BAY LAKE – Following a stellar tournament which saw Orlando City SC reach the MLS is Back final, three players were named in the team of the tournament, announced on Thursday.
Nani, Joao Moutinho, and Ruan were all named to the MLS is Back Best XI which was awarded by a media vote. All three players had earned high praise throughout the tournament and had the final have gone the other way Nani may well have won the player of the tournament award.
The Portuguese legend starred throughout the tournament, playing every minute for the Lions scoring or assisting on seven of the 12 Orlando goals at Disney.
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Moutinho and Ruan make up half of the backline in the team of the tournament following their crucial performances in purple. Orlando City only conceded two goals in a match once, Tuesday’s final, with the pair proving a vital part of a team that was hard to break down.
It wasn’t just defense which earned Moutinho and Ruan their places in the honorary team, with both players providing an assist in the tournament. Moutinho also managed to be a goalscorer, heading home the crucial equalizer against LAFC.
Four other Lions were nominated for honors but missed out: Pedro Gallese, Antonio Carlos, Mauricio Pereyra, and Chris Mueller.
(Photo: Jared Martinez, