(Credit: @RandyMendoza_3)
When the year 2019 is all said and done, memories of Orlando City SC’s U.S. Open Cup win at Memphis 901 FC may fade, but not for Randy Mendoza.
He may have only been on the field for a matter of minutes after replacing Santiago Patiño but 120 stoppage time seconds will forever be etched in the memory of the 23-year-old Californian.
Signed by Orlando City B for their 2019 rebirth under Fernando Jose De Argila Irurita, Randy Mendoza could’ve never imagined he’d play in the Orlando City SC first team so soon.
An attack-minded left back, nothing could’ve prepared Randy Mendoza for his surprise first team call-up waiting for him in early June.
Part of the Orlando City B squad that defeated Forward Madison 2-1 on the Friday preceding the Memphis 901 FC game, Mendoza was already on a high.
But less than 24 hours after helping OCB to their third victory in four games, a call from Sporting Director and former United States international defender Oguchi Onyewu changed it all.
Carry on reading as Randy Mendoza reflects on his proudest soccer moment so far as well as telling Orlando City UK a little more about himself.
How did it feel making your senior Orlando City SC debut at Memphis 901 FC in the U.S. Open Cup in June?
Making my debut felt so amazing. I dreamed of this as a kid.
All that came to my mind when I first came onto the pitch was all the people who had helped me get to that point.
When did you first learn you were going to be a part of the first team for the U.S. Open Cup game?
We had a game that Friday with Orlando City B and I got the call on Saturday morning by Oguchi Onyewu saying they had selected me for the U.S. Open Cup and that I needed to report to training the next day which was a Sunday.
In the @OrlandoCitySC first team for the very first time, it’s a big night for @OrlandoCityB product, @randymendoza_3! 👍🏽😁
He’s been allocated squad number 3️⃣4️⃣.#MEMvORL #USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/wHv82FjrCz
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) June 13, 2019
What did James O’Connor tell you before you were subbed in?
James O’Connor was so helpful and made me feel welcome leading up to the game. He just told me to enjoy the moment as I was getting subbed in.
90+2 MINUTES | 1-3
Sub for @OrlandoCitySC & it’s a real special moment for young @randymendoza_3 with the @OrlandoCityB product coming on for @SPatino_7 in stoppage time! Congratulations, Randy! 👏🏽👏🏽#MEMvORL #USOC2019 pic.twitter.com/NGASiAGXAR
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) June 13, 2019
Tell us more about the position you play? What kind of player are you?
I’m a left back that loves to get up and down the line.
I love to attack as much as I love to defend. I love working hard for my team and fight until the final whistle blows.
How did you get into football?
I got into football through my uncle. He was big on soccer and was like a father figure to me. He signed me up at the age of five and I haven’t stopped since.
What team did you support as a child?
I supported Barcelona and still do.
Who is your footballing idol?
My footballing idol is between Marcelo and Carles Puyol.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I still see myself playing football, hopefully at a high level.
Who is your best mate at Orlando City B?
It’s tough to choose a best mate because I get along with everybody but my closest friends since I’ve been here have been Christian Herrera and Koby Osei-Wusu.
What is the best ground you’ve played at in your career so far?
The best ground I’ve played at would probably have to be the St. George’s Park facility in England.
What are your personal goals for 2019?
My personal goal for 2019 was and still is to win a championship and be signed to the first team full-time.
*THIS INTERVIEW WAS EXCLUSIVELY CONDUCTED BY ORLANDO CITY UK ON JULY 17TH 2019*