MLS Next Pro: Orlando City SC Bolsters Squad with Short-Term Signings of Ignacio Gomez and Bernardo Rhein

Apr 24, 2026 45 Views MLS NEXT PRO

ORLANDO, Fla. — As the Lions navigate a busy stretch of the 2026 MLS regular season, Orlando City SC has looked to its development pipeline for reinforcements. The club announced today that it has signed Orlando City B (OCB) midfielder Ignacio Gomez and defender Bernardo Rhein to short-term agreements.

The two prospects were made available for selection immediately, beginning with Wednesday’s dominant 4-1 victory over Charlotte FC at Inter&Co Stadium. They will remain with the first team for Saturday’s road match against D.C. United at Audi Field.

A Dream Debut for Ignacio Gomez

The move paid immediate dividends on Wednesday night. Gomez, 19, entered the match against Charlotte FC in the 78th minute and wasted no time making his mark. In a clinical MLS debut, the Argentine midfielder netted the Lions' fourth goal of the match, sealing the 4-1 win.

Gomez joined Orlando on loan from Velez Sarsfield II on Jan. 5, 2024. A rising talent from the Buenos Aires-based academy, he brought a championship pedigree to the Lions, having won two Copa LPF Proyeccion Inicial titles (2023-24 and 2024-25) in Argentina. Across his youth career with Velez, Gomez logged nearly 3,000 minutes and appeared in 54 matches.

Rhein Continues His Professional Ascent

Joining Gomez on the first-team roster is 18-year-old defender Bernardo Rhein. A familiar face within the Orlando City ecosystem, Rhein has been integrating with the professional ranks since 2024, when he made five appearances for OCB as an academy player.

Since signing his first professional contract with the MLS NEXT Pro side in February 2025, the Windermere, Florida native has established himself as a reliable presence in the backline. Rhein has made 24 appearances (17 starts) for Orlando City B, proving his readiness for the senior level through consistent training stints with the first team.

Transaction Summary

Player	Position	Age	Original Club
Ignacio Gomez	Midfielder	19	Orlando City B (on loan from Velez Sarsfield)
Bernardo Rhein	Defender	18	Orlando City B

Next Match Opportunity: * Opponent: D.C. United

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Location: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
Broadcast: 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV

Following a rocky start to the season, the injection of youth and the clinical debut from Gomez provide a significant morale boost for Orlando City as they look to build momentum in the Eastern Conference standings.