With two new additions to the Orlando City family courtesy of the first round of the 2016 Major League Soccer SuperDraft on Thursday, the next move for the Lions is to decide who will accompany the first team and who will join the Brevard County outfit, Orlando City B.
Orlando City SC head coach Adrian Heath told reporters via a conference call that the club’s two first-round picks of Thursday’s draft will likely suit up for Orlando City B, managed by Anthony Pulis, as the team nears preseason camp.
“The great thing is [OCB] gives us an opportunity to play them in meaningful games,” Heath said. “[OCB] gives us an opportunity to get them match-fitted. One of the issues last year was we couldn’t get enough games for our younger players. For some of them it was a year wasted, I felt. OCB will give these guys opportunities.”
Orlando City SC will own and operate Orlando City B, which will play in the United Soccer League later this year. Along with Pulis, assistant coach Rob Valentino will manage the OCB squad.
“If they come in and train really well and show that they’re capable of getting in the first team, then I have no hesitation in picking them,” Heath stated. “Our [consistent] starting eleven was the youngest in the MLS. It’s up to them. If they can’t do it in the beginning, they’ll play in OCB. And when we think they’re ready, the opportunity will come again.”
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