ORLANDO, Fla.—The "Youth Movement" at Orlando City SC might not have achieved all its goals in 2016, but is unlikely to be cast aside anytime soon.
The team, which fields one of the youngest rosters in MLS, remains committed to developing its talent – albeit alongside some new veteran support.
That was the verdict of assistant general manager Niki Budalic as he looked back at a season of slow growth for many of the team’s youth personnel, such as center back Tommy Redding, Portuguese defender Rafa Ramos, Colombian winger Carlos Rivas and first round draft picks Hadji Barry and Richie Laryea.
As the Lions prepare for their final game of the 2016 season, at home to D.C United on Sunday (4pm ET, MLS LIVE), only a handful – Cyle Larin, Cristian Higuita, Ramos and Redding – have made at least 10 starts, though Rivas and Ramos have played fewer games than 2015 and the likes of Tyler Turner, Harrison Heath and Bryan Rochez have been loaned out for most of the season.
Jason Kreis’ squad boasts 15 players age 23 or younger, and Budalic admits there have been setbacks and growing pains. Yet he remains convinced the overall development has been positive.
“A lot of our young players have now been exposed to first team action and have contributed to it this year and last year,” Budalic said. “This club has always valued youth, and it is part of our DNA. I think our fans appreciate that and get excited by it.
“But you have to remember these players are all at different parts of their development. Some have been blooded before they were ready and some have got a lot of action. But it also depends on the balance of the squad and the opportunities that present themselves. The biggest factor this year has been suspensions and injuries, and the fact they’ve come at unfortunate times in some instances.”
Each of Higuita, Ramos, Redding, Heath and 2015 MLS Superdraft pick Conor Donovan have been hit by the injury bug, and the midseason head coaching change provided additional fluctuation in their fortunes.
Yet Budalic believes there have still been important strides in getting their youngsters more experience, even if it hasn’t always been in MLS. He called the addition of USL side Orlando City B the biggest difference between this season and last, as it provided time to players returning from injury and others or those who would've been watching the first team on matchday.
“It’s certainly the case with players like Tommy, Cristian and Carlos that they’re battling to prove themselves in the first team environment on a daily basis, and that’s not unique to young players,” he added. “With Rafa, he was unlucky with injuries that have prolonged his absence, and we were more conservative with his return, but, like Tommy, we’re very optimistic about his future.
“With Hadji and Richie, both started well in preseason but hit a bit of a rookie slump afterwards, which is fairly typical. Particularly with Richie, we had a lot of depth in his role and mentally it was a challenge. Hadji has a different skill set and has shown some promise off the bench, but both still have tons of potential and it is just a question of us getting it out of them.”
Rochez remains a different case, having started the season injured and unable to integrate into the squad. “We sent him back to his original club [in Honduras, on loan] to regain his form and fitness,” Budalic stressed. “But our intention is still to get him back to preseason so he can be able to contribute again.”
If there is one missing element in Orlando’s youth development, most notably when the players get a run in the first team, it is having veteran leadership around them to smooth over the rough edges and help them transition from “promising” to “flourishing.”
“Jason has a similar outlook on our youth policy,” Budalic insisted. “He wants to promote them, but we just need to find better ways to integrate them. The fundamental philosophy remains. It is a balance, and ownership has been very supportive of us building that foundation.
“On the flip side, you have to be aware of the need for some experience and we’ve tried to add some pieces around the younger players to help them. The priority this off-season will be to add more leadership and experience to balance the squad.”
The players themselves are still upbeat and positive about their chances, and see their position as at least glass half-full.
“As a 19-year-old center back, you don’t expect to get almost 20 games in your first full season,” Redding explained. “The things I’ve learned and experience I’ve gained this season is really amazing. I really think it’s the best year I could ask for. Next year is big for us and I think everyone’s going to come into preseason really hungry.”
Fellow defender Donovan is back training with the first team after spending most of the year with the USL team, and he thinks that has been vital for him.
“Last year I only managed three full games, but this year I’ve had 15 with OCB, one of which was a high-pressure playoff game, so that experience was invaluable,” he said. “Coming off an injury, it’s been great learning from some of the veterans, and I’m looking forward to coming back with a full offseason of training and a full preseason, and that should be the goal for all the young guys, working hard to get a chance and then taking advantage of it.”
