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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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13 JUL 2016: Orlando City FC defender Luke Boden (14) during the second half of the game between the New York Red Bulls and the Orlando City FC played at Red Bull Arena in Harrison,NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
13 JUL 2016: Orlando City FC defender Luke Boden (14) during the second half of the game between the New York Red Bulls and the Orlando City FC played at Red Bull Arena in Harrison,NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Earl Edwards Jr. – Loudoun United (USL Championship)

The first of the substitutes for Orlando when they made their MLS bow was goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. The shot-stopper’s career began with Ventura County Fusion, before he signed for Seattle’s U-23 side.

After a year with them, Edwards moved back to the Fusion before signing for Orlando ahead of the 2015 campaign. He was primarily used as the back-up ‘keeper, and only played a handful of games for the club in his four year spell in Florida.

Edwards did spend some time with the B team of the Lions, before signing for D.C. United ahead of the 2019 season. He is currently on loan at D.C.’s affiliate team, Loudoun United, who play in the USL Championship.

Sean St Ledger – Unattached

Former Republic of Ireland centre-half Sean St Ledger was on the bench for Orlando in their debut game in MLS back in 2015. The Irishman spent the majority of his playing career in England before making the move to the States. He most famously played for Peterborough United and Preston North End, playing over 200 times for the latter.

St Ledger also spent time with Stevenage Borough, Middlesbrough, Leicester City, Millwall and Ipswich Town before signing for the Lions for their 2015 campaign. However, St Ledger only spent half the season with the club before being traded to the Colorado Rapids. After a a year with the Rapids, the Irishman moved back to England, and last played for Guiseley in the National League. The 34-year-old is currently a free agent.

Luke Boden – Orlando SeaWolves (MASL)

Another player to have graced both the English and American leagues was Luke Boden, who was also on the bench for Orlando’s first game in MLS against NYCFC. The left-sided Englishman started his professional career with Sheffield Wednesday in 2006, and spent time on loan with Chesterfield, Rushden & Diamonds and Northampton Town.

Boden made the move to Orlando in 2011 for their first USL campaign. He spent six years with the team, playing 87 times in USL, before making the transition to MLS with the side, and playing a further 45 games for the Lions in the top flight. After leaving the club in 2016, Boden moved to Tampa Bay Rowdies, and currently plays for the Orlando SeaWolves alongside Lewis Neal.

Tony Cascio – Unattached

Attacking midfielder Tony Cascio was on the bench for Orlando’s MLS bow, but never actually played a game for the Lions. He played 42 times for the Colorado Rapids between 2012 and 2014, before transferring to Orlando for the 2015 campaign. Cascio then moved to Arizona United for the 2016 season.

The midfielder then missed the entire 2017 season, before signing for Sporting AZ for the 2018 campaign. The American is currently unattached.

Darwin Cerén – Houston Dynamo (MLS)

Darwin Ceren started Orlando’s first ever MLS game on the bench, but became a vital part of their team for their first 18 months in the top flight. The Salvadorian spent the first five years of his professional career with Juventud Independiente, scoring 15 times in 87 leagues for the club.

Ceren made his international debut with El Salvador in 2012, and he has gone on to become the captain of his country, notching up over 40 appearances for his country. The midfielder moved to Orlando for the 2014 campaign, playing in both USL and MLS for the Lions. He totalled over 70 appearances for the club before moving to the San Jose Earthquakes midway through 2016.

Ceren remains in MLS, but has moved from the ‘Quakes to the Houston Dynamo in January 2018, and he helped the Texan side win the U.S. Open Cup later that year.

Eric Avila – Birmingham Legion (USL Championship)

The penultimate substitute for Orlando’s first ever MLS game was versatile midfielder Eric Avila, who was on loan at the club for the 2015 campaign. The American started his career with the San Fernando Valley Quakes, before spending time with Ventura County Fusion ahead of a move into MLS with FC Dallas.

He spent seven years in the league, playing over 150 times for them, along with spells at Toronto FC and Chivas USA before the club disbanded. Avila moved to Santos Laguna and was immediately loaned to Orlando for their inaugural MLS campaign. After the season, he then played for Tampa Bay Rowdies, Phoenix Rising and ASC San Diego.

The midfielder then featured for Las Vegas Lights before signing for the Birmingham Legion ahead of the 2019 season.

Bryan Rochez – Nacional (LigaPro, POR)

Honduran forward Bryan Rochez spent a total of two and a half seasons with the Lions from the start of their debut campaign to midway through the 2017 season. He started his professional career with Real España, and during his time with the club, Rochez made his international bow.

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Orlando City then signed the forward for their first MLS term, and the forward was a key part of their early run. He then spent time on loan with the B team, before signing for Atlanta United in 2017. Rochez spent just a couple of months at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before signing for Portuguese side Nacional, the club he plays for today.

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