Here's a look at the past week for the Orlando City Academy and Orlando City B.
MLS NEXT U17: Lions beat Charlotte FC in penalties, then beat New England Revolution in MLS Next Cup Playoffs
It took a bit more to get there, but the U-17s clinched a dramatic playoff win over Charlotte FC, winning 4-1 in the penalty shootout on Monday. After winning their opening match against Met Oval over the weekend, the young Lions managed a 2-2 draw in regulation before the match went to penalties, with Bernardo Rhein Goncalves and Brandon Kristel netting the goals.
In the shootout, Liam Guske, Theo Franca, Bernardo Rhein Goncalves and Tahir Reid-Brown all scored their penalties, while Zachary Campagnolo stood tall in net, making a crucial save to send Orlando into the next round.
Their next match against the New England Revolution finished with the Lions winning 2-1, with Brandon Kristel scoring both goals.
They now advance to their third MLS Next Playoff semifinal in a row to play Real Colorado on Friday at 11:15 a.m.
MLS NEXT U15: Lions win second match of MLS Next Showcase
After a tough start to their postseason run, falling in the first match of the playoffs 2-1 to the Seattle Sounders, the Orlando City U15s drew BW Gottschee 3-3 in their first match of the MLS Next Cup Showcase. Jacob Garcia, Gustavo Caraballo, and Caleb Trombino all netted goals for the Lions.
In their final match of the Showcase against St. Louis Scott Gallagher, the Lions put on a dominant performance, winning 4-0. Ian Morales, Herbert Kwayke-Amoah, Axel Grimaud, and Jacob Garcia scored the goals to help the team close out the season.
MLS NEXT Pro:Orlando City B Falls 1-0 at Chicago Fire FC II, host Union II on June 28
Orlando City B (7-5-2, 24 points) dropped a 1-0 decision to Chicago Fire FC II (4-5-4, 16 points) on Thursday night at SeatGeek Stadium. The Fire scored in the 24th minute, with Jonathan Dean crossing a ball to Charlie Ostrem at City’s far post and Ostrem bouncing a header into the net.
The Lions were sparked by Favian Loyola and Cristofer Acuña subbing into the match, with the pair creating shots and opportunities late in the match, despite the Lions being unable to break through the Fire defense in the end.
Goalkeeper Dominic Pereira made his first start of his Orlando City B career on the night. The Orlando City Academy product has now made three appearances all-time for the Lions in MLS NEXT Pro.
OCB now head into a two-week break from play before hosting Philadelphia Union II on Wednesday, June 28 at Osceola County Stadium. That match will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
