It's been a season that has tested the depths of Orlando City's roster. Thanks to injuries, suspensions and national team call-ups, every player has had their shot. In fact, for the first time in Club history, every outfield player on the roster has seen the field in MLS play. As the season has progressed, more chances have presented themselves to some of the younger Lions.
"You've got a squad so players get opportunities when other players aren't available," head coach James O'Connor said following the Atlanta United match. "It gives a chance to look at Pierre [Da Silva], it gives a chance to look at, Jose [Villarreal]. Josue [Colmán] obviously got a start again. When you look at things, there are players that we want to look at as well. You look at the players we're missing, it gave us an opportunity to give them that opportunity tonight."
Da Silva, who had only one career MLS minute prior to Friday night, made his first appearance of the season. Da Silva has spent time with Saint Louis FC on two separate loans this season, but it looks like First Team minutes may be more plentiful in the future.
"I thought he had one flash second half where he cut inside," O'Connor said of the 20-year-old. "He was pretty direct, got at them, and then got in behind and got a decent cross. But I think he's a young guy who's trying to make his way in a difficult team performance."
For players like Da Silva that haven't had regular minutes, coming in when the team is chasing the game can make it hard for the head coach to analyze.
"It's hard for a young player when you come on in a situation like that to really go on and really impact the game," O'Connor said. "He needed some other guys to be really helping him as well. It's unfair to make judgments on a young player when we have that level of performance in the second half."
With the Major League Soccer season nearing the finish line and a handful of international call-ups on the horizon, Orlando City's youths may continue to have a chance to prove themselves. The Lions will host the Philadelphia Union this Saturday night at Orlando City Stadium.
