On this week’s Soccercast, OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis talked about some of the newest players signed in the offseason. OCB brought in a lot of new faces, mixing young talent with new leadership that Pulis is hoping will help the team succeed even more this year. Here is a breakdown of some of the players Pulis spoke of:
Zach Carroll
Zach Carroll was drafted by New York Red Bulls II last season and made 28 appearances for the championship team. In the offseason, Pulis took advantage of the opportunity and brought Carroll, who plays as a center back, to Orlando.
“I first saw Zach at the MLS combine last year, and he really stood out to me and was a player that I thought had a good future ahead of him,” Pulis said. “He’s a really good defender, he’s strong… just tactically really astute, fantastic leadership qualities.”
Jules Youmeni
Jules Youmeni comes from the Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA), where he has played since 2013. Youmeni generally plays at left back, and has made appearances for both the Cameroon and U.S youth national teams.
“Youmeni is a tall back that can play right or left back,” Pulis said. “He is one of the few players that is just as comfortable on the right as he is on the left. He’s got two really good feet, he’s a good athlete. I think he enjoys getting up and down, and he enjoys defending.”
Albert Dikwa
Albert Dikwa also comes from the Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA). He’s a versatile young player, who generally plays as a striker but can also play as a winger. He has also made appearances for the Cameroon U-20 team.
“He’s very, very quick. Very direct,” Dikwa said. “Works his socks off and has got good ability when he gets in and around the opposition’s box.”
When speaking of both Dikwa and Youmeni, Pulis said, “Both of them have got a really hunger and a real thirst to learn and to improve and to get better.”
