When it comes to Orlando City SC club legends, few can lay bigger claim to the title than Miguel Gallardo.
A veteran of two USL Championship titles and three regular season triumphs with the Lions, the 35-year-old goalkeeper has now swapped the 18-yard-box for the punditry booth.
Spearheading Orlando City SC’s live matchday broadcasting team, Gallardo is living out his dream some 1,600 miles across the Gulf of Mexico from his birthplace Torreón.
A loyal disciple of the club since it’s early roots in Austin, Texas, few Lions know and love Orlando City SC like Miguel Gallardo does.
We caught up with the player-turned-pundit to speak about his soccer journey, what Orlando means to him, and all other things Orlando City SC.
You’ve been involved with Orlando City SC since the Austin Aztex days. Mexico is home but does The City Beautiful feel like home too?
Moving to the U.S. at 14, I moved to Orlando in 2011. Leaving Austin thinking I would return, it feels like my home too since a part of my family is there.
But what I experienced coming to Orlando, I’ve had some of the best years of my life here.
Winning titles constantly and playing a fun style of football where I felt like an important part of the team was simply an incredible feeling. That’s only the on-field stuff.
Elsewhere, I’m still good friends with my team-mates today and contrary to what people may think, this doesn’t happen as much in football as you’d believe.
All the loyal supporters and staff behind the scenes continue to make Orlando City SC what it is. Not only that but I met my wife here and had my baby here so all these things give me an even greater sense of belonging.
So yeah… Orlando is my home.
How did you fall in love with soccer? What’s your earliest memory and what team did you support growing up?
I grew up around it all the time. Following my hometown team Santos Laguna is a religion.
On gamedays, the city turns green and white, and everyone plays soccer all the time. I was naturally good at it and believe it or not, I was a field player – a dribbler.
I used to play football with the kids in my hood until around 10pm on the street. Playing until my Mom screamed for me to get back inside, these are some of my fondest memories.
These experiences gave me confidence, an identity and made me want to pursue a full-time career.
Football is my first love and as much as I don’t want to be defined because of it, it’s undeniably a big part of who I am.
You’re part of Orlando City SC’s live matchday broadcast crew. Were you always interested in broadcasting and how is it working alongside Evan Weston and Jenny Chiu?
Honestly, I never even thought of working in broadcasting.
That said, I always felt very comfortable in front of the cameras as a player. Luckily for me, Director of Broadcasting Marcos Peres felt that I had potential to work in this field and I owe a lot to him for his vision.
Working with Evan and Jenny is great, and we learn from each other. Evan is a guy that just loves sports and he’s very talented in his field at such a young age.
Jenny is just a fun person and it’s been great watching her career grow. She has tremendous potential and she always wants to improve so it’s great to see that.
I think we all have a lot of growing to do but we’re all still very new in this business. However, we’re very passionate about delivering a quality broadcast and improving both individually and as a team.
You’ve been a player and now a pundit. What’s the best? Nothing beats playing, right?
I’m honestly enjoying the broadcasting a lot.
At first it felt like a job but now I’ve grown a real passion for it and I’m very hungry to achieve great things.
Sure, it doesn’t replace playing but the adrenaline of doing live tv is certainly something that’s very exciting too. This is why I love doing it.
You were part of Orlando City SC’s glorious years spent in USL. What is your favourite memory?
The people, man! Honestly, this city has embraced me and has made me feel like I belong. We all want to belong, right?
Feeling appreciated since day one, this city has shown me love and that’s why I never wanted to leave.
Also, I’ll never forget the car rides to training with Luke Boden, Rob Valentino and John Rooney. These are some of my favourite memories!
You spent many years in the locker room with Adrian Heath. Tell us something we wouldn’t know about Inchy.
Inchy thinks he is a great singer.
Let me put it this way, I wouldn’t turn my chair for him if I was judging on The Voice!
A difficult question but how did it feel leaving Orlando City SC in 2014 and not being part of the club’s MLS roster?
Of course it was difficult.
During my best years, I had opportunities to leave Orlando City SC for MLS clubs. But I always believed in the project to become a Major League Soccer team and hoped I’d be a part of it.
Nobody promised me this but I believed I had the talent to make it. Of course, loving the city and the team played a big part in me staying.
When 2015 came and I wasn’t part of Orlando City SC‘s MLS roster, I was confused. I was sad but I was so thankful that my phone was ringing with offers from other teams.
As soon as it became public that I wouldn’t be continuing with Orlando City SC in MLS, I had no time to be sad.
I was excited and thankful for the opportunity that Jacksonville Armada provided me. I learned a lot in my time there and the move kept me close to my girlfriend and now wife.
Looking back, of course I was upset. I wondered whether I could’ve done more but it was all part of my journey.
At the end of the day, I had a great opportunity to play the game in the city I love and that set me up for the role I have today.
This brings me great satisfaction.
What is your favourite thing about working at Orlando City SC? Do you have a matchday tradition or ritual?
The people, the fans, the stadium and the atmosphere of gameday, you know. It’s incredible!
Having had the chance to be a spectator and sideline reporter, being on the field is intense. It’s mesmerizing to see The Wall singing non-stop. When Orlando City SC scores a goal, it’s nirvana!
Also, being a part of the Orlando City Foundation and working with Kay Rawlins is very fulfilling.
Providing less fortunate kids with an opportunity to fall in love with soccer is something that’s very dear to my heart.
Working behind the scenes, tell us something we wouldn’t know about Oscar Pareja’s Orlando City SC?
I’m still getting to know Oscar Pareja so I don’t know too much that you wouldn’t know already.
What I can tell you is that there is fire in Oscar’s eyes. He’s a relentless competitor, works tirelessly and stays late to work with the younger guys in Orlando City B and the academy.
I’m excited to have him here and I think he will achieve great things with us.
Are you aware of how popular Orlando City SC are in the UK?
I’m sure you are part of why Orlando City SC is popular in the UK.
I would also assume it’s because of all the British tourists that visit Orlando too. It’s great!
If you could pick any Orlando City SC team-mate or colleague, who would be your ideal beer pong partner?
I’d play beer pong or go to war with that guy any day!
And finally, how influential do you think Pedro Gallese can be for Orlando City SC?
Pedro Gallese has great skills and he’s very calm.
Despite his lack of English, he’s a great communicator and has the ability to sense danger, organise and distribute effectively with his feet.
I don’t think we’ve had that before and to me, he’ll be a difference maker. His experience playing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Copa América, CONMEBOL qualifiers and games with big pressure is super important.
There is nothing here in MLS that will prove too big a moment for him. That being said, we shall see.
Goalkeepers go through moments but let’s hope he can find his rhythm and confidence quickly. If he can, he can be Orlando City SC‘s number one for many years to come.
*THIS INTERVIEW WAS EXCLUSIVELY CONDUCTED BY ORLANDO CITY UK ON APRIL 23RD 2020*