As Orlando City continues its transition into Major League Soccer, we take a moment to recognize three players this week whose contributions led the Lions to five USL PRO titles and the best record of any U.S. professional soccer team in its first 100 league matches.
“I believe… I believe in… I believe in Dennis Chin… I believe in Dennis Chin!” Local player Dennis Chin’s journey with Orlando City characterizes a dream held by many aspiring young players.
Better known as “Chinny,” the Oviedo, Fla. native launched his professional career in his own backyard, after excelling at the youth and semi-pro level.
Chin was discovered by Head Coach Adrian Heath at a tryout session, organized for the Englishman to observe several other players. However, the speedster’s athleticism and contagious personality quickly stood out amongst the group, catching the gaffer’s eye.
“It seems like a long time ago that I was watching Chinny in a practice game out in Oviedo,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “There was a guy who had put some players together for me to observe, and he wasn’t one of the ones that I was supposed to be looking at. But what caught me was his athleticism and the fact that he kept scoring and smiling. His enthusiasm was infectious, and I thought that he certainly deserved an opportunity.”
Another member of the five championship club, Chin transformed from a rookie super-sub to City’s all-time leading goal-scorer, dancing his way into the hearts of the Lion pride. In 84 appearances with Orlando, Chinny produced 29 goals, several of which came in vital postseason matches. The striker’s honors aside from the trophies include USL PRO Scoring Champion, Golden Boot and First Team All-League.
“It’s night and day how far he’s come along,” continued Heath. “He’s going to score goals wherever he goes. He’s another guy who is really popular within the Club and the dressing room, so I have no doubt that over the next few years our paths will cross again.”
A shining example of starting from the bottom to rise to the top, Chin was active in the community as well, serving as a coach within OCSC’s youth ranks while also dedicating his player cause to the New Image Youth Center (NYIC) in one of Orlando’s most troubled neighborhoods.
The NIYC – a project close to Chin’s heart – fought to help inner city children avoid drugs, gangs and negative influences within the Parramore district. In December, Chin donated a $10,000 check on behalf of the Orlando City Foundation to assist the NIYC with its rent payments.
Although the hometown hero may be moving on to continue his playing career, his influence both on and off the field will always be remembered.
Cheers, Chinny! #ForeverALion.
