There have been multiple offseason changes as well as recent ones within the soccer club. Last Friday, OCSC acquired keeper Josh Saunders from NYCFC to add depth to the goalie roster. Orlando City also signed USMNT and Premier League veteran defender Jonathan Spector this week. “For such a young club to have the fan base that they have, I think it’s wonderful. So for me, it will be special to be a part of that.” Said Spector.
In addition, City signed Orlando City B product Pierre Da Silva three days prior to camp. Da Silva is a Brazilian midfielder and the youngest first team player. He was also a member of the U.S. MNT U-19 team. On Thursday, MF Kevin Molino was traded to Minnesota’s expansion team for a whopping $650,000 in an MLS record-breaking deal. Molino was the final player remaining from the 2011 roster as he now joins his old manager Adrian Heath.
Approaching the second season under manager Jason Kreis, the team looks to build on the positivity they produced from last season, and have set the bar even higher for this season. Although the team is young in the MLS, they have the mentality and the goals of a veteran team. They strive to be the best in the league, and to them, there are no excuses not to achieve that.
From the players to the coaches, to the resources, the Orlando City Soccer Club as a whole came into this league with the aspirations to be an elite team and organization. Phil Rawlins, the President, founder, and owner of the club has been a true visionary. He has helped corral a city in a short amount of time to be one of the best fan bases in the league. There is a “home” atmosphere for the fans, as well as the players.
“We go to other places to play, and they don’t feel the same. I think Orlando is special.” Said Forward Cyle Larin.
The first week of preseason has been filled with player signing, conditioning, and technical skill drills, but on Day 4 the Lions got creative and took a road trip to Jacksonville Beach for some team bonding. The team has developed a motto “Never Hunt Alone” reminding them they are most effective together. Orlando City continues camp Monday afternoon as they begin Week 2.