Back in the Game
Orlando City B opens its 2026 MLS NEXT Pro campaign this Monday night against Southeast Division side Huntsville City FC, starting its push toward a third playoff appearance in the last four years. The Lions return to action with a strengthened roster, added experience and an expectation to remain among the Eastern Conference contenders as the new season begins.
Osceola Dominance
OCB begins the season at Osceola Heritage Park, where the side has historically performed well against Huntsville City FC. The Lions hold a 4‑3‑1 all‑time record against Huntsville City and have gone 3‑1‑0 at Osceola County Stadium in the series. Their lone home loss came late last season in a narrow 1‑0 defeat. Orlando City B will look to reestablish its home dominance as it opens the 2026 campaign this Monday.
New Faces
The Lions enter the 2026 season with several notable additions, highlighted by the arrivals of forward Pedro Leão from Brazilian side CR Flamengo’s U‑20 squad and midfielder Ignacio Gómez on loan from Vélez Sarsfield II in Argentine. OCB also signed 2026 MLS SuperDraft selections Issah Haruna and Jaylen Yearwood, adding athleticism and versatility across the midfield and defensive lines. Academy goalkeeper Juan Rojas joins the group as well, continuing the Club’s commitment to its professional developmental pathway.
Golden Goldberg
Manuel Goldberg begins his third season as head coach of Orlando City B and his fifth overall with the MLS NEXT Pro side. One of the youngest head coaches in the league, Goldberg has played a central role in developing talents who have advanced to the First Team, including defender Alex Freeman, midfielder Colin Guske, goalkeeper Javier Otero, and defenders Tahir Reid‑Brown and Zakaria Taifi. His leadership remains a cornerstone of OCB’s competitive evolution as the Lions enter the new campaign.
