Embed from Getty Images
The first components of a new-look Orlando City B roster for 2017 were recruited yesterday as Anthony Pulis‘ side completed deals to sign defenders Zach Carroll, Scott Thomsen and Fernando Timbó.
Now Lions stars pending final sign off from both USL and U.S. Soccer, the trio’s arrivals follow on from extensive roster cuts made exactly a month ago.
With only Michael Cox, Pierre da Silva, Zach Ellis-Hayden, Jake Fenlason and captain Lewis Neal retained for OCB’s transition into Orlando City Stadium next year, Pulis’ rebuild plan has initially centred upon strengthening the defence.
Conceding the fifth most amount of goals (49) in USL last season, Zach Carroll, Scott Thomsen and Fernando Timbó‘s arrivals in Central Florida make up for the losses of Kyle Callan-McFadden, Craig Nitti and Andrew Ribeiro who suffered the cut.
But who exactly are Orlando City B‘s new boys and what can they contribute to the team?
Zach Carroll
Position(s): Centre Back
Nationality: United States
Hometown: Grand Blanc, Michigan
Date of Birth: 16/03/1994
Height: 6 ft 3 in
Former Clubs: RVA FC, Michigan Bucks, New York Red Bulls, New York Red Bulls II (Loan)
Twitter: @ZachAttack
What to expect?
A player very much on the rise, Orlando City B‘s capture of Zach Carroll looks like an inspired swoop.
Given the fact the 22-year-old appeared in 28 of New York Red Bulls II’s USL fixtures as they were crowned Eastern Conference champions last season, his consistency in fitness and winning experience will prove vital under Anthony Pulis’ leadership.
What Pulis said…
Scott Thomsen
Position(s): Left Back, Left Midfield
Nationality: United States
Hometown: Brick, New Jersey
Date of Birth: 31/12/1993
Height: 5 ft 10 in
Former Clubs: New York Red Bulls, Richmond Kickers
What to expect?
Making 10 appearances for Richmond Kickers this past season, Scott Thomsen is already familiar with USL and will be looking to improve his assists record with Orlando City B having landed one in 2016.
After all, the 22-year-old boasts a trusty left peg that has seen him be utilised higher up the field in his professional career to date.
What Pulis said…
“Scott is technically very gifted. He has a quality left foot and is tactically very astute.”
Fernando Timbó
Position(s): Centre Back, Left Back
Nationality: Brazil
Hometown: Timbó
Date of Birth: 16/03/1994
Height: 6 ft 3 in
Former Clubs: Coritiba, J. Malucelli (Loan), Austin Aztex, Ottawa Fury
What to expect?
The oldest and most experienced of Orlando City B‘s December arrivals, Fernando Timbó will bring steel and strength to the Lions’ backline, standing at a mighty 6 ft 3 in.
Boasting plenty of USL experience having represented both Austin Aztex and Ottawa Fury since 2015, an interesting piece of purple trivia is the fact Timbó was a team-mate of Orlando City SC stars Mikey Ambrose and Tony Rocha during his time in Texas.
What Pulis said…