Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 18-34: Feeling the pressure

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 05: Orlando head coach Jason Kreis is seen on the sideline during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at the Orlando City Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 05: Orlando head coach Jason Kreis is seen on the sideline during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at the Orlando City Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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24. Eric Faille, Orlando Solar Bears

The Orlando Solar Bears have had a solid relationship with the Toronto Marlies the last few years. Sure, the Bears would probably like a little bit more roster stability rather than the constant call ups that happen throughout the season but that is life in the ECHL. It seemed like they had a better relationship and got the routine they wanted last season.

That roster stability is looking like a good thing for the Solar Bears as they try to improve on their Playoff run from last year. The team seems very settled with a lot of players returning from last year’s roster.

The biggest returning player might very well be the team’s leading scorer, Eric Faille.

Faille scored 27 goals and dished out 43 assists last year in 57 games. That was a big growth from his first season with the Solar Bears (24 goals, 36 assists). And that earned Faille some call ups with the Toronto Marlies.

Expect that to continue to happen for Faille. If he returns to the Solar Bears, he should be a key player for a team that should have some big aspirations for the season — both individually and as a team.

Carlos Rivas, Orlando City
ORLANDO, FL – JULY 21: Orlando City SC forward Carlos Rivas (11) chases the ball during the MLS soccer match between Atlanta United FC and Orlando City SC on July 21, 2017 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

23. Carlos Rivas, Orlando City

Carlos Rivas is a player for Orlando City who both generates affection and scorn.

The striker has seen an increase in his role — and a career-best five goals, the second most on the team. Yet, Rivas has seen the team push him out some in acquiring Dom Dwyer. His speed is his greatest asset, but it also causes him to lack the touch needed for set pieces and for scoring even more goals. The joke is his constant power shots over the goal are trips to “Rivas Island.”

Figuring out where this young striker fits is still a big piece of the puzzle to Orlando City.

There is no doubt he belongs. The 23-year-old still has plenty of room to grow and improve. As one of the team’s three designated players (Kaka and Yoshi Yotun are the others), Rivas has some investment in him from the club.

But like so many with Orlando City right now, players are starting to get judged on performance. And Rivas’ performance is a mixed bag. How he goes is often how Orlando City goes. He can change the game for good and bad.