Homegrown defender Tommy Redding will start Orlando City’s season opener against Real Salt Lake in place of injured centerback David Mateos.
Lions coach Adrian Heath is opting to rely on the inexperienced yet talented Redding instead of veteran Aurélien Collin to kick off Orlando City’s second MLS season.
The move puts pressure on Redding, who is entering his third MLS season, to thrive in a high-pressure environment, with Orlando City hoping to draw 62,000 fans to its opener. The 19-year-old Oviedo native played 87 minutes last season, including a strong performance against the Philadelphia Union.