MLS: Top 3 new homegrowns to watch in 2020

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TIJUANA, MEXICO – NOVEMBER 08: Oscar Pareja, coach of Tijuana during the 18th round match between Tijuana and Monterrey as part of the Torneo Apertura 2019 Liga MX at Caliente Stadium on November 8, 2019 in Tijuana, Mexico. (Photo by Gonzalo Gonzalez/Jam Media/Getty Images) /

1. Jordan Bender

A creative attacking midfielder who has worked his way through the Orlando system, Jordan Bender is a promising sign for an attacking Orlando force that can struggle to be clinical at times. They scored only 44 goals last season, the fifth-fewest in the league.

Originally joining Orlando’s DA squad at 13, Bender spent last season with Orlando’s League One affiliate OCB, where he made 16 appearances. He’s yet to make an appearance for Orlando’s first team so far in 2020 but proved deadly in the final third in Orlando’s preseason matches.

Moreover, with Oscar Pareja now at the helm, Orlando have announced their commitment to the young talent coming through. Pareja is renowned for his coaching ability and showed his willingness to use young players throughout his time at FC Dallas.

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As Orlando’s first player to make the first team through the club’s DA and USL teams, Bender has a strong future ahead of him. He will be looking to make hay this season as he embarks on his career.

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