Lions to sign forward Michel to Homegrown contract
Orlando City is set to sign University of Portland forward Benji Michel to a Homegrown contract, club sources confirmed to Pro Soccer USA.
Michel, 21, is an Orlando native who played at Montverde Academy and for Orlando City's development academy. He recorded double-digit goals during each of his three seasons at Portland, scoring 10 goals in his freshman and sophomore years and 11 goals in his junior year.
Michel was a 2018 United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American. Across three seasons for Portland, Michel appeared in 53 games with 51 starts. He scored the gamewinning goal in Portland's 1-0 victory over UCLA in the first round of the 2018 NCAA tournament.
Reports regarding Michel signing with Orlando City surfaced on Friday.
Orlando City needs help in the attack. The Lions scored 43 goals last season, tied for last in the Eastern Conference. Star striker Dom Dwyer scored 13 of those goals.
Toward the end of last season, coach James O'Connor lamented the lack of balance of Orlando City's roster.
“I've got a real understanding of what we want,” O'Connor said at the time. “What we're going to get in the offseason. For us, every coach is different for how they build out their squad. When I look at it, to have two strikers on a squad of 30 players, I don't think there's enough balance there. That's my opinion.
“Next year, it'll be different. We'll be more balanced. But that's my opinion.”
Crew saved
Major League Soccer reached an agreement in principle with the Haslam and Edwards families to assume ownership of Columbus Crew SC starting in January 2019.
“While we work to finalize the deal promptly, we want to state publicly the tremendous collaboration and community support for Crew SC, which has set the stage for a powerful plan that includes a worldclass soccer stadium — a critical step that will help ensure the club's success on and off the field,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement released by the league Friday. “We appreciate all the diligent work from the Haslam and Edwards families, the leadership from the Columbus Partnership, the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the State of Ohio, Precourt Sports Ventures, and all of those who have contributed over the past several months to create the elements that will solidify Crew SC's long-term future as an integral part of the Columbus sports scene.”
Earlier in the day, Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein announced the lawsuit against MLS was dropped by the city and state, clearing the way for the sale to be finalized.
“From the start, this litigation was about keeping the Crew in Columbus, and I believe we are finally there. After having conversations with the new ownership group, I believe that it's time to tentatively dismiss the lawsuit so that the deal can be finalized, and once it's done, the case can be permanently closed,” Klein said.
“I can't thank #SaveTheCrew enough for having my back as we did the unexpected — we saved the Crew. I'm looking forward to celebrating the launch of the 2019 season right here in Columbus on March 2nd!”