Photo: Jon Lorentz

The offseason has been good to Orlando City SC Defender Rob Valentino. The all-league defender spoke with OrlandoCItySoccer.com about the transition to the 2013 offseason and more, saying he is appreciative of the rest he has received- but it also ready to get back into the grind.

“This year, I took a little bit of a break,” Valentino said. “You slowly start getting back into being active after the season ends, but following the Championship I gave my legs a bit of a rest.”

The 2011 USL PRO Defender of the Year recently made a purchase to try something different in his training regiment, a mountain bike that he spoke highly of in his interview.

“I wanted to do something different, especially a replacement of running - which can be tough on your knees,” Valentino added. “I really enjoy the (bike) rides in the trails around my place.”

Valentino also has been active in coaching in the offseason, teaching alongside Assistant Coach/Midfielder James O’Connor in the Little Lions program around the Central Florida area.

But the offseason has also given the defender an opportunity to catch up in his personal life, spending time with wife, Amanda, and baby Keira.

“It has been nice to be home with the baby,” he said. “ We’re also going to visit family in Arizona during the holidays so they can meet the little one.”

But while the rest and family time was well deserved, Valentino is chomping at the bit to get back on the field, especially after what he says was a disappointing defensive performance in the 2013 USL PRO Championship Game.

“I remember December of last year, we were all wanting to start off the season. 2013 went by so quickly. I was disappointed we gave up four goals to Charlotte in the Championship. In all reality, I was ready to get back out there the day after.

We’re ready to get back into it.”