International duty continues for a few Orlando City SC starters. So supporters draw a cautious breath. Then they ask, who will step forward?
Supporters seek a player or two who can make good on their expectations for development for the Orlando City SC. International duty continues for three key starters.
Those three are defender David Brekalo, goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, and midfielder Wilder Cartagena. Those three have been key to any measure of success the team has found employing their back-three (three-defender) scheme in matches.
One player supporters would look to is defender Mikey Halliday, out nursing an injury to his right knee.
The homegrown squad member occupies Supplement Slots 29-30 on the Orlando roster. Supporters have seen little of him earlier this season.
He has appeared in four games, taking three shots with one on-target. He previously made 17 starts in 36 appearances. The club signed him to a two-year contract through 2025 in January, with options. The front office acknowledged that he’s a player still in progress, but with lots of potential.
He’s only the second player in the franchise to complete the club’s development path from academy to MLS.
Once he heals and works his way back to the pitch, scouts say he’ll continue blocking opponents’ shots and creating chances with key passes. He’ll also continue his progress in aerial duels and playing short passes.
Where they need him to develop right away is staying focused on drills. In his limited appearances this season, he has indeed shown increased focus. That is especially true in the team’s 1-0 losing effort earlier this season against FC Cincinnati.
Halliday came in during first-half stoppage time and stayed on the pitch for the second. He pressed his entire time on the pitch, working to create chances for a score.
He got off one on-target shot, a tackle, and drew a yellow card.
As he heals and resumes drills, it’s time to give him a chance to create those chances – for himself and Orlando City SC.