OCB Head Coach Manuel Goldberg made two changes from the team that fell 4-2 to New York Red Bulls II Sunday night. Jhon Solis was suspended for yellow card accumulation after five bookings in the first seven games. It’s the first time Solis has been out of the starting lineup this year and the second time since joining OCB in 2023, breaking a streak of 39 straight starts. Javier Otero was with the first team, so he didn’t play either. They were replaced by Juan Quevedo and Carlos Mercado.

The back line in front of Mercado in goal was Tahir Reid-Brown, Jackson Platts, Thomas Williams, and Zakaria Taifi. Colin Guske and Riyon Tori were the defensive midfielders behind Quevedo, Justin Ellis, and Gustavo Caraballo with Mohammed up top.

The hosts dominated this game from the outset, creating several chances in the opening minutes. Mohammed had a couple of wasted opportunities before giving his team the lead just before the half-hour mark. That was the last good thing from OCB, as the game quickly went downhill.

The story of this one was missed chances, poor defending, and poor goalkeeping. Mohammed could’ve had four first-half goals, including a poor penalty attempt. The Young Lions failed to get back on Shokalook’s second-half goal, and Mercado had a ball bounce off his chest, giving Chicago an easy fifth.

Fire II created the first chance of the game in the sixth minute when a shot from the top left corner of the box was blocked out for a corner kick. The ensuing set piece by Claudio Cassano found the head of Diego Konincks, but his header was wide.

A minute later, Mohammed was sent behind the Fire II back line. It looked like the OCB forward would have a breakaway, but Diouf did well to catch up with the first-team attacker. The defender’s tackle in the box had to be perfect and it was, knocking the ball away.

Cassano made a long run into the OCB box in the eighth minute. He twisted and turned Caraballo but also caused himself to fall. As a result, his shot hit the outside of the net.

Soudan made a good run to the end line in the 10th minute and attempted to cross, but Quevedo got in front, blocking it out for a corner kick. The ensuing set piece found the head of Diouf in the box, and the center back tried to redirect it on goal but sent it over the crossbar.

The Young Lions finally got their first shot in the 12th minute when Mohammed received a pass near the top right corner of the Chicago box. The forward’s second touch was shot, but a defender got in front to block the attempt.

Fire II won another corner kick in the 18th minute when Soudan was sent towards the end line. Quevedo again got back to block the cross for a Chicago corner kick. This time, it didn’t find a red target, and the Young Lions were able to clear.

In the 21st minute, Vitaliy Hlyut found enough space for a shot inside the OCB box. He had a clear chance from about 10 yards out, but Mercado did well to get down and block the attempt.

Caraballo turned the ball over to Charles Nagle in the 22nd minute. OCB wanted a foul as Nagle pushed Caraballo down, but the referee allowed play to continue. Nagle took a shot from outside the box, sending it over the crossbar.

Mohammed had his second chance of the game in the 24th minute from a turnover in the Chicago third of the field. He dribbled into the box to the right of goal and had enough space for a shot but hit the outside of the net.

It looked like Ellis might have a chance in the 28th minute after a give-and-go with Taifi. However, the ball was knocked off his foot. Fortunately, it went directly to Caraballo, who was able to get a shot off. But his attempt was blocked.

Despite spending most of the first half-hour defending, OCB took the lead in the 29th minute. Ellis received a pass across midfield from Williams and played a beautiful ball with the outside of his right foot, sending Mohammed behind the back line. The forward curled a shot around Patrick Los to give OCB a surprising 1-0 lead.

Chicago nearly found an equalizer in the 32nd minute when Shokalook found Hlyut at the top of the six-yard box. He put his shot on target, but Mercado dove to his right, tipping it wide. Cassano followed up and shot from a tight angle, but Mercado was there again to make the save.

A minute later, Cassano sent an excellent ball to the far post where Boso was making a run. The forward tried to volley the ball on goal, sending it wide.

Chicago found the equalizer in the 37th minute with an odd goal. Soudan sent a ball into the box for Shokalook with Williams on his back, and the ball bounced right through both players. Mercado thought the ball would get redirected, so he was caught leaning the wrong way as the ball bounced off the inside of the far post to even the game at 1-1.

OCB won a corner kick in the 41st minute. Caraballo’s set piece was let go by Ellis for Taifi right behind him. The right back’s first touch was a shot, but it was blocked by Konincks.

Fire II immediately broke the other way. Cassano took possession and played it forward for Konincks. Quevedo got there first and tried to play it back to Mercado, but fell as he hit the ball. Konincks easily took possession and was in on goal. It looked like the Chicago captain would take it himself, but he played it square to Shokalook, who passed it in to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.

OCB had a golden chance to equalize just before halftime when Chicago was unable to clear a corner kick into the box. It bounced around before Mohammed took possession. Reynolds reached his foot out, catching Mohammed, who went down. Referee Luis Arroyo pointed to the spot, awarding the Young Lions a penalty.

Mohammed stepped up to take the kick himself. Los guessed correctly, diving to his right. It was a poor penalty by the OCB forward, allowing the Chicago goalkeeper to block it away.

That was the final chance for either team as OCB headed into the break down 2-1. Chicago ended the first half with the advantage in shots (15-7), shots on target (5-2), corner kicks (5-2), and passing accuracy (89%-88.5%). Both teams had one cross in the first 45 minutes.

Goldberg made one change at the break as Dylan Judelson came into the game for Guske.

OCB created the first chance of the second half in the 48th minute when Caraballo dribbled into the Chicago third of the field and found Quevedo on the left. The midfielder’s third touch was a shot from the top corner of the box, but he sent it well off target.

Chicago nearly extended its lead in the 60th minute when Borso found Shokalook in the box. The attacker turned his defender and fired on goal, but Mercado did well to tip it over the crossbar.

The set piece went long but was sent back in by Soudan. It looked like Mercado would collect it, but Borso got in front. Diouf was the first one to the free ball, slamming it past Mercado to give the hosts a 3-1 lead.

It didn’t take the hosts long to extend their lead further, doing so in the 65th minute. Hlyut made a long run into the OCB half. He laid it off for Cassano, who sent it back across the field for Borso. The forward used some good footwork to lose Williams, sending the ball to the opposite post, where Reynolds was making a run. It was an easy header for Reynolds to make it 4-1.

Chicago was feeling it after the fourth goal, continuing to fire on Mercado. In the 68th minute, Hlyut shot from the top of the OCB box, but it was right at the OCB shot-stopper.

In the 72nd minute, Taifi made a run towards the end line before playing the ball back to the top of the box. Ellis took a shot with his first touch, but it was right at Los.

A minute later, Caraballo made his way to the end line and attempted a cross, but Reynolds knocked it out for a corner kick. Quevedo’s set piece found Ellis, who attempted to volley it on goal, but it was blocked out of play. The second corner kick was punched away by Los, ending the attack.

Mohammed laid the ball off for Quevedo in the 75th minute and the midfielder shot, but it was blocked. The ball went to Mohammed, who went down after some contact. The OCB players appealed for a penalty, but Arroyo waved play on.

Goldberg made his second change of the night in the 77th minute as Noham Abdellaoui came on for Quevedo.

Soudan sent a dangerous cross into the OCB box in the 78th minute. A pair of Fire II players were making runs into the six, but Mercado did well to jump off his line and push the ball away.

Goldberg made two more changes in the 82nd minute. Hayden Sargis and Diego Pareja came into the game for Williams and Caraballo.

Chicago scored a fifth goal in the 85th minute when Soudan sent a ball towards goal from outside the box. It should’ve been an easy save for Mercado, but the ball bounced off his hands and chest. Boltz was the first one to reach the free ball, putting it in to give his team a 5-1 lead.

OCB tried to respond on the other end as Mohammed was played behind the back line in the Chicago box. The forward tried to put the ball past Los, but sent the attempt over the top instead.

Taifi had a chance to get one back for OCB in the 89th minute when he received the ball on the left side of the box. The right back’s second touch was a shot on target, but Los did well to get down and make the stop.

With the result out of doubt, Arroyo only added one minute to the second half. Neither team did anything in added time and Chicago ended the game with a 5-1 win.

Chicago dominated this game in every possible way. They had more shots (24-18), shots on target (12-4), crosses (6-2), and corner kicks (10-4), and better passing accuracy (89.3%-88.9%).

