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Since the departure of Orlando’s star player and captain Kaká, Orlando City no longer has a team captain. When Kaká was injured last season, the armband was worn by both Will Johnson and Joe Bendik at some points during the season.
Lions head coach Jason Kreis has said he is currently evaluating a few players. In order to be the captain (according to me), you should have at least these qualities: leadership, trust of the coaching staff, trust of the players, well-liked by the fans, willing to work hard every day, and experience. So let’s take a look at some possible choices for Orlando City’s captain during the 2018 season, in no particular order.
Joe Bendik
The fan-favorite goalkeeper who has made 67 appearances for OCSC since 2016 — the second-most of players currently on the team — posted two straight years of 100+ saves and won MLS Save of the Week 11 times and Save of the Year once, is an obvious choice for captain. He has been a leader on the team for the past two seasons and would be a trustworthy option for captain.
Jonathan Spector
Arguably one of the most experienced players on the team, Spector, or “Specs,” was a product of Manchester United’s youth academy, and has played in England for the likes of West Ham and Birmingham City. He was also named Manchester United’s Young Player of the Year in 2004. Though only brought to Orlando before the 2017 season, he is our top defender, and our defense has been less than stout when he isn’t at the helm. Even though he only made 25 appearances last season due to injury, with the most experience and skill, he would be a good choice for captain.
Will Johnson
Although a new addition to the team in 2017, Johnson made a lasting impact holding down the midfield when we needed it most. He wore the captain’s armband during the period early last season when Kaka was injured, and is well liked and trusted by Kreis. He also has versatility, as he has played fullback, defensive midfield, and other positions around the field.He has the most MLS experience in the team, playing since 2005 for the Chicago Fire, Real Salt Lake under Kreis, the Portland Timbers, and Toronto FC before joining Orlando City. He is the most successful player in MLS on the team, as he is a two-time MLS champion (RSL and Portland), a three-time MLS All-Star (2009, 2013, 2014), and Canadian Player of the Year in 2013. As he has already worn the Captain’s armband for Orlando, and is the one of the most decorated players on this list, he would be a great choice for captain.
Sacha Kljestan
One of many new arrivals this season, one of the most high-profile signings for Orlando City, Kljestan is poised to make an immediate impact on the team (After his two game suspension). He was the captain for the New York Red Bulls during the 2017 season, replacing Dax McCarty, and has shown to be a leader on the pitch. He has made 52 appearances for the USMNT since 2006, and has played for the now defunct Chivas USA, Belgian club Anderlecht, and the Red Bulls. He won the Belgian League 3 times with Anderlecht and won the Belgian Super Cup 4 times. He was named to the MLS Best XI twice (2008 and 2016), won the 2015 Supporters Shield, and was an MLS All-Star in 2016. Since he is already a leader on the pitch, he would be a great choice for captain.Overall, I believe the best choice for captain is Spector. Even though he was a new addition for the 2017 season, he is already well liked by the fans, has experience abroad, especially in the difficult English leagues, he is level-headed, and has a big influence over the team and defensive line.
After I posted a poll on “themaneland.com,” the winner according to 47 fans was Bendik, who with 43% of the vote beat out Spector who had 38% of the vote.
Andrew Bachrach is student in the ninth grade at Trinity Preparatory School.