't make the senior team's 18, the club will consider it a successful season.

Relevant Links

That's all you really need to know to start following OCB in 2016. The Mane Land will continue to cover the team all season long.

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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Image courtesy of Orlando City B

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.

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Orlando City B

Orlando City B Announces Roster Ahead of 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Season

Here are the players and assistant coaches who will try to help the Young Lions return to the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs in 2024.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City B / Mark Thor

Orlando City B has announced the roster of players who will compete for the Young Lions during the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season, which kicks off tomorrow at Atlanta United 2. First-year Head Coach Manuel Goldberg will have a mixture of academy and MLS NEXT Pro contract players — along with unrostered guys loaned down from the first team — to deploy as the Young Lions look to return to the playoffs in their third season in the league.

Seven players return from last year’s roster that reached the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs for the first time, including defenders Nabi Kibunguchy, midfielders Imanol Almaguer and Jhon Solis, and forward Wilfredo Rivera. Defender Zakaria Taifi, who was on an academy deal in 2023, signed a two-year MLS NEXT Pro contract with OCB on Tuesday after appearing in 23 games with 10 starts a year ago.

The new guys include forward Yutaro Tsukada, one of Orlando City’s first-round picks in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft in December. Tsukada’s signing was announced earlier today. Another new face is forward Yeiler Valencia, who arrives on a one-year loan deal from Once Caldas in Colombia and has made 15 appearances in that country’s top flight, scoring one goal in 2023. Defender Manuel Cocca arrives from SD Tarazona in Spain, where he made 15 appearances and recorded three assists in the third division. Cocca signed a one-year MLS NEXT Pro contract with OCB, with option years in 2025 and 2026.

“The start of a new season is always exciting with the prospect of what lies ahead and what can be accomplished, and this year is no different,” Orlando City Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira said in a club press release. “With what Orlando City B was able to achieve last season, setting new club records and qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in club history, we’re excited to continue building on last season’s success, continuing to develop quality players and prepare the future of the first team.”

Goldberg’s assistant coaching staff is also set for 2024 with the additions of Assistant Coach Julian Vergara and Strength and Conditioning Coach Andres Gonzalez. Both were previously academy coaches who have been promoted from within. They join returning Goalkeepers Coach Marcos Machado and Athletic Trainer Sergio Valverde on Goldberg’s staff.

Players on the first team likely to spend significant time with OCB in 2024 include Homegrown goalkeeper Javier Otero, draft picks Jack Lynn, Shak Mohammed, and Jeorgio Kocevski, defenders Alex Freeman, Tahir Reid-Brown, Thomas Williams, and Abdi Salim, and midfielder Favian Loyola.

2024 OCB Roster

Does not include first-team players who are eligible to be loaned to the MLS NEXT Pro squad.

Jersey No.NamePos.Contract
32Wilfredo RiveraFMLS NEXT Pro
34Yutaro TsukadaFMLS NEXT Pro
48Diego ParejaMFMLS NEXT Pro
49Jhon SolisMFMLS NEXT Pro
53Imanol AlmaguerMFMLS NEXT Pro
54Nabi KibunguchyDMLS NEXT Pro
56Colin GuskeMFAcademy
59Justin EllisFAcademy
61Yeiler ValenciaFMLS NEXT Pro
62Thomas BoweMFAcademy
64Manuel CoccaDMLS NEXT Pro
91TJ JeffreysGKAcademy
96Zakaria TaifiDMLS NEXT Pro
97Majed AbjullahFAcademy
99Carlos MercadoGKMLS NEXT Pro

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Orlando City B

Orlando City Signs Draft Pick Yutaro Tsukada to MLS NEXT Pro Contract

The Lions ink their natural first-round selection to an MLS NEXT Pro deal for 2024.

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC / Mark Thor

Orlando City SC has announced the signing of 2024 MLS SuperDraft pick Yutaro Tsukada to a one-year MLS NEXT Pro contract ahead of Orlando City B’s third season in the league. The club selected Tukada, a wing player out of West Virginia, in the first round with the No. 25 overall pick on Dec. 19 at the end of last year. He will be part of the 2024 OCB roster, which is expected to be released later today. Tsukada will wear No. 34.

“Yutaro is someone that we’re really excited to have join Orlando City B this year as the coaching staff and scouting teams were following intensely throughout his college career,” Orlando City SC Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira said in a club press release. “He has the flair and speed that fit the model we’ve built here. After spending preseason with the first team and showing what he could do in preseason camp in Mexico, we believe that his skills can be even further developed with a year at OCB and put himself in a good position to take the next step with the first team, as both teams work side-by-side with the same philosophy.”

Tsukada, 22 (he’ll turn 23 in July) made 40 appearances, with 31 starts, and recorded 2,624 minutes in two seasons with West Virginia. He had 13 goals and 14 assists, but the majority of his production with the Mountaineers came in 2023, when he scored 12 goals and added nine assists. This past season, he helped West Virginia make the College Cup for the first time in program history, falling 1-0 to Clemson in the semifinal.

Prior to attending West Virginia, the Tokyo native played at Daytona State College, starting in 22 of his 24 appearances and scoring 26 goals with 11 assists. He had a 20-goal season in 2021, recording a total of 46 points. Before coming to the United States, the Japanese winger played at Seibo High School and spent time with FC Tokyo of the J. League.

The Tokyo, Japan native’s breakout 2023 season resulted in several individual honors. He was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-America third team, College Soccer News All-America second team, Top Drawer Soccer Best XI second team, and United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region first team. For his conference play, he was named to the All-Sun Belt first team and Sun Belt All-Tournament team.

While at Daytona State College, Tsukada was a 2021 NJCAA and United Soccer Coaches All-America First Team selection in 2021 and was named that year’s NJCAA Region 8 Player of the Year. He helped the Falcons achieve a 13-2-1 record in 2021, compiling his 20 goals in just 15 games.

A player with good upside, Tsukada can grow and develop with OCB and provide depth, if needed, for the senior club. Orlando City is well stocked with wing players, including Facundo Torres, Martin Ojeda, and Ivan Angulo, while others such as Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, Ramiro Enrique, and even Luis Muriel can play the position.

What It Means for Orlando City

There wasn’t room on the first-team roster to stash Tsukada, so it’s understandable that OCSC didn’t sign him to an MLS contract. He’d likely be seeing time with OCB anyway, as the young attacker must develop his game in order to compete at in the top flight. However, there’s plenty of raw material for the Orlando coaching staff to work with.

Tsukada finished 15th in the country in 2023 with nine assists, while his six game-winning goals placed him third nationally. Still, finishing at the professional level is different than at the collegiate level, and he’ll need to develop that part of his game, although this highlight video shows that, when given time, he seems adept at picking out the corners with his shots.

There is room to grow into Orlando City’s squad, as Tsukada is right-footed, whereas the team’s top wing players have a dominant left foot. A good year with OCB will be vital for Tsukada to show he can deal with the physicality of the pro game and earn another contract with the club. He should be able to help the Young Lions score goals and win games while learning his trade, much like previous draft picks Jack Lynn and Shak Mohammed have done in recent seasons.

[Editor’s Note: Some statistical and background information for this story originally appeared in Sean Rollins’ draft day post following Orlando City selecting Tsukada.]

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