The loss sees OCB settle into fifth place in MLS NEXT Pro’s Eastern Conference. The Young Lions are only two points out of second but are only one of two teams to play eight games so far this season. Most of the teams around them have two games in hand.

The Young Lions have an extended break to shake this one off. They’ll return to action on May 17 when they host Inter Miami II in Kissimmee.

OCB Head Coach Manuel Goldberg made four changes to the team that lost 3-2 to Inter Miami II in Bradenton on April 15. Several players re-entered the starting lineup after missing the Miami game as they were busy winning the Generation Adidas Cup with the Orlando City U-18 team. Javier Otero, Jackson Platts, Colin Guske, Gustavo Caraballo, and Ellis started this game in place of Carlos Mercado, Noham Abdellaoui, Hayden Sargis, Juan Quevedo, and Dyson Clapier.

The back line in front of Otero in goal was Tahir Reid-Brown, Platts, Thomas Williams, and Zakaria Taifi. Riyon Tori and Guske were the defensive midfielders behind Caraballo, Solis, and Shak Mohammed with Ellis up top.

The first half doomed OCB in this game. Red Bulls II dominated the first 45 minutes from the start, creating chance after chance while the Young Lions struggled with the visitors’ high press. OCB got back into the game with Ellis’ goal and had several good chances to equalize, but ultimately failed to find a third. Kasule’s penalty in second-half stoppage time put the game away.

The first decent chance of the game came in the third minute when Caraballo took possession and quickly gave it up in his own third of the field. Red Bulls II worked the ball out left where Matthew Dos Santos sent a low cross into the box. Multiple teammates were making runs, but the Young Lions were able to clear it away.

In the eighth minute, Steven Sserwadda sent a low cross into the box from the right. Taifi and Williams got sucked towards the ball, leaving Rafael Mosquera on his own. Fortunately, Otero came off his line to grab the ball before it reached Mosquera .

In the 12th minute, a Mohammed pass for Solis was intercepted by Red Bulls II. Mosquera beat Platts to the end line and sent a dangerous low cross into the six-yard box. He had a couple of teammates making runs, but it was cleared away and the Young Lions again narrowly avoided conceding the game’s first goal.

OCB finally got its first chance in the 13th minute when Mohammed made a long run before cutting inside and shooting from outside the box. However, he wasn’t able to get over the ball, sending it well over the goal.

The visitors took a deserved lead in the 19th minute. Kasule received a ball near the top of the box and found Rosborough making a run. The midfielder played his pass between Reid-Brown and Williams, putting Rosborough in on goal. The attacker slipped it past Otero to give Red Bulls II a 1-0 lead.

It didn’t take long for New York to strike again, doubling its lead in the 23rd minute. Jarvis received a short pass back and fired from long range. Otero appeared to have the shot covered, but it took a deflection on the way to the goal, changing directions and going past the OCB goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Red Bulls II nearly had a chance for a third in the 24th minute when Kasule tried to play Mosquera through. It looked like Mosquera had a step on Reid-Brown, but the left back was able to get on the inside of the attacker and guide it to Otero.

In the 25th minute, Caraballo played a ball over the top for Ellis. The striker controlled it well, but a high bounce gave the defenders time to get back. Ellis didn’t end up getting a shot off and Red Bulls II cleared the danger without forcing goalkeeper Aidan Stokes to move.

Ellis played Taifi down the middle of the field and towards the top of the New York box in the 38th minute, but the right back was pulled down by Dos Santos, resulting in a yellow card for the Red Bulls II midfielder.

Solis and Taifi stood over the ball, with Solis taking the set piece. The midfielder went for goal, sending the shot beyond the outstretched dive of Stokes to cut the deficit to 2-1.

The Young Lions continued to push in an attempt to equalize before halftime, but it was the visitors that scored the goal. Benedetti took a shot from outside the box that was blocked by Williams. Unfortunately, the ball went right back to Benedetti, who dribbled past Platts and sent a low, hard shot past Otero to give his team a 3-1 lead.

The last chance of the half came in the sixth minute of stoppage time when Brooklyn Schwarz shot from the top corner of the OCB box. It sailed well high and wide of the target and the half ended with Red Bulls II leading 3-1.

It was a dominant half by the visitors. At the break, Red Bulls II had more possession (54.2%-45.8%), shots (10-2), shots on target (4-1), crosses (2-0), and corner kicks (3-0). The only advantage OCB had was its passing accuracy (85.1%-84.7%), but most of it was in non-threatening areas.

Red Bulls II almost got the second half off to the best possible start. Inside the first minute, Rosborough sent Mosquera behind the OCB back line. As he entered the box, Mosquera dribbled the ball off his heel. However, he created enough space for a shot, sending the attempt into the outside of the net.

The Young Lions responded quickly on the other end, creating their first chance of the second half. Ellis made a good run into the box from the left, finding Taifi on the far side. The right back’s first touch was a shot that traveled wide of the far post.

A curling ball into the box in the 49th minute was brought down by Kasule making a run to the far post. The midfielder got a shot off inside the six, but Williams was there to block it.

Ellis played a wonderful ball forward for Mohammed in the 52nd minute. The forward was in on goal as Stokes came off his line. He attempted to send a low shot around the goalkeeper, but Stokes did well to get his foot to the ball, keeping the game at 3-1.

It looked like Red Bulls II would make it four a few seconds later when Benedetti played the ball forward for Rosborough, who got behind Reid-Brown. Otero made a good- one-handed save on the attacker, but it went right back to him. Rosborough took another shot and this was blocked on the line by Platts. This time the ball went to Mosquera, who sent his shot off the crossbar. Somehow, OCB was able to escape without giving up a goal.

OCB got a goal back in the 61st minute when Stokes received a pass back. Taifi put pressure on the goalkeeper, resulting in a giveaway to Ellis with no defenders back. It was an easy finish by Ellis, putting it around Stokes and making it a 3-2 game.

In the 65th minute, Juan Gutierrez and Taifi collided on a 50-50 header. The referee showed Gutierrez a yellow for the foul near the top of the New York box as both players stayed down. Once they got up, OCB had a great chance from a similar distance where Solis scored earlier in the game.

Solis’ set piece was into the wall, but the ball went straight to Mohammed. The forward sent a second attempt towards the corner, hitting the post.

A minute later, Ellis found Platts making a run into the box and behind the Red Bulls II back line. The center back got a shot off, but Stokes did well to come out and block the attempt out of play for a corner kick.

The ensuing set piece by Caraballo was heeded by Platts to the post, where Williams was all alone. All the center back had to do was tap it in for the equalizer, but he somehow managed to fail to get enough contact on the ball and the Young Lions remained down a goal.

OCB had a nearly disastrous miscommunication in the 72nd minute, when Mohammed took possession of the ball near the top of the OCB box. He played it between Williams, Platts, and Otero, with all three thinking one of the others was going to take it. Meanwhile, an attacker ran in to get a shot on goal, but Platts cleared it away first.

In the 74th minute, Benedetti played Kasule near the top of the OCB box and the midfielder did well to beat his defender, sending Benedetti forward. The attacker was pressured by Reid-Brown, resulting in the shot going high and wide of the near post.

Williams got beat by Andy Rojas in the 80th minute, giving Red Bulls II a chance in the OCB third. Before the set piece could be taken, OCB made two changes. Clapier and Dylan Judelson came on for Caraballo and Guske. Benedetti went for goal on the ensuing free kick, sending the attempt off target.

Red Bulls II had a chance in the 89th minute when Kasule received a pass near the top of the six-yard box. He tried to turn and put a shot on goal, but Clapier cleared it before Kasule could get his foot to the ball.

Rojas split a pair of defenders in the 90th minute, making his way into the box. Nobody else closed him down, so the second-half substitute took a shot at goal. However, he was unable to get over the ball, sending it high and wide of the target.

Red Bulls II put the game away in stoppage time when Platts committed a foul in the box. Williams had a chance to clear the ball, but Kasule tapped it around the center back before playing Rojas on the far side. Platts was beaten and tripped Rojas as he got in on goal. Referee Alexandra Billeter immediately pointed to the spot, awarding the visitors a penalty.

Kasule stepped up to take the spot kick, sending Otero the wrong way to extend the lead and put the game away.

