The first 2 rounds of the MLS SuperDraft were today and Orlando brought in 4 new faces. OCB made some moves today as well. Let's discuss.
SuperDraft (@MLS)
Orlando City had 4 picks in today's showing of the 1st and 2nd round of the superdraft. We had one in the first round and three in the second. Our picks, in order, were ST Daryl Dike, CM Joey DeZart, RB/CDM Jonathan Dean, and GK Austin Aviza. As I said in my blog piece earlier today, I'm happy with that group of players. Dike will push for bench minutes throughout the season and has the potential to be a starter if he copes well with the league. As for the DeZart, Dean, and Aviza, they will have their positional battles in trying to make the final cut. With OCB finally being utilized as a place where fringe players can get minutes again, don't be surprised to see all three of these players going in and out of OCB lineups next season.
OCB (@OrlandoLionsDen)
The guys over at The Orlando Lions Den Podcast found out about one of the two moves made today by OCB awhile back. Ignacio Poplawski, a 19-year-old CAM, was on trial with the team and has now signed a contract with OCB. The other bit of news is that Raul Aguilera Jr. is also joining OCB. The only question that remains is whether he will sign a homegrown deal with us or if he is going to sign directly for OCB. My guess is he actually signed a homegrown deal as Julia Poe wrote today that Orlando City has "signed three players to Homegrown contracts this offseason," even though we've only signed 2 so far in Loera and Bender. Maybe an announcement for Aguilera will be made in the coming days so he wouldn't be overshadowed by today's draft.
'Til next time, this has been Gavin Rushnell and #VamosOrlando