Tracking Orlando City’s 2014 USL Pro Players

With the one-year anniversary of Orlando City’s MLS announcement passing the other day, it seems an appropriate time to look back to last year’s USL Pro team and see just where those players that have meant so much to the franchise over the years, have gone.

Out of the 24 players that were on last year’s roster, only eight have been retained to make the move to MLS—Homegrown Players Tommy Redding and Tyler Turner, Portuguese imports Rafael Ramos and Estrela, El Salvador captain Darwin Ceren, Trinidad and Tobago star Kevin Molino, and English imports Luke Boden and Harrison Heath. Each of these players were chosen because the coaching staff believed that they could be valuable assets to the team, come next year.

This is Orlando, Forever Our City, Still in Purple

Standing on stage in a sun-drenched pavilion on Orlando Health’s downtown campus, Orlando City President and Founder Phil Rawlins couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful morning for the release of Orlando City’s inaugural MLS home kit.

It was a star-studded event, as nearly 100 media members joined  Rawlins, along with a majority of the current MLS roster. Kevin Molino and Tommy Redding were on hand to model the new kits for the crowd, while Tyler Turner, Harrison Heath, Darwin Cerén, Rafael Ramos, Estrela, and Luke Boden looked on from the front row. Notably absent, of course, was Brazilian superstar Kaka, though not entirely, as he made a larger than life appearance on City’s new gigantic billboard, which was unfurled at the end of the event.

A Conversation with Lions Defender Luke Boden

Defender Luke Boden recently signed his MLS contract and is officially moving forward with Orlando City as the club transitions into the highest level of competition in the United States. The 25-year-old left back has made 82 appearances with the Lions, amassing 7,456 minutes, scoring four goals with 15 assists.

The Sheffield, England native has his green card and will not count against the club’s international slots. He has previously played for Sheffield Wednesday, Chesterfield, Rushden and Diamonds and Northampton Town.

Boden was kind enough to answer some questions for The Mane Land recently.

Now that you’re signed, how excited are you to be heading to MLS with Orlando City?

Obviously I’m really excited to be going to MLS. It’s something that obviously I aimed for when I came over here. I wanted to play in the best league in America. Thankfully now I’m doing that and now I just need to try to get in the first team and play week in and week out. That’s my next target.

It’s Official: Orlando City Sign Boden, Heath to MLS Contracts

Orlando City confirmed Sentinel writer Paul Tenorio’s report early this morning that the club has signed defender Luke Boden and midfielder Harrison Heath to MSL contracts.

“We’re delighted that Harrison and Luke have decided to remain with the club heading into MLS,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “Moving forward, both players will be great additions to the squad.”

Boden, 25, has been a mainstay with the club at left back, where he will most likely continue to ply his trade—possibly as a starter, depending on what moves City makes between now and opening day 2015. In 82 appearances with the club, Boden has compiled 7,456 minutes, scoring four goals with 15 assists. He is a native of Sheffield, England, but carries a green card and therefore will not count against Orlando City’s international player numbers.