As the game entered the eight minute of stoppage time, Williams sent a long ball into the box for Clapier. The ball was behind the substitute, who tried to turn and attempt a bicycle kick. He made contact with the ball, but sent it wide. That was the last chance for either team as the Young Lions fell 4-2.

At full time, Red Bulls II had more shots (21-13), shots on target (8-4), and crosses (4-3). OCB had better passing accuracy (85.8%-82.8%) and both teams ended the game with four corner kicks.

“I think it was clear,” Goldberg said about the game. “We speculated the first half and then had to push the second half with a negative result and all this stuff.”

The team was on the back foot for most of the first half but was much better in the second. After being outshot 10-2 in the first 45 minutes, the Young Lions matched New York with 11 shots in the second period of play.

“That’s what we expected,” Goldberg said about his team’s second-half attack. “But since the beginning. Not in the second half.”

The loss is OCB’s first at Osceola County Stadium this season, having gone 2-0-1 in the first three home games. Since the Young Lions won the penalty shootout against Atlanta on March 16, they had taken eight of a possible nine points at home prior to tonight’s game.

The loss sees the Young Lions drop to fifth in the Eastern Conference. They’re only two points behind Red Bulls II, Huntsville City FC, and New England Revolution II for second but have played one more game.

It’ll be a short week for the Young Lions as they head out on the road next weekend with the first team. They’ll face Chicago Fire FC II on Friday night at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL.

OCB and Inter Miami II played at IMG Academy for the second consecutive year as part of the Generation Adidas Cup. While it was a neutral site game, Miami was the designated home team.

Several OCB regulars didn’t play in this game because they’re representing the club’s U-18 team in the Generation Adidas Cup. As a result, OCB Head Coach Manuel Goldberg made six changes to the team that won 1-0 over New England Revolution II on April 9.  Carlos Mercado, Noham Abdellaoui, Riyon Tori, Hayden Sargis, Juan Quevedo, and Dyson Clapier entered the starting lineup for Javier Otero, Jackson Platts, Colin Guske, Gustavo Caraballo, Justin Ellis, and Thalles.

The back line in front of Mercado in goal was Reid-Brown, Abdellaoui, Thomas Williams, and Zakaria Taifi. Sargis and Tori were the defensive midfielders behind Clapier, Quevedo, and Jhon Solis with Mohammed up top.

Neither team was able to create anything in the first 10 minutes. The first chance of the game came in the 12th minute when Mohammed was sent over the top and behind the Miami back line. However, a heavy first touch allowed Miami goalkeeper Ivan Schmid to come off his line and collect the ball.

Three minutes later, it was the opposition that struck first. A Sargis foul in the OCB third gave Miami a set piece. Zeltzer-Zubida took the free kick, sending the ball into the box. Sargis and Bailey Sparks tried to get a touch, but it went through to the back post. Hall beat Williams to the ball, tapping it in to give Miami a 1-0 lead.

Miami nearly doubled their advantage in the 20th minute when a chip over the back line for Saja nearly fell perfectly for the attacker. However, Saja was unable to get his foot on it and Mercado collected the ball.

The Young Lions found their equalizer in the 23rd minute from an unlikely source. Solis made a long run to the end line and sent the ball in front of goal. Unfortunately, Mohammed couldn’t turn it on target. But the ball went directly to Tori. The rookie played it left to Clapier on the far side of the box, and he laid it off for Reid-Brown rather than shooting himself. The left back sent a hard, low shot through traffic and just inside the far post to even the game at 1-1.

A defensive mistake nearly gave the lead right back to Miami in the 26th minute. Williams received a pass back by Reid-Brown and immediately gave it up to Saja. The attacker was in on goal and took a shot, but Mercado did well to make the save with his left hand, pushing it wide. Miami was unable to create anything from the ensuing corner kick and the Young Lions escaped.

In the 30th minute, Taifi sent a dangerous low cross into the box. The ball went through several players before landing at the feet of Clapier. The midfielder attempted a first-touch shot, but he was falling backward and sent the attempt well over the top.

OCB had a good chance to take the lead in the 40th minute when Reid-Brown was sent down the left. The left back caught up to the ball and sent a low cross to Mohammed making a run to the near post. The forward met the ball but sent it wide.

The Young Lions felt they should’ve had a penalty in the 41st minute when Hall and Quevedo raced for a ball over the top. As they entered the box, Hall threw his arm up and into Quevedo. The OCB midfielder went down and Schmid collected the ball. But the referee determined it wasn’t a penalty.

OCB paid for its missed chances in the 44th minute when Miami retook the lead. Sparks made a run down the left and sent a hard, low cross into the box. Saja got his heel to the ball, redirecting it past Mercado and in to give Miami a 2-1 lead.

After 45 minutes, Miami had more shots (5-4), shots on target (3-1), crosses (4-2), and corner kicks (2-0). OCB had better passing accuracy (83.9%-82.3%).

The first chance of the second half came in the 50th minute when Preston Plambeck dribbled across the top of the box before shooting from distance. It looked like the shot might’ve taken a deflection off a defender, but Mercado handled the attempt.

Miami doubled its advantage in the 55th minute with a great goal by Zeltzer-Zubida. The midfielder received a pass on the left and dribbled across the top of the box, passing Taifi and Solis before unleashing a rocket. Mercado dove to his left, but he didn’t really have a chance as the ball rippled the net to give Miami a commanding 3-1 lead.

The Young Lions tried to respond, creating a chance in the 56th minute. The low cross into the box found Quevedo, who tried to guide it inside the far post. Unfortunately, he didn’t get much on the ball, sending it wide.

In the 64th minute, a Solis pass found Taifi and Mohammed, who appeared to run into each other. Fortunately, Mohammed left it for Taifi and the defender took a touch before firing from very long distance. He was trying to catch Schmid off his line but sent the attempt wide.

Solis sent Mohammed down the right in the 66th minute. The forward had to decide between shooting and sending the ball across the box. He chose the latter, but nobody was making a run and the ball went harmlessly through.

Goldberg made his first and only change of the game in the 68th minute. Zinedine Rodriguez came into for Clapier.

The Young Lions nearly found an equalizer in the 85th minute. Taifi’s corner kick was cleared away, but Solis took possession and played Taifi back down the right. The defender sent a cross into the box that found the head of Williams. The center back’s header was traveling just inside the post, but Schmid dove to his left, knocking the ball wide.

Taifi drew a foul 25 yards away from goal as the game reached second-half stoppage time. Solis stood over the ball by himself, taking the set piece. The midfielder went directly for goal, sending a strong shot towards the near post. However, Schmid dove to his left, catching the attempt.

In the third minute of stoppage time, OCB got another chance from a corner kick. The set piece was sent to the back post, where Mohammed was waiting. Unfortunately, the forward wasn’t able to get over the ball, sending it over the crossbar.

In the ninth minute of stoppage time, Taifi beat his defender and dribbled into the box. Cristian Ortiz came in from behind, taking the defender down. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, awarding OCB a penalty.

As OCB’s leading scorer, Mohammed stepped up to the spot to take the kick. The striker sent the Miami goalkeeper the wrong way, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

Two minutes later, the Young Lions felt they should’ve had a chance to equalize. Taifi’s cross resulted in contact in the box. Mohammed came flying in with a high foot and was called for the foul. OCB’s team and bench appealed for a penalty on the initial pass, but the referee disagreed.

That was the last chance as the Young Lions fell to Inter Miami II for the third time in their last four meetings. OCB is now winless in five straight against Miami, not having beaten the Herons since a 1-0 win on May 25, 2023.

OCB ended the game with more shots (13-9) and corner kicks (5-2). Miami finished with the advantage in shots on target (6-5), crosses (5-4), and passing accuracy (84.2%-83.6%).

Three points would’ve seen OCB match Chattanooga FC on top of the Eastern Conference, albeit having played one more game. Instead, the Young Lions sit in second, three points off the top. They’re only one point ahead of New York Red Bulls II, having played two more games.

The Young Lions have a 12-day break before they take the field again. It’ll be a crucial game against Red Bulls II on April 27 at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee.

The midweek game saw five players return to OCB from the first team after being on the bench in Philadelphia over the weekend. Javier Otero, Thomas Williams, Colin Guske, Gustavo Caraballo, and Mohammed entered the lineup for Carlos Mercado, Noham Abdellaoui, Hayden Sargis, Dylan Judelson, and Dyson Clapier.

