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Orlando City’s inaugural MLS squad: Where are they now?

By Matt Coles

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 08: The group photo of the Orlando City SC prior to an MLS soccer match between the New York City FC and the Orlando City SC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on March 8, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. This was the first game for both teams and the final score was 1-1.(Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 08: The group photo of the Orlando City SC prior to an MLS soccer match between the New York City FC and the Orlando City SC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on March 8, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. This was the first game for both teams and the final score was 1-1.(Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 16: Frank Lampard #8 of New York City FC stops the ball in front of Lewis Neal #24 of Orlando City SC during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and the Orlando City SC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on October 16, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. Orlando won the match 2-1 and keeps their playoff hopes alive after winning their 5th straight game. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 16: Frank Lampard #8 of New York City FC stops the ball in front of Lewis Neal #24 of Orlando City SC during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and the Orlando City SC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on October 16, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. Orlando won the match 2-1 and keeps their playoff hopes alive after winning their 5th straight game. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

LW – Lewis Neal – Orlando SeaWolves (MASL)

On the left side of midfield was Englishman Lewis Neal, who was in his second stint with the club at the time of their MLS bow. He went on to play 21 times for the Lions over the course of the 2015 campaign, clocking up just over 1500 minutes of playing time.

Neal’s professional career started in 2000, when he made his debut for Stoke City at the age of 19. He played for the Midlands club for five seasons before moving north to join Preston North End. The Englishman then had spells at Notts County, Carlisle United and Shrewsbury Town before making the move Stateside for the first time in his career.

He played 21 times for the Lions in their 2011 USL campaign, before signing for D.C. United ahead of the 2012 MLS season. Neal played over 50 times for the capital’s side, and scored the only goal in the 2013 U.S. Open Cup final as D.C. lifted the trophy for the third time in their history.

Neal returned to Orlando for the 2015 season, and played 21 games, scoring four times. He then spent time with the B team, along with becoming a coach in the Orlando City academy program. Neal continues to coach in the academy, along with playing for the Orlando SeaWolves in the Major Arena Soccer League.

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