Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 1-17: The Best of the Best

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - AUGUST 31: UCF mascot Knightro takes the field before the football game between the visiting FIU Panthers and the UCF Knights on August 31, 2017 at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - AUGUST 31: UCF mascot Knightro takes the field before the football game between the visiting FIU Panthers and the UCF Knights on August 31, 2017 at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Dom Dwyer, Orlando City
ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 19: Dom Dwyer #18 of Orlando City SC is seen prior to the start of a MLS soccer match between the Columbus Crew SC and the Orlando City SC at Orlando City Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

12. Dom Dwyer, Orlando City

Dom Dwyer is no stranger to Orlando or its fans. When he arrived on a loan from Sporting Kansas City in 2013, he did not want to be in Orlando. It was almost a relegation to play for a minor league club, not a chance to develop.

Things changed quickly when he arrived. The passion from the fan base was easy to get wrapped up in. And Dwyer delivered, endearing himself to them and become a team legend. He scored 15 goals in 13 games that season, seemingly doing it whenever he wanted.

Orlando City made it no secret they wanted to bring Dwyer back, even as he tore up MLS. Then-coach Adrian Heath got fined for tampering for talking about it. So when that opportunity came around to acquire him, it was clear Orlando City was going to jump at the chance.

How the fans would react also probably was not much in question. But it was still surprising to see.

Hundreds of fans gathered at Orlando International Airport in late July and welcomed Dwyer back to Orlando City. Fans have welcomed him home a conquering hero.

He has appeared in only a few games so far in his stint and he has yet to score a goal. But the difference with him in the game is fairly evident. He creates a lot of opportunities. And for a team that has the second fewest goals in the Eastern Conference, that is important.

The full effects from Dom Dwyer may not be felt this year. The team will still shift and shape itself around these new players and whatever adjustments they make next year — expect Orlando City to make another round of changes in the offseason after this disappointing year. But clearly, Dwyer is a key to it all.

And also clearly, Dwyer has an affection for the city, the franchise and the fans. They can only hope his second stint reaches the heights of his first go-round with the team.