Orlando City Notes: Heath on college friendlies; Latest on injured players; more

Photo: OSJ Staff

By Mike Gramajo

SANFORD, Fla. — After finishing unbeaten at the Disney Pro Soccer Classic, Orlando City will now shift their focus on the upcoming college friendlies before they kickoff the 2014 USL Pro season. 

“We gave the lads three-four days off, too many of the guys were carrying around knocks, but today’s training was very lively,” head coach Adrian Heath told the OSJ after Wednesday’s practice. “We now have two and half weeks to prepare for the season, and we’ve done a lot of good stuff to prepare.” 

The Lions kickoff their slate of college friendlies when they welcome the Florida International University Panthers to the Seminole Soccer Complex on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. 

Checkout some of the latest news occurring in Orlando City preseason: 

Molino saves Lions, as Orlando City draw Red Bulls in thrilling end to Disney Pro Classic

Photo: Allison Petro / OCSC 

By Mike Gramajo

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Kevin Molino’s late-game equalizer salvaged Orlando City SC a 4-4 draw vs. the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night, during closing night of the Disney Pro Soccer Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. 

Both teams declined to finish the game in a penalty shootout, resulting into sharing third place in the preseason tournament. 

“I think it’s the first time I’ve been involved in two 4-4 results, back to back,” Orlando City head coach Adrian Heath told reporters after the game. “I thought we conceded poor goals. I thought some of our combination play in the middle was very good, it gives us something to build on.” 

Adama Mbengue found the Trinidad & Tobago international on the counter, which resulted into Molino sliding the ball past NYRB goalkeeper Luis Robles. 

Forward Corey Hertzog gave the Lions the early lead in the seventh minute, after a mess up in the Red Bulls back line resulted into the former Whitecaps man to capitalize on the mistake. The Red Bulls were able to equalize in the 29th minute, when midfielder Lloyd Sam found forward Bradley Wright-Phillips

Despite going into halftime even 1-1, second-half substitute Dennis Chin scored two minutes into the match, heading in a close-range ball off a corner kick taken by Austin da Luz. However, five minutes later Wright-Phillips scored his second and equalized after a counter-lead by Sam found the Englishman who’s shot deflected off an Orlando City defender. 

Goals kept coming, Red Bulls defender Ibrahim Sekagya gave New York the 3-2 lead in the 68th minute after Dax McCarty’s free-kick found Wright-Phillips, who’s shot got deflected which left the ball alone for Sekagya to execute on the error. 

Despite having already a goal, Dennis Chin left the game in the last 10 minutes after what it looked to be a leg cramp had the forward laying on the field, which resulted into defender Joseph Toby substituting in. 

“He’s got a little slight pull, he should be okay,” said Heath on Chin’s injury. 

With the Lions trailing, Adama Mbengue equalized for OCSC when his screamer from long range beat goalkeeper Luis Robles in the 76th minute for the 3-3 tie. 

Midfielder Jonny Steele gave the Red Bulls the lead again in the 80th minute after another defensive miscue gave the Northern Irishman the opportunity to slide the ball past Gallardo for the 4-3 lead. However, Molino’s goal five minutes later negated the Red Bulls the victory for the 4-4 draw. 

Up next, the Lions play a variety of collegiate friendlies when they take on the Florida International University Panthers on Saturday, March 8 at the Seminole Soccer Complex. 

Day after: Turner staying grounded after first Pro contract with Orlando City Soccer

Courtesy of US Soccer

By Mike Gramajo

Not only did a successful stint with the U.S. National Team U-18 help defender Tyler Turner to his first professional contract with Orlando City SC, but a superb performance in preseason camp paved the way as well. 

“I really do think it (Disney Pro Soccer Classic) gave me a little bit of a boost,” Turner told the OSJ via phone interview. “It also gave me preparation so I’ll know what to work on. It gave me a preview of what next year will be.” 

Orlando City’s newest member joined the Lions on Thursday, signing a multi-year deal that includes a spot in Orlando’s MLS squad in 2015. 

Turner, who has been playing in the right-back position during the Lions’ Disney Classic preseason tournament, also said he looks to lean toward veteran defenders Rob Valentino and Luke Boden for advice, given they’re already adapted to head coach Adrian Heath’s system. 

Despite just being only 17-years-old, the IMG Academy product has received plenty of praise for his performances with the United States U17 and U18 national team in the past year. 

Although once 2015 rolls by, Turner will be one of the few teenagers in Major League Soccer, but acknowledges teenage stars such as Diego Fagundez, Juan Agudelo and Jozy Altidore as important figures who herald the way for players in his age group. 

“I think they’ve paved their way to their own road, and I look up to them. But I want to pave my own way and see where I can take myself,” added Turner. “I always tell my friends and family that the biggest thing I want to do if I sign a professional contract is to stay grounded and humble.” 

You can catch Turner play on Saturday, as Orlando City takes on the New York Red Bulls for third place in the Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. 

Below is a video of Turner scoring a goal for the U.S U-17 vs. Brazil: 

Report: Orlando City to sign U.S. national team U-18 defender to MLS contract

By Mike Gramajo

Orlando City SC’s fourth Major League Soccer signing maybe coming sooner than expected. 

According to a report from the Orlando Sentinel, the Lions are bound to sign United States national team U-18 defender Tyler Turner to a professional contract, which will include a spot in Orlando’s MLS squad in 2015. 

Orlando City has yet to comment on the report. 

Turner, 18, is currently playing with Orlando as a trialist during the Disney Pro Soccer Classic, and played on Wednesday night’s match vs. the Columbus Crew. 

If Turner does sign with the Lions, he joins midfielders Darwin Ceren, Kevin Molino and Yordany Alvarez as Orlando’s MLS signees for 2015. 

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