Orlando City head coach Jason Kreis said it from the get-go: the beginning would be an evaluation period.
Starting in mid-July, Kreis began reviewing the Lions’ current roster and assessing how the pieces in place could fit into his preferred system. But he also said he’d be looking at the Club from top to bottom.
Barely two weeks into his tenure, Kreis called Tony Rocha and Mikey Ambrose, reserves playing for Orlando City B, into his office early one morning and offered them First Team contracts.
Now that the time to prepare for next season is quickly approaching, their former teammates are looking for a similar meeting. And they’re getting a prime opportunity to showcase themselves.
Forty-some footballers on the training grounds has become a common scene at Sylvan Lake Park of late. The squads are mixed and the pace is brisk – First Teamers and reserves fighting for a select few spots.
“We’re taking a really good look at them and we will decide over the next two weeks of training,” Kreis said Monday.
Though he wouldn’t hint at whom he was eyeing, there are a couple names that come to mind. Striker Michael Cox showed flashes of Cyle Larin throughout the season, and with potential tactical changes opening a spot up top, OCB’s leading scorer could find himself next to his fellow Canadian.
And then there are the First Teamers that spent the season on loan with OCB. The likes of Richie Laryea, Harrison Heath, Conor Donovan, Tyler Turner and Devron García are all vying for permanent call-ups, eager to prove they’ve realized the potential their coaches saw in the past.
Quite a pool of players to pick from.
“It’s a credit to Anthony Pulis and Rob Valentino for the work that they’re doing to develop those players,” he said. “We’ll hope that that continues in the future as well as drawing players up from the Academy into the B team.”
Kreis hasn’t let on as to who he’s looking at, but by all accounts, promotions are on their way.
“[There’s] a couple that I think in all likelihood will at least stand a good chance of being with the First Team next year,” Kreis said.
Of course, not everyone will get that call – such is life in pro sports. But as much as they dislike telling some players their time is up, it’s all worth it when they tell others their time is just beginning.
Rocha and Ambrose are prime examples
