Stetson's
Jonathan Mendoza recently played with Orlando City of the USL Pro League in a
friendly against A.S. Roma, a professional club out of Italy, and a three-time
Serie A champion.
Orlando
City fell to Roma by a score of 5-0 in front of a sellout crowd of over 700 in
Winter Park as the squad began its 2013 preseason, but Mendoza gained valuable
experience as he continues to prepare for a professional soccer career.
Mendoza
subbed in for Jamie Watson in the 57th minute of the contest,
playing the final 33 for Orlando City. "We
were impressed with Jonny's performance against A.S. Roma," Orlando City
head coach Adrian Heath said. "We know what he's capable of as he's been a
part of the U23 system for a few years and we wish him the best of luck in the
draft."
The
draft in which Coach Heath alluded to is, of course, the Major League Soccer
SuperDraft scheduled for Jan. 17 in Indianapolis. Mendoza will take part in the MLS Player
Combine Jan. 11-15 in Ft. Lauderdale prior to the Draft.
Watch highlights from the game below (Mendoza wearing #18).