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Orlando City SC Poised To Be Competitive In Inaugural MLS Season

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By @DFresh39

2015 Orlando City SC Preview

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

There is no question that Orlando City SC have a top-notch marketing department, but the buildup is almost over. The team that Adrian Heath and the rest of the front office has built ahead of the 2015 MLS season seems to have gelled. It remains to be seen if they will be competitive in the Eastern Conference, but on paper it seems plausible, with a good mix of veteran and young players. The real tests start on Sunday in front of 60,000 fans.

OCSC were very active with acquiring players already in MLS aside from the Expansion Draft. They used a variety of trades, including sending some players they acquired in that draft to other teams, to build a solid first-year roster. Of course the big name all along has been Kaka. The 32-year-old midfielder was once considered the best player in all of football and now takes over as captain of a new franchise.

Aurélien Collin and Amobi Okugo were introduced one the same day and will be a major part of the defensive spine of the team. They bring plenty of MLS experience to the new team. Okugo may have his first chance to truly shine without the restraints of coaching. Collin was wearing out his welcome with Sporting KC, so his demeanor and attitude will be under the microscope.

Brek Shea moved back to MLS and will be moving to a new position. His new role as an outside back seems to be where his future lies with the USMNT as well. Shea, along with the other fullback, Rafael Ramos, will be expected to get forward in a wide position putting stress on Okugo and the center backs. Newly acquired Seb Hines should pair with Collin once he reaches full fitness.

Kaka will be flanked by Lewis Neal and Kevin Molino. Molino has been one of the best playing in the States not in MLS in the past two years, and he could really flourish in the space that Kaka can create.

The lone striker role will be given to designated player Bryan Róchez. OCSC got the 20-year-old forward in great form after making his debut with the Honduras National Team. Top draft pick Cyle Larin and Pedro Ribeiro will provide depth at the position.

Expansion franchises have not had great success in MLS. The experience on the team will go a long way and they will have no trouble selling tickets. The Shea and Neal combination on the left side will be the target of opposition. Teams will be able to exploit defensive lapses and should be able to score plenty. However, OCSC will find the back of the net plenty of times in their own right. If nothing else, it will be a fun season in Orlando.

2015 prediction: 9-12-13, 40 Points, Eighth in the East

Douglas Smith is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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