Orlando City B (7-8-3, 26 points) at Huntsville City FC (7-4-5, 29 points)
When: Friday, July 25, 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Wicks Family Field, Huntsville, Ala.
TV: Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (subscription required)
Goalie Wars, Take Me Home
Back in his home state of Texas on Tuesday night, Orlando City B goalkeeper Carlos Mercado delivered a standout performance at the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Goalie Wars, part of the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T. The Laredo native thrilled fans at Q2 Stadium in Austin, advancing to the final after scoring a buzzer-beating two-point bonus goal against Chattanooga FC’s Eldin Jakupović, securing a 4-1 semifinal win. In the final, Mercado faced Houston Dynamo 2’s Pedro Cruz in a tightly contested match. Despite a strong showing, Mercado fell just short, with Cruz edging out a 4-3 victory. Both keepers are neck and neck in total saves this season; Mercado leads with 73 saves, just ahead of Cruz’s 72, despite playing two fewer games.
A Stellar Strike
Orlando City midfielder and Academy product Gustavo Caraballo made a strong impression Monday night during the MLS NEXT All-Star Game at Parmer Field in Austin, Texas. In the 52nd minute of the East vs. West showdown, Caraballo gave the East its first lead with a stunning strike from outside the box. After receiving the ball in midfield, he took a single touch before unleashing a powerful, low-driven left-footed shot from well beyond the 18-yard line that skipped past the goalkeeper and into the net, putting the East up 2-1. Caraballo entered the second half as a substitute, while fellow Orlando City B academy midfielder Dylan Judelson started the match.
Cleared for Launch
Orlando City B returns to Wicks Family Field on Friday evening for its second matchup of the season against Huntsville City FC. In their first meeting back in early June, OCB pulled off a dramatic road win, scoring two late goals, including a stoppage-time game-winner from forward Dyson Clapier, to seal a thrilling victory. With that result in hand, the Lions will look to ride that momentum and go two-for-two in the Rocket City, aiming to clinch the season series. A win would also see OCB draw level with Huntsville in the Eastern Conference standings, making this a pivotal clash in the playoff race.
Dynamic Duo
Young Lions standouts Gustavo Caraballo and Dylan Judelson will rejoin Orlando City B on Friday, fresh off representing the club as captains for the MLS NEXT East All-Stars in Monday’s All-Star Game in Austin, Texas. The midfield duo wore the armband on each side of halftime Parmer Field, with Judelson starting in the first half and Caraballo subbing on in the second half. Caraballo made a major impact early in the second half, scoring a long-range strike to give the East its first lead and help secure a 4-3 victory. Judelson anchored the midfield in the first half, showcasing his composure and control on the ball.
