In Sunday night’s match against New York City FC, Central Defender José Aja received his second start of the season. Aja, who joined the club in training at the start of July, played very well against a strong NYCFC offense. If he can use both his size and agility moving forward, he will be a strong asset to this backline.
Orlando City acquired Aja from Club Nacional de Football in Uruguay, one of the best clubs in Uruguay. He had spent the six months prior on loan to another club in the league, Racing Club de Montevideo. He scored two goals and added an assist for Racing before coming to Orlando in July.
At 6’4, Aja could be a strong player for this Orlando City backline. While he is large and able to use his height to his advantage, he also moves quickly and with agility. He had a bicycle kick clearance this weekend against NYCFC that prevented a David Villa chance. He played alongside Defender David Mateos, who is emerging as a leader on the defense.
“I feel very comfortable playing with David Mateos because since the moment I arrived here he has backed me up and advised me, and we worked together on a daily basis,” Aja said after the match against NYCFC. “I feel very comfortable to be alongside him in the backline.”
Aja is hoping to help the team to reach their end goal of making the playoffs. “We have never had any doubt on our objective – we want to make the playoffs,” Aja said after Sunday’s match. “Our objective is very close and if we play and work like we did tonight, we know we are one step away from achieving it.”
Orlando City is facing two road games before returning to Camping World Stadium in September. Aja was grateful for the warm welcome he received from the local fans. “My first start in Orlando was excellent. Since I got here two months ago I have noticed that the fans support the team a lot,” Aja said. “Despite the rainy weather they stayed here, were behind us and were able to enjoy this incredible victory.”
Orlando City will travel next week to Montreal, to face the Impact in a match that has huge playoff implications. After that, they will travel to Los Angeles before returning home to face the Columbus Crew on September 17th.
