ORLANDO – March 25, 2016 – With the USL regular season set to begin this Saturday, Orlando City SC announced the season-long loans of goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar, defender Tyler Turner and striker Bryan Róchez to Orlando City B. Additionally, goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr., midfielders Harrison Heath and Richie Laryea, and striker Hadji Barry have been loaned for Saturday’s match against the Wilmington Hammerheads at the Titan Soccer Complex.
The above loans, except that of Mason Stajduhar, include the Right of Recall, allowing Orlando to recall the players at any point during the MLS regular season, subject to MLS roster compliance guidelines.
“This just one example of the benefits that Orlando City B provides us,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “These guys will be playing valuable minutes in a system that matches ours. I can’t stress how important that will be for their development as players.”
Bryan Róchez was signed from Real España ahead of Orlando City’s inaugural season. The Honduran forward made 16 MLS appearances last season scoring five goals. Late in the season, the striker scored in three consecutive fixtures, including two late game-winning goals against Sporting KC and the Chicago Fire, and the goal to seal the triumph over the New York Red Bulls on the road.
Tyler Turner was named to the 2015 Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game by U.S. Men’s National Team legend, Landon Donovan, after featuring in seven Major League Soccer matches with Orlando City. Throughout the year, the right back also represented his home nation on the international stage, receiving caps to the USMNT U-20 and U-23 sides, including appearances in the prestigious U-20 competition, the Marbella Tournament.
Mason Stajduhar became City’s fourth MLS Homegrown player last November after being promoted from the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Program. The young goalkeeper is one of the most promising rising talents in the country for his age, ranking fourth overall in the nation, according to TopDrawerSoccer.com. In 2015, U.S. Soccer named the young Lion to the U-18 USSDA Best XI team.
Earl Edwards Jr. displayed his tremendous potential during the Lions’ U.S. Open Cup and international friendly matches last season. The 2015 MLS SuperDraft third-round pick played a crucial role in City’s advance to the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16, after saving numerous penalty kicks against Charleston in the 10-round shootout. During his college career, the promising goalkeeper was team captain for three seasons with UCLA, receiving two time first team All-Pal-12 selections.
Harrison Heath made three MLS appearances with the Lions last season, debuting in City’s road game against D.C. United on May 13. The defensive midfielder showcased an outstanding form in OCB’s preseason matches, managing the midfield and registering numerous goals and assists. Heath joined the Lions in the 2014 USL PRO campaign, after spending two seasons in the Norwich City Academy.
Richie Laryea joined Orlando City after being selected with the seventh overall pick in this year’s MLS SuperDraft. The 21-year-old midfielder played his college years at the University of Akron and was crucial to their 18-3-3 regular season record as they advanced to the semi-finals of the NCAA tournament.
Hadji Barry was selected as the 13th overall pick of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, following a standout collegiate career. The Guinean player led the University of Central Florida in goals and points in 2015, finding the back of the net 11 times and registering 25 points. The attacker also featured in Orlando City U-23 side in 2015.
Orlando City B will host the Wilmington Hammerheads FC for the club’s highly anticipated United Soccer League (USL) debut on Saturday evening at Eastern Florida State College’s Titan Soccer Complex.
