Coach disagrees with call
Orlando City’s lineup will look a bit different when he Lions take the field Saturday against the L.A. Galaxy.
Midfielder Matías Pérez García was suspended for the match and fined earlier this week for violent conduct after the MLS Disciplinary Committee reviewed a collision between Pérez García and the New York Red Bulls’ Felipe last week.
Lions head coach Jason Kreis said Wednesday he didn’t think the suspension was the right call.
“Disappointed, because live during the game I didn’t think anything was there. I really didn’t,” Kreis said. “I think both players went into a 50-50 challenge a little bit recklessly. Both players, I think, had a little bit of action after the play. I think if you look at that play from a different angle, you could make the same argument that he ought to be suspended for stepping on Matías’ arm.
“But, at the end of the day, we don’t get to make those decisions, we don’t get to be a part of those decisions, so we just respect them and move forward.”
Pérez García has played a vital role in the Lions’ midfield this year, starting all four matches and stepping up in Kaká’s absence. Kreis said it’s a blow to the team to lose such an important player who has been working so hard and performing well.
“The positive is that somebody else gets an opportunity and we look forward to that,” Kreis said, adding that it’s still to be determined if 23-year-old Luis Gil, who was signed last week, will be ready to step into Pérez García’s role on Saturday.
Gil made his debut for the Lions Sunday against the Red Bulls, playing the final six minutes of the game. He said the little time he got on the field felt good and he’s almost 100 percent acclimated to the team and he’s hoping his familiarity with Kreis — he played under him at Real Salt Lake — will expedite the process.
“We’re all here to compete for that starting lineup,” Gil said. “It’s not going to be easy. You just have to outwork players and train hard every single day.
“We’ve talked about me maybe playing in the 10 spot on the top of the diamond, or outside wide. Whatever position is there for me to take, I’ll be there.”
Deakin waived
Orlando City waived its only 2017 MLS SuperDraft pick, Danny Deakin, Thursday afternoon.
The move opens an international roster spot for the Lions.
Deakin is expected to sign a United Soccer League contract with Orlando City B in the near future, a source told the Orlando Sentinel.
Deakin, 23, was selected 64th overall in the January draft. He spent last year with Detroit City FC of the National Premier Soccer League, where he recorded one goal and two assists during nine appearances in the midfield.
Born in Sheffield, England, Deakin attended Mercyhurst University, which he led to two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances before transferring to the University of South Carolina.
He was among the nine Orlando City players loaned to OCB for the season before the club decided to waive him. Deakin made one start in three appearances for OCB, registering 111 minutes.