Pilots in the pros

Chris Reeves is getting some playing time in Colorado

https://gazette.com/sports/playing-time-no-longer-a-problem-for-switchbacks-center-back/article_24d722ae-af39-11e9-86b8-d3c789da1a66.html

And of course Beni got his first goal In Orlando. At least he’s still wearing purple.

https://portlandpilots.com/index.aspx?mobile=skip

Rey Ortiz drafted by Cincinnati in the second round...29th overall pick in the MLS Super Draft.  

https://www.reddit.com/r/FCCincinnati/comments/emekj2/we_selected_rey_ortiz_midfielder_out_of_portland/

The above link will take you to a video I think you'll like...

DoubleDipper wrote:Rey Ortiz drafted by Cincinnati in the second round...29th overall pick in the MLS Super Draft.  

Student first...

DoubleDipper wrote:Rey Ortiz drafted by Cincinnati in the second round...29th overall pick in the MLS Super Draft.  

Rey Ortiz signed the first professional contract of his career with FC Cincinnati this morning. After being selected with the No. 29 overall selection in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, and impressing the club in preseason, Ortiz will occupy an international roster spot for FCC in 2020.

The immediate future for Ortiz has not been determined. He could occupy an international roster spot for FCC, and the club currently has one more international than they have spots for. FCC have until Feb. 28 to finalize their roster decisions.

https://cincinnatisoccertalk.com/2020/02/21/ortiz-joins-fc-cincinnati/

A long-long-time-ago Pilot in the pros: I watched a Bundesliga match this week for which Steve Cherundolo was the color commentator. He was not the worst commentator, but is definitely better with his feet than his mouth!

Kris Reeves is coming back from injury and tryin to finish up his degree
Injury sounds pretty gruesome.

https://gazette.com/sports/kris-reaves-takes-steps-toward-return-to-colorado-springs-switchbacks-with-degree-almost-in-hand/article_29b87d46-ac1c-11ea-8e12-07cabc5760db.html

Looks like Luis Robles is filling some big shoes in the players' negotiations with the MLS owners. This from the Portland Tribune:

One of the leaders of the players union is Luis Robles. The former Portland Pilot goalkeeper played most of his career with the New York Red Bulls but is now with expansion club Inter Miami. Garber last week singled out Robles for his efforts, a comment that Robles countered with a tweet that read:

"I'm part of a 729 man player pool, 85 player Bargaining Committee & a 7 player Executive Board for the MLSPA. We've never had a President, so being singled out is unfair to all of the players who have worked so hard through this process. We are a collective, not an individual."

In speaking with media last week, Robles said returning to play in Orlando feels insignificant in light of the crises facing the country. But he said the Orlando games will help MLS players strengthen their efforts to have a positive impact on challenges such as the fight for racial equality.

"Players recognize that we can be a conduit of change, that we can be a force for change and what's happening across our communities — we have to be able to use our platforms," Robles said. "So, in order for us to use our platforms in the biggest way possible and the loudest way possible, I think we have to be on the field.

"I'm not saying Orlando becomes this perfect opportunity for us to be an agent of that change, but it helps."

The Timbers will play Orlando in the mls final as they beat Minnesota 3-1.

Benji Michel got the Orlando third goal on one of his patented box to box breakaways at the end when Minnesota put everyone forward for the equalizer attempt in the 97th.
Nice seeing the backflip again.

After a great season in Orlando, Benji Michel got called in the the USMNT u23 camp.

https://portlandpilots.com/news/2021/1/6/msoc-alum-benji-michel-called-in-to-the-us-u-23-camp.aspx

Chris Reeves is now on the UP coaching staff as a graduate assistant.

https://portlandpilots.com/news/2021/1/18/mens-soccer-adds-alum-kris-reaves-as-a-grad-assistant.aspx

Welcome back!

Also, seems this slipped under the radar, but Luis Robles retired from professional soccer. I hope he moves into a coaching role with a club soon.

Ésteban Calvo signed with the USL1 Richmond Kickers.

https://www.richmondkickers.com/news_article/show/1145278

The head coach of the Kickers is former Pilot Darren Sawatzky, who played on the bluff from 1991-94

https://www.uslleagueone.com/news_article/show/1145335

Chattanooga Red Wolves Sign Rey Ortiz...

https://www.chattanoogan.com/2021/6/4/429406/Red-Wolves-Sign-Rey-Ortiz.aspx

Former Pilot and US International Conor Casey is named head coach of the Charleston Battery.

https://www.charlestonbattery.com/news_article/show/1199678?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=Post&utm_campaign=12.20.21_Conor-Casey-Announced

Benji Michel had quite the contribution to the Orlando City US Open Cup win yesterday: an assist, drawing a penalty, and a goal. Congrats to him and Orlando on their first trophy as an MLS club.

I've been told Delentz Pierre has signed a first team Homegrown deal with Real Salt Lake.

A senior academically, Pierre had a covid-year of eligibility remaining.

Sounds like a ground-up rebuild for the men next year.

Benji Michel held a Bona Fide offer from Orlando as the club attempted to re-sign him ahead of the 2023 season but the Orlando native has signed with FC Arouca in Portugal’s top flight, the Primeira Liga. The Portuguese side announced the signing today on social media.

The Pilots already have player in Portugal. Amanda Frisbie moved to FC Damaiense (Lisbon) from Atletico Madrid last year.

Kevin Bonilla blows out his knee in a preseason game and is done for the year...

https://kslsports.com/511672/real-salt-lake-rookie-kevin-bonilla-out-2024-season-surgery/

Benji returns from two seasons in Portugal to sign with Real Salt Lake.

https://www.rsl.com/news/real-salt-lake-adds-former-u-s-youth-international-forward-benji-michel-to-2024-roster