ORLANDO, Fla. — Saturday night was full of celebration for the youngest players on the Orlando City roster, as the team’s rookies and Homegrown players lifted the Lions to a 1-0 win over Columbus.
Homegrown rookie Benji Michel enjoyed a pair of firsts on Saturday night, recording his first MLS start and first MLS goal, while defender Kamal Miller saw his second start. And Orlando native Santiago Patiño entered for the final third of play to pressure the Columbus backline.
For Orlando City coach James O’Connor, the young players’ impact on Saturday’s game stands as a reflection of his team’s focus on future growth.