For many Premier Development League (PDL) teams, the goal is to win as many games as possible in a highly condensed season. However, for the Orlando City U23s that seems to be the complete opposite, as winning is not the main focus-but merely a reward that stems from proper development.
The U23s were originally incorporated into the Orlando City structure over two years ago, and had what many would consider a highly successful inaugural season. In their 2012 campaign, the young Lions were named Southern Conference Champions, and made an unprecedented run to the Final Four.
However, success is measured differently within the Orlando City organization, and many felt that development of potential first-team players was lacking, despite the team’s impressive record.
As a result, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) Senior Boys Academy Director and former Arsenal player Paul Shaw was appointed as the new manager in an effort to change the previous culture held within the team.
Shortly after his appointment, Shaw began scouring the nation for talented young players who obtained the tools required to mesh with the Orlando City style of play.
By employing connections of his own, along with those of first team Head Coach Adrian Heath, Shaw was able to recruit top Division I and II prospects from reputable soccer schools such as Georgetown University, the Clemson University and the University of Tampa.
To begin the season, the Lions trumped IMG Bradenton 3-1 in their home opener and the development yielding results concept seemed to work quicker than many thought it would. However, three games in seven days loomed over the young Lions, and their youth and inexperience with the system began to show.
“It was difficult trying to get them to learn the system straight away,” said Shaw in an interview with OrlandoCitySoccer.com. “We receive these guys at different times, based on when their colleges release them, so we have very little time to show them how we operate here at Orlando City. But they all took it on very quickly and were all so desperate to learn.”
The U23s would drop eight out of a potential nine points during that three game stretch, but found their groove and won their next four games in a row. The youngsters were clicking in all areas of the pitch and began emulating the first team’s style of play effectively.
Heath, who was present at almost every single U23 home game, took note of the U23s progression throughout the early portion of the season, and invited several players to train with the first team.
“We had three or four of our guys train with the first team quite regularly, which was very important for the boys,” added Shaw. “The players loved that experience and that’s what it’s about, pushing these players to a higher level each and every day.”
However, as their season ensued the U23s hit a bump in the road when several key players were re-called by their universities. This was an unfamiliar situation for Shaw, but the manager coped with it well by taking advantage of his large roster.
“You can’t turn down good players, because there is a bigger picture here,” Shaw continued. “Our goal is to develop and label potential first team players, so it’s better to manage a large roster so that guys can fill in easily when players leave.”
The addition of players to fill in the missing holes included the signing of the first two OCYS players to the U23 team, Tristan Rehrig and Michael O’Sullivan. Rehrig and O’Sullivan are Development Academy teammates, and are the first of many youth players who will have the opportunity to climb the ladder.
The second half of the season began with the Lions losing key games to the Ocala Stampede and Panama City Beach Pirates, which essentially saw the U23s drop out of the playoff race.
However, for Shaw and the rest of the team the season was nothing short of a success. In light of the season being cut short, several of the U23s were recognized by the league for their outstanding performances.
Tyler Blackwood, who finished second in the nation for goals (15), and Itode Fubara were named to the Southern Conference Team of the Year- placing them among the top 44 players in the nation. In addition, Goalkeeper Tomas Gomez is currently one of three finalists for the PDL Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
Heath and Shaw are keen on retaining as many of the youngsters as they can on a yearly basis, which will eliminate a portion of the learning curve normally required in pre-season. Familiarity with the system will certainly enhance the development process and in turn will create the results that most PDL teams desperately strive for.
Unlike many PDL teams, the Orlando City U23s are a part of a bigger picture and although that portrait is yet to be completed, the future certainly looks promising.
