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U23s Begin Season Head Coach Paul Shaw provides insight on the U23s heading into the season opener
In their first competitive match of the 2013 season, the Orlando City U23s came close to upsetting USL PRO side VSI Tampa Bay FC in the first round of the US Open Cup. The U23s conceded early in the match but battled back to equalize in stoppage time, before later suffering defeat to the more experienced side in penalty kicks.
The Lions, who are comprised of mostly collegiate standouts, have high hopes for the 2013 campaign and feel their performance against VSI is a glimpse of more to come.
OC: What are your overall thoughts on how the boys played in their first competitive game against a USL PRO side? Shaw: “I was very pleased. There’s obviously much to work on as the players haven’t been together for that long. The boys did not want to be beaten and I thought their attitude was first class. We knew that it would be a tough match but what pleased me most was their attitude and work rate.” OC: How well do you think they implemented the Orlando City style of play?
Shaw: “At times we played well within the system. But of course we have to be realistic; it’s not something that’s going to happen right away. It’s a very young group and we want to develop them and see them grow within the club for the next few years.”
OC: The supporter groups came out and provided an atmosphere that many of these players might not be used to. How important was that for the boys in their first game in Orlando City colors?
Shaw: “That was massive. I don’t think the players expected that but it gave them a big boost. They really appreciated the support and it really motivated them. Having a supporter group that got behind them made a huge difference.”
OC: How involved is Adrian Heath with the U23s?
Shaw: “Adrian identifies a lot of players that he and Ian have seen on the road, and also through their reliable contacts in the college system. The day to day coaching and selections are up to me but they are very active and want it to be a success just as much as we do.”
OC:PDL rosters are usually different from year to year. Is it your aim to retain as many players as possible and potentially provide more players for the first team? Shaw: “There is always a drop off but we do want to keep the core group together for years to come. Adrian, Ian and I see this group as players for the future, and hopefully we can continue to be an effective feeder for the first team.
OC:What is the team’s mentality heading into the home opener on May 19?
Shaw: “We’re looking forward to our first league game. The players have had another few days together, and the squad is looking a bit stronger with the arrival of several more players this week. Our aim is to win the match and build on our performance in the first round of the Open Cup.” The U23 home opener kicks off at 7 p.m. against IMG Bradenton Academics at Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, Fla. Single game tickets can be bought at the gate for only $8 and the T-PASS will also be on sale. For the full U23 schedule, click here!
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| Teams | GP | Pts |
| Orlando City SC | 28 | 62 |
| Sacramento Republic FC | 28 | 55 |
| LA Galaxy II | 28 | 51 |
| Richmond Kickers | 28 | 51 |
| Charleston Battery | 28 | 41 |
