On February 20, seven SIMA student-athletes and alumni had the opportunity to represent Orlando City Soccer Club, a member of Major League Soccer (MLS), in their victory over New England Revolution. This was the final match in Orlando City’s very own inaugural preseason tournament, the Orlando City Invitational.

In Orlando City’s final match of the tournament, SIMA student-athletes and alumni saw playing time to aid City’s eventual dominating victory. Two MVA/SIMA juniors saw playing time including Hamady Diop and Moussa Sabaly. Two MVA/SIMA seniors saw playing time as well including Ates Diouf and Jordan Bender who are both members of OCB, Orlando City’s League One team.

Matheus Silva ‘15 and Benji Michel ‘16 are both alumni of Montverde Academy and the SIMA program and saw playing time in the victory match. Michel is currently on the roster for City and Silva is a solid Brazilian defender for OCB.

Santiago Patino also has connections to the SIMA program as he played in their Professional Development League (PDL) team in 2017 and was responsible for the fourth OC goal in the 49th minute with an assist from Uri Rosell.

Silva, Michel, Patino and Diop (a 17 years old Montverde Academy student) started and played all 90 minutes for Orlando City as they faced the Revolution.

Orlando City saw tough competition in the Invitational from Minnesota United, New York City FC and New England. After claiming the trophy, Orlando City and Benji Michel will now focus on their regular season opener against New York City FC at 2:30 p.m. in the Orlando City Stadium.

Bender, Diouf and Silva will also be preparing for OCB’s season opener on Saturday, March 30 against Tuscon FC at 7:30 p.m. in the Montverde Academy Athletic Complex.