Orlando City has named its new manager and it comes in the form of Oscar Pareja. The former Colorado, FC Dallas, and Club Tijuana boss has decided to join forces with his old colleague Luiz Muzzi (who, of course, is our General Manager) down in Orlando.
Oscar Pareja has a strong reputation for working with youngsters; he is even considered the father of the FC Dallas Academy, one of the best in the nation. With a young roster such as ours, he should be able to maximize their talents. Think of Michel (22), Patino (22), Ruan (24), Mendez (22), and Lindley (if he re-signs; 22). Don't forget any signings or draft picks we make as well. All of these players will form the base of our team under Pareja for years to come.
Pareja also has a strong reputation for succeeding with teams on a low budget. FC Dallas won the Supporter Shield in 2016 and was top of the West in 2015. All on a low budget. We all know about our low budget and trying to get as many players on the cheap as we possibly can. If we can avoid transfer fees, we do. We even got Nani for free. Oscar Pareja is definitely the right man for working with a smaller budget.
I know people will criticize Muzzi for going back to Pareja, someone he knows well, but I genuinely believe this is the right man for the job. He has a clear identity and way he likes his team to play, something JOC lacked. Now it is time to get behind our new boss and #DefyExpectations.
'Til next time, this has been Gavin Rushnell and #VamosOrlando.