ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) announced on Wednesday that Senior Boys Academy Director Paul Shaw will become the new head coach for the Orlando City U23s. In addition to his role as a Director, Shaw will also take over as manager of the U23 squad who advanced to the PDL National Semifinals in 2012 and were named Southern Conference Champions.
“I'm extremely pleased and excited to be given the opportunity to lead the U23 PDL team,” said Shaw. “My aim is to continue to implement the club’s philosophy and style of play for the PDL team.”
Throughout his career, Shaw compiled an extensive resume as a player having made appearances for 15 professional clubs in Europe- including English Premier League giant Arsenal F.C. Shaw obtained his UEFA “B” License and, in 2011, was the head coach for former USL PRO side FC New York. Orlando City Soccer Club officials are certain that Shaw’s detailed background as a player and a coach will provide a positive impact for the U23 team.
The announcement was made after recent changes occurred in management with the PDL club. General Manager Terry Garzon and Head Coach Joe Avallone decided to step down to focus on their personal lives and business obligations. Avallone and Garzon had a highly successful 10 year tenure, winning the national championship in 2004, multiple playoff appearances and a Southern Conference championship in 2012.
“The club would like to thank Joe and Terry for all their hard work and success over the past 10 years. They have built successful teams both on and off the field and have made a significant contribution to junior soccer in Central Florida,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “Going forwards we know that the U23 team will be in very capable hands under Paul’s leadership. He has a proven track record in professional soccer and understands fully how important the team is to our future as a club”.
After being officially integrated with OCSC this past year, the Orlando City U23s had a successful inaugural season. The Lions finished second in their division (8-3-5) and defeated the Austin Aztex 4-2 en route to a semi-final appearance. The U23’s fell short, 2-1, to the Carolina Dynamo but marked their first appearance in the Final Four since the 2004 season.
