HE'S BAAAAACK
Orlando City SC making Oscar Pareja their 4th head coach in club history is the BEST move that they have made in their 5 year history. Yes, could some people argue that bringing in international icons like Kaka or Nani, building a fantastic soccer environment, or even drafting a guy like Cyle Larin could be better moves… but in 3,5, 10 years I will be correct with this article.
Oscar Pareja is one of those special managers that have been in MLS. I would throw Oscar Pareja in the Sigi Schmid, Bob Bradley, Bruce Arena, Peter Vermes category of head coaches in MLS history. No, he may not have the trophies or accolades of those guy, but he has had the same impact as them. I credit Oscar to being the guy who has set up that development system we see within FC Dallas. Currently we can name Kellyn Acosta, Paxton Pomykal, Reggie Cannon, Brandon Servania, Edwin Cerrillo, and more talented players that have come out of the FC Dallas academy system under Pareja. Pareja found a hot bed of talent in Texas (where there is a lot of talent), connected with the players and families, got them in the academy, worked them up to the first team, and now has these guys making international waves as well. Pareja can take a hot bed of talent in Florida (possibly away from Atlanta and Inter), connect to them in a different way, and get Orlando City to the PROMISE LAND (or at least the playoffs). Let’s also not forget that Orlando City does have a B team that is playing professional soccer. When Pareja was with Dallas, he had his developmental success without a professional B team. Now, Pareja takes the reigns of Orlando City and can look to the future as well with Orlando City B playing in USL League 1.
Orlando City for their lack of on the field success, do have some talented youngsters that I feel could thrive under Pareja. Pareja loves his defensive midfielders and he has a talented one in Sebastian Mendez. The 22 year old was one of the few standouts and I can’t wait to see how he jumps up to another step in 2020. He may also have some solid youngsters in the attack that he never had outside of Fabian Castillo? Chris “Cash” Mueller and Benji Michel are two youngsters who I am excited to see how they work into Pareja’s system. Mueller had a hot run of form to start the season in 2019, and I want to see more! A 5 goal and 3 assist campaign in 2019 is nice, but I want to see if Mueller can take that next step forward and under Pareja’s counterattacking system I think he can! Same goes to Michel who is reportedly now training down in Brazil. As a rookie, Michel scored 6 goals in total last season and I feel like his ability on the wing could translate well to a needed fast and counterattacking style.
I am very excited about Pareja and Orlando City. I am happy for the club and for the fans because (and I am telling you now) this will be the turning point in the club’s MLS history. I love Pareja but I also need to be real about this… There is a cap on what Pareja will bring, and we saw that cap in Dallas. Will the play on the field be beautiful? No, but will it work and will they win more game? Yes. Parjea will not bring you a LAFC level output, but the output that he will get you with time is WAY above where they have been. Pareja will get you a team that comes out with 56-62 points in a season (once things are set up in his manner) and that is something that The Wall down in Orlando deserves.
Pareja is back, MLS and Orlando City fans rejoice!!!
