Even before he got traded, Cam Lindley already had an idea of what Orlando City was like.
“I’m pretty good friends with Tommy Redding so I got to talk to him about it when he was here,” Lindley said. “He said it’s just such an amazing environment. The guys are amazing, Jason [Kreis] and his staff are great so when I heard the news I wanted to get down here as soon as I could.”
Orlando City acquired Lindley’s Homegrown rights from the Chicago Fire and promptly signed the former North Carolina Tar Heel to a four-year contract.
Lindley was a standout at UNC. As a freshman, Lindley started all 21 games as and was tied for second on the team with seven assists. He followed that up with a seven-goal, 13-assist campaign to lead the Tar Heels to a second consecutive Men’s College Cup appearance.
So it’s no surprise that Lindley is catching on quickly.
“The first day was very tough but it’s starting to slow down a little bit,” he said following Thursday’s training in Jacksonville. “Obviously the guys are helping me out but I’m learning the little things here and there to help me out.”
For one of the youngest guys on the team, seeking wisdom from the veterans is a good place to start.
“I’ve talked to Will [Johnson] and Sacha [Kljestan] and Scotty [Sutter] and Dom [Dwyer] a lot. I’m just trying to pick their brains. I think that’s the most important thing as a young guy. Obviously soccer will take care of itself but learning how to be a pro, taking care of your body, eating healthy and all that kinda stuff.
“I asked Sacha and Will especially how [they’ve] played for so long. I want to figure that out so I’m not in the league and in Orlando for one year. I want to be in Orlando and the league for a while.”
What bodes well for Lindley is his attitude and love for the game.
“Honestly just getting to wake up and train,” he said. “It’s fun. I enjoy getting better, I enjoy learning from everybody. I think that’s the best part.”
