BRADENTON, Fla. — When recruiting Ecuadorian midfielder Jhegson Sebastián “Sebas” Méndez, Orlando City coach James O’Connor did more than just paint a picture of a team.
Méndez wanted to go somewhere to improve as a player. He felt O’Connor was the coach who could facilitate that.
“It’s important when a coach shows interest not just in the team, but a personal interest in your development as a player,” Méndez said through a translator.
Méndez was signed by Orlando City from Ecuadorian Serie A side Independiente del Valle. The 21-year-old midfielder appeared in 81 total competitions for the club and has been capped five times for Ecuador’s men’s national team.