2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 51-68: Big Expectations
60. Antonio Nocerino, Orlando City
When Antonio Nocerino arrived in Orlando, there was legitimate excitement for him. The former AC Milan midfielder brought with him world class talent to a team in desperate need of some creation and solid play. The talent was undeniable.
Never mind that he stretched Orlando City’s cap a bit thin (he was not a designated player). Nocerino was going to be a player who helped make things work for the team.
His time with the Lions has not lived up to expectations. Not at all.
Under Adrian Heath, he played in a more attacking role and struggled to gain his footing. When Jason Kreis arrived as manager, he moved him back to a defensive midfielder. And Nocerino has played better. Although, he has not quite been worth the price tag.
Nocerino has yet to score a goal or record an assist for Orlando City in his two seasons with the team. That is not necessarily the measure for him. He is a defensive midfielder after all. Orlando City needed to find the right role for him.
The Lions appear to have found that this year. He is playing much better for the team and has been a steady contributor. But it is also clear something is still off about Orlando City, as shown in their form the last several months.
It appears there are changes on the way for Orlando City too. And Nocerino, as the second-highest paid player on the team, might be one of them.
59. Treig Burke, Orlando Christian Prep
Orlando Christian Prep has established itself as a small-school power in the state of Florida. Last year, the team won its sixth state championship since 2008. What made last year’s title different was Burke took over as head coach after Matt Ruta left for Orangewood Christian. Burke has taken the mantle and kept it going. And Orlando Christian Prep is sure to be a favorite to win another state championship.
58. Rocket Wheeler, Florida Fire Frogs
A lot of things change for minor league baseball team. The one thing that does not is the manager. Usually.
The Fire Frogs struggled in the win/loss column during their inaugural season in Kissimmee. And Wheeler took over mid season. It is certain that he will be back again next year. And that will provide some needed stability to the minor league team.
57. Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak, UCF Women’s Soccer
Orlando has gone soccer crazy the last few years. It has been slow to take with the team’s college soccer teams. But things are going to change quickly.
Or they are changing now.
UCF’s women’s soccer program has taken a huge step forward this year after a win over No. 4 and perennial superpower North Carolina Tar Heels. The Knights have climbed to No. 24 in the polls. If the Knights can make good on their promise to win all their home games, they should be well on their way to a NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament berth, their first since 2015.
56. Nathan Alexander, Osceola High School
The Osceola Kowboys nearly did not have the historic season they completed last March. It came down to the last moment in their state semifinal matchup with Wellington. It took a buzzer beater from Tevin Florent to advance to the state championship. From there, Osceola dispatched Wekiva in the championship game to win the state title. It does not seem like Osceola is going away anytime soon either.