Photo: Allison Petro

After signing their first professional contracts in January, Midfielder Jonathan Mendoza and Defender Brian Fekete are looking ahead to their first ever USL PRO playoffs when Orlando City SC hosts the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday, August 24, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

OrlandoCitySoccer.com caught up with the two rookies to talk about the USL PRO playoffs and what they expect as the Lions head into the 2013 postseason.

“I compare the USL PRO playoffs to the NCAA tournament, but this is obviously a much bigger stage,” Fekete said after Tuesday’s practice. “I’m very anxious.”

“I just want to get in and do what the Gaffer (Head Coach Adrian Heath) wants me to do,” he added.

Despite not playing much during the first half of the season, the young University of Tampa product saw playing time increase toward the latter part of the regular season, playing mostly as a second stringer behind Defend Luke Boden. Having been in Head Coach Adrian Heath’s starting XI four times in his last five appearances, Fekete has played the full 90 minutes in three of matches.

While Fekete looks to have the momentum heading into Saturday’s quarterfinal clash against the Riverhounds, Mendoza is another rookie that has seen increase action as the season went on.

“I’m ready, ready for what is coming,” said Mendoza. “We’re ready to take one step at a time if the gaffer (Head Coach Adrian Heath) wants to use me as a starter or sub, I’ll be ready.”

Out of 19 appearances, the former U23s captian was named to the Lions’ starting XI five times. While it is only his first year as a professional, Mendoza has not been coy to challenge various opposing defenders, having shot 19 times while also using his speed as leverage.

“Last year’s U23s playoffs, we played in a must-win or go home matches,” added Mendoza.

You can catch the two rookies on Saturday when the USL PRO playoffs kickoff as the Pittsburgh Riverhounds visit Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Tickets start at $15 and are available by calling (855) ORL-CITY.