The back line in front of Otero in goal was Tahir Reid-Brown, Jackson Platts, Williams, and Zakaria Taifi. Guske and Jhon Solis were the defensive midfielders behind Mohammed, Justin Ellis, and Caraballo with Thalles up top.

New England was the better team for much of the game, creating more chances than the hosts. However, few of those opportunities were on frame. OCB only had one or two threatening chances in the first 80 minutes, mostly coming right at the end of the first half. But Mohammed came through when his team needed him, striking with less than 10 minutes remaining.

The first shot of the game came in the fifth minute when Marcos Dias carried the ball near the top of the OCB box and fired. But Williams stepped up and blocked the attempt with his back.

A minute later, Gevork Diarbian received a long ball on the left and took Taifi one-on-one. The attacker made a move before trying to curl the ball around the defender and Otero, but sent the shot wide of the far post.

In the eighth minute, OCB was slow to react to a header, allowing Alex Monis to take possession. He carried the ball to the end line before sending the ball toward the penalty spot. Liam Butts and Diarbian tried to get a touch on it with their backs to goal. Instead, it went to Eric Klein, whose shot was right at Otero.

OCB had its first chance in the 11th minute when Solis intercepted a pass from Hesron Barry. The midfielder sprinted down field, finding Caraballo making a run behind the New England back line. The teenager opened up to shoot with his first touch, sending the shot right into the hands of New England goalkeeper Donovan Parisian.

Revs II had a great chance in the 14th minute when Dias played Diarbian down the left. The midfielder was charging towards the end line and sent a low ball across the box. Monis was making a run into the six and slid in between Williams and Reid-Brown, but he couldn’t get on the end of the ball.

Darbian sent another ball into the box in the 24th minute. It looked like Platts was going to clear it, but the center back didn’t get much on it. The attempted clearance went directly to Dias, whose first touch was an awkward shot from his heels. The attacker wasn’t able to get much on it, sending the ball harmlessly wide.

OCB got its second chance in the 27th minute when Caraballo sent a low ball to the top of the box where Mohammed was making a run. The Young Lions’ leading scorer met the pass and tried to put his first touch on goal. However, the defender got a touch to the ball, making the block.

OCB Head Coach Manuel Goldberg was forced to make an early change in the 30th minute when Thalles went down away from the play. The forward received treatment for a few minutes before being replaced by Clapier.

Solis drew a foul in the 32nd minute in the New England third, creating a rare first-half chance for the Young Lions. He quickly played the set piece short to Mohammed who spotted Caraballo making a run into the box. New England was unprepared as Caraballo touched the ball by a sliding Barry. However, his shot was over the crossbar.

Diarbian continued to cause problems for OCB on the left, finding Dias at the top of the box in the 42nd minute. The attacker took a shot, but Guske did well to get in front of the attempt.

After defending for much of the first half, OCB finally created a few chances in the dying minutes.

A give-and-go between Taifi and Solis in the 44th minute saw the former send a cross in that was headed out for a corner kick .Caraballo took the corner kick, sending it towards the back post where Platts was waiting. He had space to put the ball on target, but failed to get a clean touch on the ball and it went out of play.

In the first minute of stoppage time, Clapier’s shot was deflected out for a corner kick. The ensuing set piece was towards Platts in the box. A defender got to it first, but the ball popped up instead of out. Platts got a foot to the ball but couldn’t get any power behind it, sending it directly to Parisian.

A minute later, Caraballo had a shot blocked out for a corner kick. The Young Lions couldn’t create anything from this set piece and the half ended scoreless.

At halftime, New England had more shots (9-5), but OCB had the edge in crosses (4-3), corner kicks (3-1), and passing accuracy (88%-86.4%). Meanwhile, both teams put one chance on target.

“We talked in halftime that the game was very even,” Goldberg said about his halftime speech. “So, we said it’s about wanting it just a little bit more than them. And that’s what we tried to do.”

The second half got off to a much slower start. Both teams tried to create attacks but were unable to get anything from them.

Goldberg made his second change in the 55th minute. Riyon Tori came into the game for Ellis.

Shortly after the substitution, Butts created a chance with little space. The attacker looked to be covered, but he found enough space for a shot. It forced Otero to make a block with one hand, sending the ball out of play.

Butts had another chance in the 59th minute when Dias carried the ball to the end line. Dias played it back for Butts near the top of the six-yard box, and Butts’ first touch was a shot, but it went wide of the near post.

Solis gave the ball away to Olger Escobar in the 71st minute, creating another chance for New England. Damorney Hutchinson took possession on the right, trying to beat Otero to his near post. But his shot was blocked into the outside of the net.

Guske found Taifi on the right side of the box in the 74th minute. The defender was able to find enough space for a shot, but couldn’t get over it, sending his shot over the crossbar.

Goldberg made his final change in the 78th minute. It was a defensive change as Sargis came into the game for Caraballo. Taifi moved from right back to right midfield to make room.

OCB didn’t have many quality chances in this game, but the Young Lions took the lead in the 81st minute. Platts received the ball on the right in a seemingly innocuous position. He sent Mohammed between Gabriel Dahlin and Victor Souza. Dahlin’s hand went up, but the assistant referee determined the forward was onside. Mohammed slipped the ball through Parisian — who got a touch on it but couldn’t keep it out — to give OCB the lead.

“I tried the pass before. I had the space to beat the left winger, so it was a big touch. Then Shak obviously made the run,” Platts said about his assist. “First pass, he told me to play it earlier. So, next time I saw him I just played it earlier. And it was a goal.”

It was the first goal conceded by New England in nearly four full games to start the 2025 season.

It looked like the visitors might find an equalizer in the 84th minute when Escobar kept possession under pressure and laid it off for Allan Oyirworth. The midfielder had space for a shot, but Sargis got in the way to block it.

In the third minute of stoppage time, Judah Siqueira lifted the ball into the box for Hutchinson. Platts was against his back and Hutchinson went down. However, there was minimal if any contact. While New England appealed for a penalty, the referee correctly didn’t award one.

New England ended the game with more shots (15-9), shots on target (4-3), and crosses (8-4). OCB had better passing accuracy (87.9%-84.2%) and the all-important goal. Both teams ended up with five corner kicks.

“We knew it was going to be tough. That’s why they were undefeated,” Goldberg said about the game. “That’s why they haven’t received goals. So, we knew it was going to be tough.”

The win moves the Young Lions into a tie for first place with Chattanooga FC atop the Eastern Conference on points. However, the Tennessee-based independent club has a game in hand and the all-important tiebreaker in goal differential.

OCB will take the field again on Tuesday against rival Inter Miami CF II. The game will  be at IMG Academy in Bradenton, but OCB is the designated away team.

Chattanooga FC is one of two independent teams currently playing in MLS NEXT Pro. As you would expect, the Tennessee-based side plays most of its home games on Saturday nights, when they can draw bigger crowds.  Unfortunately, that means the Young Lions took the field the same night as the senior side, kicking off just 30 minutes prior to the MLS squad’s match in Philadelphia.

A lack of bodies for the first team meant multiple OCB regulars had to join the senior Lions for their trip to Philadelphia. The biggest loss for the game in Chattanooga was undoubtedly Shak Mohammed, who started on the bench for Orlando City.

While Mohammed has yet to claim his place with the first team, he’s made a major impact on the second team. His 11 goals last season led the Young Lions, and he has the team lead in goals this season with two in the first three games, including a goal in each of the two previous contests.

The 21-year-old’s absence was apparent Saturday night in Tennessee. Justin Ellis started in the position Mohammed usuallly occupies with Thalles starting up top. Meanwhile, Zakaria Taifi moved from his usual defensive position into the attacking midfield.

All three players had chances early in the game. While Ellis played the distributor, Thalles and Taifi had clear chances in the first 45 minutes. However, neither player was able to put the ball past Chattanooga goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, who had seven saves on the night.

The missed opportunities showed an issue that OCB might face in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season. The better Mohammed plays, the more likely he is to be with the first team. This usually won’t be a problem, as the two teams rarely play on the same days. But you can’t depend on that for the team’s success this season.

