Pato plays sooner than expected for Orlando City
Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja didn’t plan on playing new striker Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva —— better known as Pato —— in the Lions’ preseason friendly this week until the veteran asked to be put into the match.
The former AC Milan star exited his mandatory quarantine period only days before, spending three training sessions with his new team. But Pareja said Pato was eager to get onto the pitch as quickly as possible.
“His attitude has been very good, tremendous, professional,” Pareja said. “He asked us to get involved in the game and we considered it was a good moment to give him some minutes in the second half.”
Pato entered as a second-half substitute during Thursday’s
scrimmage against New York City FC, the second friendly of the preseason for the Lions. Within minutes, he lined up a rocket from the outside of the box, set up by winger Chris Mueller.
Although Orlando ultimately lost the match 3-2, Pareja said Pato’s initial performance excited him.
“This made us even more optimistic about what he can contribute to the team,” Pareja said. “It’s a good start. Hopefully in the next weeks we can work him up on his fitness and adjusting to our game model, and that way he can be even more important.”
Although veterans like Pato and mainstays like Mueller impacted the competition, Pareja said the main goal of the first two preseason matches was to provide minutes to younger players.
New goalkeeper Brandon Austin — a Tottenham youth product signed on loan for the 2021 season — started in goal for both matches against Philadelphia and New York City FC. Although he allowed three goals in the match against NYCFC, only one came from the run of play after the Lions allowed two penalties in the first half.
Austin will be expected to fill in for starter Pedro Gallese throughout his international duty for Peru this season. Pareja said those initial performances bolstered his confidence in the young keeper.
“His participation in the last two games has been a highlight,” Pareja said. “To bring in a player who despite of his age has shown a lot of personality, we are very optimistic about the absences Pedro might have this year. With Mason [Stajduhar] and Brandon, I think we have a good cover.”
Dike continues to soar
Orlando City and United States men’s national team fans alike spent Wednesday celebrating the growth of Lions star Daryl Dike, who was called up by the U.S. and scored a pair of goals for Barnsley on loan.
Pareja said he’s been thrilled to watch Dike’s growth, particularly playing in a more physical position for a team that attacks the goal with a very direct style.
Acknowledging recent reports of Orlando City turning down a $10 million offer for the striker, he reiterated his confidence that Dike will return to Orlando at the end of his loan.
“We knew that would happen,” Pareja said. “But at this point, we’re just enjoying watching one more American succeeding in Europe in a very competitive league. I think he shows the whole world how much talent we have here and we are very proud of that . ... Daryl’s return is in the schedule. We’ll see what happens from here on. We will keep preparing without him, but we also wait on the days that he should be here with the group.”
Van der Water delayed, Ruan returns
The Lions are still awaiting the arrival of their final new signing for the 2021 season — Dutch winger Silvester van der Water.
Pareja said van der Water is still waiting for his paperwork to be approved through the embassy before he can move to Orlando. However, the coach said he’s confident van der Water’s fitness will not be a concern because he is coming straight off the Dutch season.
Meanwhile, defender Ruan returned to Orlando this week after leaving preseason camp following the death of his mother last Tuesday. The defender went home to Brazil for the funeral and is now completing his mandatory quarantine and testing process.
Pareja said the team will be patient in Ruan’s return.
“I saw him in a better mood,” Pareja said. “Obviously what his family has gone through is very difficult, but Ruan’s professionalism and his commitment with the team is fantastic.”