Will Johnson is new to the team.
So is Jonathan Spector and Giles Barnes, just to name a few. Barnes is so new in fact that he flew in just a day before Orlando City’s annual Media Day.
“The airport was wonderful. I got to take the train to go get my bags, it was incredible,” joked Barnes.
Barnes was traded to Orlando just this past Saturday for Brek Shea, and the 28-year old veteran is ready to get to work. “I want to win things so I am going to bring that mentality day in and day out. Leave it on the field,” said Barnes.
“I think the team has just been unlucky to be honest with you, there were a couple of results last year that didn’t really go towards them, kind of hindered them towards the end. But this year is going to be completely different. We are looking to charge for the Cup and not just get into the playoffs.”
It’s a brand new feeling surrounding the club, with the new stadium being finished in time for the home opener, and new faces on the roster. And Head Coach Jason Kreis may not technically be new, but in his first full season with the club, he is definitely putting his thumbprint on the team going into 2017.
“Coaches we have a vision for how we see the game, how we want our team to play when they have the ball, when they don’t have the ball and all these moments, transition moments. And what you hope always is to have that vision fulfilled in real life,” said Kreis.
It may seem like a lot of change with new guys in and names like Shea and Kevin Molino missing. But change is necessary for the club to finally achieve their goals.
“Of course, we have to do something different from the last two seasons to not miss 1 or 3 points to make the playoffs, so probably we are going to change and see the results at the end of the season,” said Orlando City captain Kaka.
The Lions open the 2017 season on Sunday, facing off against New York City FC at 5:00 pm.