After months of grueling work, Orlando City B coach Anthony Pulis savored a breakthrough.
He had worked closely with Mikey Ambrose and Tony Rocha, helping the players improve their skills. Orlando City went through a jarring coaching change, but new leader Jason Kreis won the top job, in part, because he was committed to using the USL team feed talent to the Major League Soccer team.
Kreis listened to evaluations of OCB players, watched them train and then witnessed strong play by Ambrose and Rocha during a friendly against Stoke City.
The coach ultimately jumped ahead of schedule and signed Ambrose and Rocha to Major League Soccer contracts, helping OCB exceed expectations in its first season as a developmental club for Orlando City.