Three former Orlando City players featured in the NCAA College Cup final for Clemson when they faced Stanford this past weekend at Sporting Park in Kansas City.
Midfielders Paul Clowes and Michael Melvin, along with defender Kyle Fisher, started the college showpiece game for Clemson who unfortunately fell 4-0 to Stanford. However, each of the former Lions had exceptional seasons, leading the second-seeded Clemson Tigers to their first National Championship game in 28 years with an impressive 17-3-4 record. As a result, each player was recognized among the nation’s top collegiate talents.
The team’s co-captain Paul Clowes, who played for Orlando City’s U-23 side in 2013, was selected to the College Cup All-Tournament team, named a semifinalist for the MAS Hermann Trophy that awards the nation’s top six collegiate soccer players, and also received ACC Midfielder of the Year honors. The Cheshire, England, native was also honored in the NSCAA All-Region First Team and was invited to the 2016 adidas MLS Player Combine.
Defender Kyle Fisher, who was a regular starter in City’s U-23 side in 2013, was also named to the College Cup-All Tournament team and reached the 2015 Men’s MAC Hermann Trophy semifinal. Additionally, the senior co-captain was a First-Team All-ACC and NSCAA All-Region First Team selection. Lastly, Fisher was honored as the ACC Defender of the Year and will join Clowes at the 2016 adidas MLS Player Combine.
Former Lions’ development academy player and Clemson sophomore Michael Melvin had another outstanding campaign with the Tigers this year. The young attacking midfielder played 23 of 24 games with the orange side, registering two goals and two assists, including one of the decisive penalty kicks against Syracuse to send the Tigers to the College Cup final. The Jacksonville, Fla., native was also named ACC Offensive Player of the Week earlier this year.
Congratulations to each former Lion for their terrific seasons and helping Clemson reach the prestigious NCAA College Cup final!