If OCB wants to improve on the 2024 campaign and win a postseason game for the first time in team history, the Young Lions will need others in the attack to step up. Otherwise, it could be frustrating nights when Mohammed is unavailable.

The lack of offensive efficiency Saturday night also showed how good Mohammed has been with the second team. Obviously, the third-division league is a much lower quality than the first-division MLS, but it leads to a question about Mohammed’s future in Orlando.

The forward was a first-round selection out of Duke in 2023. The Lions gave up Ruan in a trade with D.C. United to move up in the MLS SuperDraft, taking Mohammed with the second overall pick. Now in his third professional season, he hasn’t made the impression you’d expect from someone taken so high.

To be fair, we were seeing this with Jack Lynn as well. The 2022 first-round MLS SuperDraft pick was tearing it up in MLS NEXT Pro without seeing much time with the first team. However, he was clearly taking positive steps and was beginning to play a bigger role before retiring this past off-season.

Lynn’s departure left a spot Mohammed could fill for both teams, and he’s done a good job with OCB. His 11 goals showed a significant increase from his six goals for the Young Lions in 2023, despite only playing in two more games. Now, he just needs to show improvement with the first team.

Saturday night’s disappointing offensive performance by OCB showed Mohammed’s impact in the attack. While the Young Lions are a dangerous team with the Ghanaian in the lineup, nobody stepped up to fill his production in Chattanooga, resulting in the team’s first loss of the season. It showed the impact the attacker has had on the team this year and the improvements of his game.

Watching Moahmmed the remainder of the season will be interesting. Will he finally make the jump to appearing regularly with the first team? Will Ellis or Thalles fill Moahmmed’s production when he’s away? We should find out these answers in the near future.

OCB Head Coach Manuel Goldberg was forced into three changes to the team that beat Crown Legacy FC 1-0 on March 26 in North Carolina. Thomas Williams, Gustavo Caraballo, and Shak Mohammed were unavailable because they were with the first team in Philadelphia. Hayden Sargis, Noham Abdellaoui, and Justin Ellis took their spots in the starting lineup.

The back line in front of goalkeeper Carlos Mercado was Tahir Reid-Brown, Abdellaoui, Sargis, and Jackson Platts. Dylan Judelson and Jhon Solis were the defensive midfielders behind Zakaria Taifi, Ellis, and Dyson Clapier with Thalles up top.

OCB had its chances in the first half, failing to take advantage of some golden opportunities. The lack of finishing cost the Young Lions as the hosts came out of the break the better team. They created numerous chances from the beginning of the second 45 minutes and converted on a pair of late opportunities to claim all three points.

Chattanooga had the first attack of the game in the second minute when Markus Naglestad beat Sargis and was pulled down by the Orlando City Academy player near the OCB box. The set piece was blocked out of play and the ensuing ball was cleared away. The hosts recycled and won another corner kick that was also cleared away.

It looked like the Young Lions might have their first chance of the game in the eighth minute when Solis sent Thalles behind the Chattanooga back line. However, Nathan Koehler did well to shield the striker, guiding the ball back to his goalkeeper.

The first shot of the game came in the 13th minute when Ellis made a long run from midfield into the Chattanooga box. He beat Nick Mendonca and used a good touch to lose Koehler before shooting. The shot was on target, but Eldin Jakupovic got down to tip the ball wide.

The ensuing corner kick was short and Taifi found Ellis just outside the box. The young striker fired again, but Jakupovic didn’t have any trouble with this one, collecting the attempt to end the attack.

In the 17th minute, Minjae Kwak found Milo Garvanian at the top of the OCB box. The attacker’s second touch was a shot for the far post, but it was blocked out of play by Judelson. Mercado jumped up and grabbed the ensuing corner kick, ending the threat.

The Young Lions quickly created something on the other end, nearly opening the scoring. Clapier played Ellis near the top of the box and the attacker continued the ball to Taifi entering the Chattanooga area. Taifi’s first touch was a shot, but Jakupovic got down to knock the attempt wide with his right foot.

The corner kick by Solis was short to Ellis, who laid the ball back to him as the midfeilder made a run down the end line. Solis lifted the into the box and Thalles got his head to it, sending the attempt wide.

A minute later, the Young Lions let Mendonca dribble right down the field. Since nobody stepped up to close down the attacker, he continued downfield and took a strong shot before he entered the OCB box. The attempt was past Mercado but hit the outside of the post.

In the 34th minute, Ellis sent Thalles behind the Chattanooga defense. The striker was free on goal, but Jakupovic got down again to block the shot wide. OCB couldn’t create anything from the corner kick and the attack ended.

Thalles had another chance in the 41st minute when Taifi found him near the top of the Chattanooga box. The striker took a couple of touches before firing, but it was too close to Jakupovic, who blocked the ball away for another save.

In the first minute of first-half stoppage time, Platts played Taifi on the right. The midfielder sent a cross into the box that was blocked out of play by Farid Sar-Sar. Sargis got the top of his head to the ensuing corner kick and it went straight back to Clapier. The attacker volleyed the ball, but it was blocked out of play.

Chattanooga cleared the second corner kick, ending the final attempt of the first half.

After 45 minutes, OCB had more shots (8-3) and shots on target (5-0). Chattanooga had the advantage in corner kicks (5-4), crosses (4-1), and passing accuracy (86.7%-86.3%).

The hosts nearly took the lead in the 48th minute when Tate Robertson found Garvanian at the back post. The attacker beat Platts to the ball and headed it on goal, but Mercado was there to stop it. Robertson and Garvanian appealed that Mercado was behind the goal line when he stopped the shot, but the referee decided otherwise.

In the 57th minute, a good ball into the OCB box found Kwak between Abdellaoui and Sargis. The attacker did well to control the ball with his chest and send a shot on target, but Mercado was there to block it. The OCB goalkeeper briefly lost sight of the ball, collecting it when it bounced right back to him.

Jakupovic sent a long ball behind the back line in the 59th minute for Naglestad. The attacker pulled up just enough to allow Sargis to get in front and block the attempt out of play for a corner kick.

The ensuing set piece found its way to Naglestad in the OCB box. He took another shot, looking to curl the attempt inside the far post. However, Abdellaoui got in front to head the ball clear.

Chattanooga made a pair of substitutions in the 63rd minute, bringing on Mangarov and Ancelin. Just two minutes after appearing, the two nearly combined for the game’s first goal. Mangarov sent a dangerous ball into the box, where Ancelin was between Sargis and Reid-Brown. However, it was out of Ancelin’s reach and he couldn’t get his head to the ball, allowing Reid-Brown to clear.

OCB made its first change in the 70th minute as 2024 MLS SuperDraft selection Riyon Tori made his club debut, coming on for Clapier.

The Young Lions got their first chance of the second half in the 71st minute when Solis found Thalles in the Chattanooga box. The ball was a little behind the Brazilian, but his second touch was a shot. Unfortuately, he was unable to get over the ball, sending the attempt over the crossbar.

Ellis found Taifi to his left in the 73rd minute, and the midfielder created OCB’s second shot of the second half. He used a move to get some space from Sar-Sar. The shot was on target, but Jakupovic deflected it over the top of the goal.

While the ensuing corner kick was too strong, OCB maintained possession. Sargis ended up with the ball, sending a curling cross to the back post, where Platts was making a run. The defender got his head to the ball, sending the attempt over the crossbar.

In the 75th minute, Mangarov and Garvanian played a give-and-go from the left, sending the latter into the box. His first touch upon receiving the pass back was a shot with his left foot that rolled wide of the far post.

The hosts finally broke through in the 77th minute. Quick passing by Sar-Sar and Robertson sent Ancelin forward down the right. The attacker found Mangarov on the far side of the box. The ball initially popped up on him, but the second-half substitute put the second touch past Mercado to give Chattanooga a 1-0 lead.

Ellis tried to respond in the 80th minute, dribbling across the top of the box and unleashing a shot. However, this attempt was straight to Jakupovic, causing no problems for the goalkeeper.

Ancelin and Mangarov combined again in the 84th minute to double Chattanooga’s advantage. Mangarov received a pass down the left and it looked like he would send a cross into the box. However, he spotted Ancelin making a trailing run, laying it off for his teammate. Ancelin guided it past Mercado to give Chattanooga a 2-0 lead.

