Orlando City SC Signs Thomas Redding

Orlando City SC Signs Thomas Redding as First MLS Homegrown Player

17-year-old U.S. Youth National Team Member hails from Oviedo, Fla.

Orlando City SC announced on Wednesday afternoon the signing of Oviedo, Fla., native Thomas Redding to a multi-year deal. At only 17 years old, Redding is the club’s first Major League Soccer (MLS) homegrown signing and is the youngest player on the roster. 

Orlando City SC

 “From the beginning, we’ve made no secret that the youth development aspect of our club is very important to us,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath on Redding’s signing. “Tommy has a lot of upside and is highly regarded by many in the soccer world, so we’re very pleased that he’s decided to begin his professional career with us.”

MLS’ homegrown player initiative was implemented in 2008 to allow young future professional players, located in MLS markets, to represent their hometown team. Despite being courted in the last year by premier professional clubs in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and England, Redding ultimately decided to start his professional career by representing the city in which he grew up playing youth soccer.

With the completion of the signing, the youngster is now eligible to play for the first team during the 2014 USL PRO campaign prior to the club entering MLS in 2015.

“I’m not surprised that the interest was there because he ticks a lot of the boxes that you look for in a modern-day central defender,” stated Heath. “He has a lot of potential and upside, and we’re very pleased that he has committed to us.”

Known as a quick and athletic defender, Redding is one of the elite players in the country for his age and has the ability to play multiple positions, according to Heath. The 6-foot-2 center-back is a current member of the U18 U.S. Men’s National Team, along with Orlando’s previous signing Tyler Turner, and made headlines after several impressive performances last year during FIFA U17 World Cup qualifying matches. 

“We believe in our youth program and we believe in giving youngsters a chance,” added Heath. “We have two young players in our first team squad now, and hopefully they’re they first of many more.”

 

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team. The club will begin play in MLS in 2015, becoming the league’s 21st club. The Lions’ first team has won two USL PRO regular season titles and two postseason championships and will continue play in USL PRO in 2014 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Outside of the first squad, OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.

 

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Finnegan’s Bar & Grill At Universal Studios Florida

Finnegan's Bar & Grill

Inside of Universal Studios Florida at the Universal Orlando Resort you can find Finnegan’s Bar & Grill which is one of my favorite places to grab a great meal in the parks!

Nestled among the park’s New York streets you will find this fun-filled Irish-American pub and full-service restaurant that specializes in pairing traditional Irish foods with great beers!

Finnegan's Bar & Grill

Finnegan's Bar & Grill

The restaurant décor is cozy, and while it is distinctly that of an Irish-American pub there are touches of Universal Studios Florida all around.

Finnegan's Bar & Grill

Finnegan's Bar & Grill Each meal starts off with Irish soda bread with apple butter that is served on a shamrock board for an extra special touch!

Finnegan's Bar & Grill

While Finnegan’s offers authentic Irish dishes such as Potato and Leek Soup, Bangers and Mash, Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Guinness Beef Stew, and Fish ‘n Chips. You can also find salads, sandwiches, burgers, fish, steak, and more with an Irish twist.

Finnegan's Bar & Grill

You can take a peek at the Finnegan’s menu here.

Finnegan's Bar & Grill

My favorite meal starts off with the Potato Leek Soup, which is creamy and flavorful.

 Finnegan's Bar & Grill

As a main entre the Shepherd’s Pie is a savory and filling dish which has changed the way that I make my own at home! The cheese on top of the mashed potatoesmixed with the savory meat and the slightly sweet root vegetables pair nicely together.

Finnegan's Bar & Grill

In the restaurant and pub you can enjoy a wide range of imported and domestic draft beers, bottled beers, cocktails, and specialty drinks.

Finnegan’s has a 5-beer samplers, which includes a souvenir glass, which is a fan favorite.

Finnegan's Bar & Grill

The pub also frequently features live music so you can sing along to all your favorite pub songs – or learn some new ones. 

Finnegan's Bar & Grill

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill at a Glance…

Service Type: Full Service 

Location: Streets of New York in Universal Studios Florida

Dining Hours: Lunch and Dinner daily 

Price Range: From $10 to $18 

Food: Irish-American dishes with familiar favorites

Menu: Check here

Reservations accepted: Call Universal Studios Reservations at 407-224-3613 or make your reservations online

We love heading into Finnegan’s Bar & Grill for a great meal and nice break from the hustle and bustle of the park.

 

 

 

 

 

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LEGOLAND Florida Goes Green

LEGOLAND Florida was “going green” Sunday night as all 219,000 gallons in The Quest for CHI turned bright green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

LEGOLAND Florida

Cragger the Crocodile from The LEGO® World of Chima™, presented by Cartoon Network, turned the water from the Quest for CHI ride the staple holiday color after sneaking past his rival Laval the Lion to dump green coloring into the signature ride, The Quest for CHI. By the end of the night, Mount Cavora, which stands 55 feet from the ground and rushes 1,000 gallons of water every minute, flowed  green, giving park guests a unique St. Patrick’s Day photo opportunity.

The LEGO World of Chima, presented by Cartoon Network, is a highly-themed area with a thrilling interactive ride and attractions for visitors of all ages, adding to the park’s already exciting line up of more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. Opened to guests last July, the centerpiece attraction, The Quest for CHI, features an interactive water ride where guests will set on an otherworldly adventure, firing water cannons to help save the CHI.

LEGOLAND Florida

Cragger and Laval are main characters in the LEGO Legends of Chima™ product line and on the popular TV series of the same name on Cartoon Network. The two characters can regularly be found in the park greeting guests.

The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with LEGOLAND Florida Annual Passes, starting at $99 each. The LEGOLAND Florida annual pass includes 12 months of admission and free parking. For the most current information on special events, daily operating hours and to purchase tickets, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

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