Orlando, Fla. --The Orlando City U23s announced on Sunday, April 28, the signing of seven additional players for their 2013 campaign. The Premier Development League (PDL) season is less than three weeks away, and Manager Paul Shaw and his staff have been relentless in their efforts to comprise a talented squad. The newly added Lions include Daniel Barboto, Stewart Abrahart, Ade Akinsanya, Marlon Hairston, Tomas Gomez, Tom Skelly and Evan Greenbaum
“We’re getting close to finalizing this year’s roster,” said Shaw in an interview with orlandocitysoccer.com. “We think these seven players are guys that will fit in well with the players currently on the roster.”
In his second season with the University of Tampa, Daniel Barboto was named to the Capital One All District and Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Commissioner’s Honor Roll. The Midfielder appeared in all 17 matches for the Spartans and received the nod for 16 starts. Daniel logged 1,252 minutes and was a crucial component in the University of Tampa’s 2012 NCAA tournament run.
Stewart Abrahart appeared in 13 matches for the University of Alabama-Birmingham during his sophomore season. In 2011, Stewart played in all 21 contests as a true freshman, making 20 starts in the Blazers’ defense. The defender was part of a back line that allowed a goal against average of 1.01 and seven shutouts during the season, both of which led Conference USA (C-USA).
Midfielder Adedaja Akinsanya transferred from Boston University to the University of Louisville for the start of his junior season. Akinsanya was a highly sought prospect during the transfer period for his solid contributions to the Boston University side. The midfielder played in 15 games during his sophomore season and helped lead the Eagles to eight shut outs after moving to the back line. In his freshman season, Akinsanya was named to the America East All-Rookie team and was the only Boston University rookie to start all 18 games.
Defender Evan Greenbaum represents local school, Rollins College. In his sophomore season, Greenbaum started all 21 matches for the Tars and notched four goals and one assist. During 2011, Evan saw action in 17 games and tallied three goals- two of which were game winners. Prior to attending Rollins College, Greenbaum led Martin County High School to a District Championship and was named All-Area Player of the Year. In his last two seasons at Martin County HS, Greenbaum also recorded 30 goals and 19 assists.
Marlon Hairston, also from the University of Louisville, played four years at IMG Pendleton School and was ranked by College Soccer News and the ESPNHS in the Top 150 prospects in the country. The striker earned all-state honors for four straight years and was named 2011-2012 offensive player of the year at IMG, after finishing his senior year with 17 goals and eight assists. Hairston was also a member of the U.S. Region III Olympic Development team and US National Team Player Pool.
During his sophomore season, Tomas Gomez was a crucial part of Georgetown Univesity’s run to the National Championship game. Gomez started 20 matches between the pipes for the Hoyas and logged 1,915 minutes. Tomas recorded an impressive 0.89 goals against average along with seven shutouts en route to Georgetown’s historic tournament run. In his first season with the Hoyas, Gomez was named to the Big East All-Rookie Team and received Big East Goalkeeper of the Week honors. Gomez started 17 games for the Blue & Grey and was invited to camp with the U20 Men’s National Team.
Tom Skelly also represents Georgetown University along with teammate Tomas Gomez. The midfielder appeared in 21 games for the Hoyas and recorded one goal during the 2012 campaign. As a freshman, in 2011, Skelly made 21 appearances for the Blue and Grey and finished the season as Georgetown’s fourth leading scorer. Skelly was also named Big East Rookie of the Week after a two goal and two assist performance against Villanova during that season.
The U23s begin their season on May 19 at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, Fla., against the IMG Bradenton Academics. This year’s U23 season ticket is in the form of an Orlando City limited edition t-shirt called the T-PASS, and can be purchased for only $25 for pro season ticket holders.
Click here to purchase the TPASS!
Photo: University of Louisville, SID