The hosts nearly made a costly blunder in the 86th minute when Sar-Sar played a soft pass back for Jakupovic. Thalles tried to beat Jakupovic to the ball, but the goalkeeper reached it just in time.

Goldberg made a second change in the 86th minute, trying to get his team back into the game. It was an attacking substitution as Clovis Archange entered for Platts.

The hosts nearly made it 3-0 in the 90th minute when Callum Watson played the ball forward and Mangarov flicked it on for Peter Plougmand. The attacker did well to shield his defender and fired on target. However, Mercado was there to block it wide.

That was the final chance for either team as Chattanooga came away with a 2-0 win. The Young Lions ended the game with more shots (13-12) and shots on target (7-5). Meanwhile, Chattanooga had the advantage in corner kicks (8-6), crosses (9-2), and passing accuracy (86.9%-86.4%).

The loss is OCB’s first of the 2025 season. However, you can’t take too much from it as Chattanooga is one of only three undefeated teams in the Eastern Conference. The hosts also sit atop the standings now with 11 points. Additionally, OCB was missing multiple starters, including the team’s leading scorer in Mohammed.

With the two-game road trip now behind them, the Young Lions will return home to face another one of those undefeated teams. They’ll welcome New England Revolution II to Osceola Heritage Park Wednesday night.

OCB Head Coach Manuel Goldberg made three changes to the team that drew 2-2 with Atlanta United 2 on March 16 and took the extra point 4-1 on penalties. Carlos Mercado returned to net for Javier Otero, Gustavo Caraballo replaced Colin Guske — who is on international duty — and Dyson Clapier replaced Justin Ellis.

The back line in front of Mercado was Tahir Reid-Brown, Jackson Platts, Thomas Williams, and Zakaria Taifi. Dylan Judelson and Jhon Solis were in the defensive midfield behind Caraballo, Mohammed, and Clapier with Thalles up top.

The first chance for either team came in the seventh minute when Mohammed intercepted a poor pass in the Crown Legacy third of the field. He played it forward for Thalles, who was taken down by Baye Coulibaly.

Solis took the set piece, aiming for the near top corner. However, he was unable to get the ball to dip down enough, sending it off target.

Caraballo tried to make something happen in the 13th minute, dribbling into the Crown Legacy box. He took a shot on the run, but Jack Neeley got in front of the attempt, blocking it with his foot.

Crown Legacy got its first decent chance in the 16th minute when Nikola Petkovic received a pass near the top of the OCB box. He took a touch to get around Judelson and attempted to curl the ball into the far top corner, but it sailed off target.

The hosts nearly had another chance in the 28th minute when right back Yves Tcheuyap made a good run to the end line and sent a dangerous ball into the six-yard box for Jack Sarkos. However, Williams got in front to clear it out for a corner kick. Crown Legacy recycled the ball, forcing Williams to clear it away again. This time the Young Lions were able to clear the danger.

OCB took the lead in the 30th minute when Platts played the ball forward for Caraballo, who sent it further down the right for Taifi. The right back sent a dangerous ball into the box that was beyond the reach of Thalles and Clapier, but fell to Mohammed. The attacker didn’t make any mistakes, placing the ball past Isaac Walker to give the Young Lions a 1-0 lead.

OCB displayed some terrific breakout play in the first half. In the 32nd minute, a long ball by Mercado was flicked on by Mohammed for Clapier. The midfielder tipped the ball over Neeley and had a step on Coulibaly. The defender pushed Clapier over just before he entered the box, giving OCB a free kick in a dangerous spot.

Coulibaly was lucky to only get a yellow card for the play. Fortunately for him, another defender got back, so he wasn’t the last defender. Otherwise, it would’ve been a red card.

Taifi and Solis stood over the set piece with Solis taking the kick. The midfielder curled the ball towards the near post, just missing wide.

Crown Legacy created some danger in the 40th minute when Brian Romero sent a dangerous ball across the box. Coulibaly was making a run to the far post and the ball reached him, but the midfielder couldn’t get his foot on it.

Reid-Brown sent a good ball to the top of the six in the 44th minute. Williams was making a run between two defenders, but he wasn’t able to redirect the ball on target.

At halftime, OCB had more possession (64%-36%), shots (7-6), and shots on target (1-0). Meanwhile, Crown Legacy had more corner kicks (4-3) and crosses (6-3), with better passing accuracy (90.3%-88.4%).

Shortly after the restart, Rocket Ritarita lifted a ball near the penalty spot in the 50th minute that was chested down for Aron John. The attacker’s first touch was a shot on target that forced Mercado into a good save. The rebound ended up with Petkovic, who sent a second shot towards goal, but Platts slid in to block the attempt.

OCB nearly had a chance in the 53rd minute when Taifi made a long run down the right and sent a cross in for Thalles. The striker had position on his defender, but the cross was too strong for the striker to get his head on it.

A minute later Taiif made a similar run and took it himself. The right back fired from a tight angle, trying to lift it into the top of the net. However, Walker reacted well to block the attempt.

Crown Legacy had a golden chance to equalize in the 58th minute when a cross from the right went through the box and over the end line. Platts and Sarkos were tangling and referee Jeremy Scheer pointed to the spot.

John stepped up to take the penalty, sending it towards the left post. Mercado guessed correctly, diving to his right and making the save to keep the OCB lead and his shutout.

Goldberg made his first change of the night in the 62nd minute as Zinedine Rodriguez came into the game for Clapier.

The 70th minute brought a scary moment for OCB when Mikah Thomas sent a through ball into the OCB box for Ritarita. Mercado got to it first but couldn’t handle it. Ritarita continued his run, colliding with Mercado. The goalkeeper required some medical attention, but he was eventually able to continue.

OCB won a free kick in the 81st minute when Neeley pushed Mohammed down from behind just inside the Crown Legacy third of the field. Neeley was issued a yellow card for the challenge. Caraballo took the free kick, finding an unmarked Thalles making a run to the back post. The forward’s first touch was a redirection, but it went over the top.

Thalles won a 50-50 ball in the 83rd minute, tapping it forward for Mohammed to run onto. The attacker got behind the back line and was in goal as Walker came off his line. Mohammed tried to chip the goalkeeper, but his attempt bounced wide to the right.

Immediately after the miss, Goldberg made his second change of the game. Hayden Sargis made his professional debut, coming on for Caraballo.

Crown Legacy had a great chance in the 85th minute when Ferna Ferreira used a nice touch to lose Taifi and reach the endline. He sent a dangerous cross into the six with two teammates running in, but Judelson got back to clear it away.

In the 90th minute, Ritarita sent a cross into the box that Mercado should’ve handled easily. However, it bounced off his hands. A Crown Legacy attacker was making a back post run, but it went out of play.

During the stoppage, Goldberg made his final change of the night, replacing Thalles with Juan Quevedo.

In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Mohammed broke out near midfield. Neeley, who had been booked earlier, pulled him back. The professional foul required a yellow card, his second of the night.

The final attempt of the game came in the final seconds when Ferreira twisted and turned Quevedo to create space. It looked like the attacker would have a free shot on goal, but Judelson came flying in to block it. That was the final attempt as the Young Lions held on for the 1-0 win.

At full time, Crown Legacy had the advantage in shots (16-10), shots on target (3-1), corner kicks (11-3), crosses (21-6), and passing accuracy (90%-83.1%). However, the Young Lions took advantage of their one shot on target and held on for another three points.

The Young Lions continue their strong start to the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season. They’ve only dropped one point this year, acquiring eight points from three games. They sit atop the Eastern Conference, tied with New York City FC II.

OCB will now have an extended break, not taking the field again until April 5 when the team travels to take on Chattanooga FC in Tennessee.

OCB Head Coach Manuel Goldberg made two changes from the team that won 2-1 over Columbus Crew 2 last Sunday night. First-team backup goalkeeper Javier Otero got his first start of the season, replacing Carlos Mercado. Thalles got his first start for OCB, replacing Dyson Clapier.

The back line in front of Otero was Tahir Reid-Brown, Thomas Williams, Jackson Platts, and Zakaria Taifi. Dylan Judelson and Colin Guske were the defensive midfielders behind Mohammed, Ellis, and Jhon Solis. Thalles started alone up top.

