Six Orlando City SC players head to international duty during this break. But eyes and a few furrowed brows focus on one.
During his meteoric season as a defensive starter for Orlando City SC, Alex Freeman and five others head for work during this international break.
Some of the call-ups are expected. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese runs out with Peru’s national team and their World Cup qualifiers. Marco Pasalic joins the Croatia national team in their qualifiers. David Brekalo joins Slovenia, and Dagur Dan Thorhallsson joins Iceland for international friendlies.
Colin Guske leaves the Orlando pitch to join the U.S. Youth U-18 National Team for the UEFA Friendship Cup. He is joined by Orlando City B player Justin Ellis and Jackson Platts of the Academy.
Finally, the Academy’s Dylan Judelson will work in Canada’s U-17 training camp.
But brows still furrow as Freeman leaves down amidst transfer rumors. It was mere months ago that Freeman fought for a spot on the Lions roster. Then he used every opportunity on the pitch to get a starting position.
The starting assignments have come for him. However, with the attention from coaches and the U.S. Men’s National Team, he is now on the radar of European clubs. That makes Orlando City supporters nervous, especially as he heads to Chicago for drills, then international friendlies.
There will be competition in the Gold Cup later in June. This is his first international call-up.
At the Academy level, Jackson Platts is also enjoying attention and taking advantage of his recent chances of advancement. On June 1, he and fellow Academy player Clovis Archange were signed to Orlando City B contracts.
These are the first professional contracts for the adidas Cup U-18 winners.
Now Platts goes to experience working with the USYNT U-18 team and compete in the UEFA Friendship Cup.
Supporters won’t have much time to rest from worrying about Freeman before they start worrying about Platts. Orlando City SC has that much top talent. They are worth the worry.