ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando City U23s are proud to announce that Defender Oumar Diakhite was named to the 2012 PDL All-Southern Conference Team. Diakhite was a standout defender for the U23s, who made it all the way to the National Semifinals in the 2012 season.

The PDL announced their 2012 All-Conference Teams yesterday, honoring the players who stood out during the 2012 regular season. Orlando City U23s Defender Oumar Diakhite earned a spot on the Southern Conference squad, representing Orlando’s PDL side.

“Oumar is one of the most consistent players I’ve ever coached,”said Joe Avallone, head coach of the Orlando City U23s. “I am happy for him to receive this honor. He earned this.”

Diakhite, a native of Dakar, Senegal, was a key piece on the Orlando backline during the 2012 PDL season. The defender played 15 out of a possible 16 matches for the Lions, totaling 1,350 minutes played in 2012- good for second best on the team, behind only fellow-Defender Joseph Toby. Along with his defensive prowess, Diakhite scored four goals for the U23s during the regular season, tied for team lead with three other Lions.

Diakhite attended high school powerhouse Montverde Academy under Head Coach Mike Potermpa in the 2011-12 where he was part of the national championship team. He was named to the 2012 Berkeley Prep Invitational All-Tournament Team and was a Montverde Academy Soccer Tournament First Team All Tournament selection. Coming out of Montverde, the Senegal native was named to the Orlando Sentinel All-Central Florida squad. Diakhite will attend Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky.

For more information on the Lions, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com. Be sure to also follow the U23s on Twitter @OrlandoCityU23s for all news regarding Orlando City’s PDL team.