Atlanta had the first attempt at goal in the sixth minute when former Lion Moises Tablante found Brennan near the top of the box. Reid-Brown was in front of him and the midfielder shot, but Judelson flew in to block the attempt out for a corner kick.

The ensuing set piece was knocked out for a second corner and the second attempt was caught by Otero, ending the threat.

It looked like OCB would have its first chance in the eighth minute when Taifi sent a dangerous low ball across the box. Three players in purple were making runs, with Solis closest to it. However, nobody could get to the end of the pass as it went all the way through.

The Young Lions’ first shot came in the 10th minute when Thalles knocked the ball off a defender, giving OCB its first corner kick. Solis’ set piece went through the box where it ended up with Taifi. The defender fired from outside the box, but the shot was right at Atlanta goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert.

Atlanta nearly had a chance in the 25th minute when Brennan sent a dangerous ball into the six for Rodrigo Neri. Williams was on the attacker, putting enough of his body on him to keep Neri from getting onto it.

A minute later, Mohammed was called for a foul on Brennan just outside the box and to the right of goal. The short set piece between Cooper Sanchez and Tablante resulted in a Brennan shot from distance, but Platts was in position to block it.

The visitors finally got their goal in the 30th minute after a pair of clearances. Ryan Carmichael sent a long cross to the back of the six-yard box where Salvatore Mazzaferro headed it towards goal. The ball went past Otero and Brennan ran onto it to knock it in, giving Atlanta a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

The Young Lions had their best first-half opportunity in the 40th minute when Taifi was sent long on the right behind the back line. The defender dribbled into the box as Hibbert came off his line, making a good save.

On the other end, a short corner kick resulted in Tablante sending a ball into the box. Mazzaferro got his head to the ball, flicking it towards the far post, but sent it wide.

The Young Lions got their equalizer in the 44th minute when Ellis received a throw-in and played a quick give-and-go with Solis to beat three defenders. The forward’s first touch after receiving the ball back from Solis was past Hibbert and off the far post to even the game at 1-1.

Atlanta was the better team in the first 45 minutes with the advantage in shots (10-4), crosses (7-0), corner kicks (6-1), and passing accuracy (87%-79.3%). However, OCB put three of its four shots on target while Atlanta only put one of 10 on frame.

Atlanta got off to an aggressive start to the second half and nearly scored in the 46th minute. While OCB attempted to clear an Atlanta corner kick, Solis got caught playing with the ball in his own box. Neri came in from behind and shoved Solis to the ground, taking possession. The attacker tried to beat Otero to his near post, but hit the outside of the net.

The Young Lions got their first second-half attempt in the 55th minute when Ellis found Reid-Brown near the top of the box. The left back cut inside to lose his defender and shot, but Wynne got in the way, blocking it out for a corner kick.

The ensuing set piece by Taifi sailed beyond the back post where Mohammed came flying in to volley the ball past Hibbert, giving his team a 2-1 lead.

“We’ve been training for me to make the run to the second post and I happened to be there. And unbelievable delivery by Taifi and I was there to meet it,” Mohammed said. “So it’s good. It’s a good connection and hopefully many more to come.”

“Very participative, very active, very aggressive with a lot of desire,” Goldberg said about the goal scorers. “And that’s what we want. Sometimes the ball will go in. Sometimes it won’t. But the more we try to do it, it’s going to be better.”

Tablante tried to find an equalizer against his old team in the 61st minute. He ran into a defender but kept possession. A touch inside allowed him to shoot between Reid-Brown and Judelson, but he sent his shot over the crossbar.

In the 64th minute, Dominik Chong-Qui fired from the corner of the box, forcing Otero to block the ball over the crossbar at his near post. Tablante took the ensuing corner kick, but Otero was there to catch it.

Goldberg made his first two changes of the game during the next stoppage. Gustavo Caraballo and Clapier came into the game for Thalles and Judelson.

Otero was called into action in the 72nd minute when Braden Dunham’s shot from outside the box was deflected. Otero had to adjust to block the attempt, sending it wide. However, Neri was following up. Otero quickly jumped up to block that attempt as well, sending it out of play.

“Outstanding,” Goldberg said about Otero’s performance in goal. “I’m really happy for him. That he could take the chance properly for the team and for himself. And he did an outstanding job.”

Caraballo tried to double the OCB lead in the 73rd minute. The first-team midfielder took the ball to the end line before cutting back, creating space from Mazzaferro and Dunham. He was aiming for the far post, but the shot traveled wide.

The visitors found their equalizer in the 78th minute through a set piece. Guske was unable to clear Nykolas Sessock’s free kick near the top corner of the box, enabling Neri to head it back into the middle of the six-yard box. Wynne and Williams were tussling as they approached the ball, but the Atlanta attacker beat the first-team center back, evening the game at 2-2.

Goldberg was forced into another substitution in the 84th minute when Ellis went down injured. The forward received some attention before eventually being replaced by Zinedine Rodriguez.

Atlanta substitute Adyn Torres tried to be the hero in the 87th minute when he received the ball about 25 yards from goal. The attacker took a touch before firing a shot from long distance. Otero felt it was close enough to jump, but the attempt continued rising and went over the crossbar.

Torres’ attempt was the final chance for either team, as the 90 minutes ended in a 2-2 draw. Atlanta controlled the game in nearly every statistical category. Despite being on the road, the visitors had the advantage in shots (19-9), shots on target (6-5), crosses (11-2), and corner kicks (10-3). They also had better passing accuracy (85.8%-76.1%).

“I agree it was tough. We didn’t find ourselves very comfortable in the first half, and that put us there a little uncomfortable in the game,” Goldberg said. “We scored a goal in a very good moment of the match. It was at the end of the first half. And in the second half we were a little bit better. We’ve got a lot of things to work on to get better. But the good news is at least we got those two points and that’s something to look on.”

“I think on the balance of the game, it was a fair point that we got. We got the two points at home and we’re still undefeated at home,” Mohammed added. “So that’s big. It’s good to start the season that way. Two games and undefeated. So it was good. There’s still a lot of ways for us to improve and we’re going to do that. It’s just the second game of the season. So we’re looking forward to the season and it’s good that we started this way.”

Per MLS NEXT Pro rules, the teams had to shoot penalties to see who would get the extra point.

The Young Lions were perfect in the shootout, with goals by Guske, Solis, Platts, and Clapier. Carmichael hit the post on the first Atlanta attempt and Otero saved Mazzaferro’s shot on the second. Neri scored the third to keep the game alive before Clapier ended it.

OCB ends the two-game season-opening homestand with five points. The Young Lions will have to wait 10 days before they take the field again, taking on Crown Legacy FC in North Carolina on March 26.

The first starting lineup of the season for the Young Lions consisted of Carlos Mercado in goal behind a back line of Tahir Reid-Brown, Thomas Williams, Jackson Platts, and Taifi. Dylan Judelson and Colin Guske were the defensive midfielders behind Clapier, Jhon Solis, and Shak Mohammed, with Justin Ellis up top.

OCB got off to an attacking start, trying to send Taifi down the right multiple times. But it was a Crew 2 throw-in that opened the scoring. In the 10th minute, Chase Adams received the throw and played a soft pass to Ferdinand in the Columbus box. Ellis jumped on the play, tipping the ball off of Ferdinand’s foot to Clapier, whose first touch was a rocket past Luke Pruter for the opening goal.

Columbus had its first decent attack in the 14th minute when Owen Presthus made a long run down the right. He sent a hard cross through the box looking for Tristan Brown, but it went all the way through.

It looked like OCB had a penalty in the 18th minute when Taifi did well to control a long pass and was taken down at the edge of the box. The referee initially pointed to the spot but ended up changing it to a free kick just outside of the 18, which was the correct decision.

Solis hit the free kick into the wall, and the ball bounced back to Taifi, who had been standing over it as well. His first touch was another shot, but it too was blocked.

A minute later, Solis found Taifi on the right and the defender sent a dangerous cross into the box. Clapier ran onto it and tried to turn it on goal with his first touch. However, he mishit the ball, ending the threat.

The visitors finally got their first shot of the game in the 27th minute when Austin Su  sent a hard, low shot towards goal. Fortunately, he sent it straight to Mercado, who had no trouble collecting it.

