Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 35-50: Behind the scenes

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 24: Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins introduces Jeff Weltman as President of Basketball Operations during a press conference on May 24, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MAY 24: Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins introduces Jeff Weltman as President of Basketball Operations during a press conference on May 24, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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48. Drake Berehowsky, Orlando Solar Bears

It was a bit surprising last year when the Orlando Solar Bears dismissed young, up-and-coming coach Anthony Noreen early last season. The Solar Bears were doing OK, but struggling to win at home. And it seemed like there was a bit of a split.

Where they turned to was a bit surprising, re-hiring the man whom Noreen replaced in Drake Berehowsky. It was hard to argue with the ultimate results though.

Berehowsky helped get the Solar Bears back to the Playoffs where they took a 3-1 lead over the Florida Everblades before an injury to goalie (and egregious absence from this list — my bad) Ryan Massa in a post-Game Four fight derailed the Solar Bears’ playoff hopes.

Berehowsky undoubtedly got the Solar Bears moving in a more positive direction. The team had one of its best seasons since returning from hibernation last year. And the group that is set to return is an energetic bunch that should be fun to watch. There are undoubtedly playoff expectations for the Solar Bears this year.

47. Tom Sermanni, Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride have the top-end talent to be the best team in the NWSL. Between Alex Morgan and Marta — not to mention Jasmyne Spencer (set to return from injury), Ashlyn Harris, Steph Catley and plenty others — the team should be able to score at will.

Marta came late in the season and Morgan spent the offseason playing for Paris St. Germain and arrived midway through the season (nursing an injury at that). Coach Tom Sermanni has had to do a lot of balancing with his team during the franchise’s second year.

But things have come together very nicely. The Pride have eight wins in their last 15 games with two draws (26 points in the last 15 games). That includes the current four-game win streak. Both Morgan and Marta have dominated with Marta as the distributor and Morgan the goal scorer.

The team is clicking.

Considering all the shifting parts that were part of this season at the beginning — and the slow start the Pride got off to — Sermanni has done a good job managing it all. The former U.S. Women’s National Team coach has done a great job getting the Pride in the Playoff race.