Many things about the 2018 Orlando City season left fans feeling aggravated and disappointed with the club they so passionately love. Perhaps one of the most shocking was the decline of former Lions starting goalkeeper Joe Bendik. A fan favorite throughout his time in purple, things got so bad with Bendik that Head Coach James O’Connor eventually had no choice but to bench him.
Backup keeper Earl Edwards Jr. took over starting between the sticks, but O’Connor didn’t see what he wanted from him either. Third-string keeper Adam Grinwis closed out the 2018 campaign in goal, and quickly won the hearts of many a dejected City fan with his athletic, passionate play.