The Young Lions created a good buildup in the 37th minute when Ellis received the ball near midfield and sent it down the left for Reid-Brown. The left back found Clapier in the middle, who laid it back for Ellis making the trailing run. The striker’s first touch was a shot, but he didn’t hit it well, and it skipped wide.

It looked like Crew 2 might find an equalizer in the second minute of first-half stoppage time when Presthus sent Brent Adu-Gyamfi behind the back line and into the OCB box. His second touch was a shot, but Mercado did well to get down and block it, making a vital save.

After 45 minutes, OCB had more shots (5-4). However, Crew 2 had the advantage in attempts on target (2-1), corner kicks (2-0), crosses (5-2), and passing accuracy (89.2%-84.7%).

OCB made one change at halftime as Brazilian forward Thalles made his debut in purple, coming in for Clapier.

It didn’t take long for Thalles to get involved, as he nearly scored inside the first minute of the second half. The Brazilian was sent into the Crew 2 box and it looked like he had an open chance, but 15-year-old center back Gianmarco Di Noto came in from behind to knock it away.

The Young Lions went on another attack in the 48th minute, doubling their lead. Solis sent a long ball across the field to Taifi, who was making a run on the right. The right back chested the ball down and recontrolled it after the defender tried to tap it away. His third touch was a strong shot inside the near post, giving his team a 2-0 lead.

“I scored and I didn’t even see anything. All I did was point to my parents,” Taifi said. “My dad was working all day and he came from like two hours away to come. And I just wanted to give them all the thanks for the goal. And it feels amazing to win the game from that.”

“We talked a lot during the week about bringing out their individual best,” OCB Head Coach Manuel Goldberg said about Clapier’s and Taifi’s goals. “About everything. Technically, tactically. So this is the stuff we need. They have that ambition, that desire, and that helped them with the goals.”

Crew 2 nearly pulled one back in the 54th minute when Brown received the ball on the left side of the box. The midfielder tried to hit it into the roof of the net, but hit the woodwork.

Four minutes later, the Young Lions had trouble clearing the ball and Nicolas Rincon stuck his leg out to send the ball towards goal. Mercado did very well to dive to his left and make a one-handed save. The OCB starting goalkeeper was down briefly but was able to continue.

Solis tried to make it 3-0 in the 60th minute when Crew 2 goalkeeper Luke Pruter came well off his line. The ball was cleared before it reached the goal line, but only to Thalles not far away. The Brazilian attempted a bicycle kick, sending it wide.

Reid-Brown made a good run down the left in the 70th minute before cutting it back and finding Ellis at the top of the box. The striker took a touch inside before taking a hard right-footed shot. However, Su got in front of the attempt, blocking it wide.

As the ensuing corner kick was sent into the box, the referee called a foul on OCB. As a result, the Young Lions didn’t even get a chance from the set piece.

Goldberg made his second change in the 83rd minute as Clovis Archange came on for Reid-Brown.

A Taifi corner in the 85th minute found a head near the back post and was past Pruter, but cleared off the line. The follow-up attempt was right at Pruter, who made the save to end the threat.

The visitors finally got a goal back in the 88th minute when some quick passing sent Anthony Alaouieh down the left. The midfielder sent his pass back and diagonally through the box to a wide open Ferdinand, as the entire OCB defense had shifted to the other side. With nobody closing him down, it was an easy goal for the defender, sending the ball inside the far post.

The Young Lions immediately went the other way, looking to increase their lead back to two goals. Solis took a shot in the 89th minute from just outside the box that forced Pruter to dive and knock it wide.

The ensuing corner kick found Platts, who put his attempt on goal. But it was cleared off the line. The clearance went to Solis near the top of the box and the midfielder sent the follow-up attempt high and wide.

Crew 2 had another chance in the first minute of stoppage time when Guske was unable to clear a Columbus throw-in and Su took possession. The midfielder carried the ball to the end line and played it to the top of the six-yard box where Ferdinand was waiting. However, Mercado did well to get down to collect it.

Both teams attacked in the six minutes of second-half stoppage time, but the missed opportunity by Su was the final chance and OCB held on for the 2-1 win.

While Crew 2 had much more possession in the second half, it was OCB that created most of the chances. The Young Lions ended up with more shots (15-12), shots on target (7-5), and corner kicks (7-2). Meanwhile, the visitors had the advantage in crosses (8-3) and passing accuracy (89.6%-83%).

“Of course, first of all, very happy for the guys that we could get a win. It’s not easy to start off and starting off always like this is positive,” Goldberg said about the game. “The things we propose ourselves to do this match, we did. So we’re happy about that.”

“I feel like it was a great team performance. We really held it down,” Taifi said. “Had a little lapse of concentration at the end, but it doesn’t matter. We got the three points. So, it feels great to start with a win. Let’s go!”

The Young Lions continue their streak of season-opening wins, which dates back to the start of MLS NEXT Pro in 2022, making it four in a row. That matches the streak of four straight campaigns in which they opened the season with losses, dating back to the team’s inaugural season in 2016.

OCB will continue its season-opening homestand next Sunday night when the Young Lions host rival Atlanta United 2 at Osceola County Stadium.

“Noah is an exciting young player that already brings a wealth of experience from Finland and Portugal,” Orlando City Vice President of Soccer Operations and Technical Director Ricardo Moreira said in a club press release. “He brings a lot of energy to the group both on and off the pitch and brings a ton of upside for us in having so much experience at his young age and still being at a point where he can develop his game further here in Orlando with us. We’re excited to have him here and look forward to starting the 2025 season.”

The Boston native joins OCB after playing in Greece, Finland, and Portugal. He initially joined the academy of Portuguese first-division side G.D. Estoril Praia before moving to Greece. He played for the Olympiacos academy and joined the AEK Athens academy in January 2022.

The 18-year-old midfielder moved to Finland in February 2024, joining Finnish second division side Mikkelin Palloilijat. He made 25 appearances for the side last year, recording two assists. The teenager has also appeared for the Finnish youth national team, making two friendly appearances for the U-17 side.

There were rumors back in December that the Lions would sign Levis to an MLS NEXT Pro deal. This announcement makes it official that the dual national has joined the club.

Abdellaoui, a 20-year-old Algerian, joins OCB after spending time in the youth setups of several European clubs, including French side Saint-Etienne and Italian Serie A sides U.S. Lecce and Genoa CFC. The center back has made 50 appearances at the academy level, scoring three goals and adding an assist for those clubs. Additionally, he won the Italian Primavera Championship with Lecce Primavera in the 2022-2023 season.

“Noham comes to us from some great academies in Europe that have a proven track record of developing great players — Genoa and Saint-Étienne — and we’re happy to have him with us now,” Moreira said in the club’s press release. “We’re expecting him to bring both leadership and experience to the group, despite his young age, and he’ll also provide great depth for us at his position.”

Abdellaoui has represented Algeria at the U-18 level internationally, appearing twice in international friendlies.

What It Means for Orlando City B

Levis is a central midfielder with some time playing on the right. He probably won’t start in the middle because that’s Jhon Solis’ spot, who appeared for the first team during preseason.

Favian Loyola and Shak Mohammed played on the right for OCB last season and both are still with the club. So one of those will probably be in that position to start the 2025 campaign, although Loyola has dealt with a thigh injury that has kept him on the availability report the first two weeks of the MLS season. However, Yutaro Tsukada was on the left last year and is out for the season with a knee injury. So there are opportunities for players to get into the team.

It’s still unknown what the full OCB roster will look like when the Young Lions take the field Sunday night at Osceola County Stadium. But Levis will probably be available off the bench for the Young Lions. Regardless, there will be chances for him to play this season and see if he’s a possibility for the first team in the future.

As for Abdellaoui, he has more of an opportunity to slide into the starting lineup. The primary center back pairing for OCB last season was Nabi Kibunguchy and Thomas Williams. While Williams remains with the club as a Homegrown, Kibunguchy’s contract ended following the 2024 season.

If Abdellaoui wants to start for the Young Lions this season, he’ll likely be competing with another Homegrown in Tahir Reid-Brown. While the 18-year-old didn’t get as much playing time as Williams last year, it’s expected he’ll see more this season.

An injury has kept Orlando City captain Robin Jansson out of the first two MLS games, forcing Williams to join the bench. With the Lions playing Saturday night in New York and the younger version at home Sunday night, Abdellaoui could make his debut if Williams stays with the senior team.