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Blackwood and Fubara named to Southern Conference Team of the Year Both Lions included in the top 44 players in the nation
The Premier Development League (PDL) announced its 2013 All-Conference teams this week, and Orlando City U23s players Tyler Blackwood and Itode Fubara were included among the top 44 players in the nation.
Both Lions were named to the Southern Conference Team of the Year and the U23s joined the Austin Aztex as the only two teams in the Southern Conference to have multiple players receive this recognition.
“I’m at a loss for words,” said Fubara in an interview with OrlandoCitySoccer.com. “I wasn’t expecting this award because our season was cut short, but it’s always great to be recognized. All the credit to the guys for their dedication and hard-work.”
Fubara appeared in all 14 matches for the Lions this season, and was an integral part of the U23s midfield. The East Tennessee State University product played the holding midfielder role for the U23s and logged the most minutes on the team.
Fubara was prominent throughout the conference for his ability to thwart the opponent’s attacking plays with crunching tackles. However, the Nigerian also displayed his well-rounded ability by playing penetrating passes through the heart of the opposing team’s defense.
Fubara’s role within the team didn’t require many shots, but the midfielder notched one goal this season, showing his finishing touch with a well-placed effort in the top corner against the Mississippi Brilla late in the season.
Striker Tyler Blackwood was a continual threat for opposing teams during the 2013 campaign, as the lethal forward troubled Southern Conference backlines in each match he played. Blackwood was known for his rapid pace and ability to score goals of all sorts, from many different areas of the pitch. The Englishman also appeared in all 14 matches for the U23s and scored a team-record 15 goals, averaging 1.07 goals per game.
Blackwood held the PDL top goal-scorer position for the majority of the summer, but would finish second in the nation to Baltimore Bohemian Striker Peter Caringi- who finished with 16 goals this season.
“I feel extremely proud that I have made the Southern Conference team,” said Blackwood. “My goal was to score a goal a game and I exceeded that. I’m glad that I was recognized and also happy for Fubi who was a class act in the midfield. Not making the playoffs was a blow, however this sweetens the deal.”
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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 |
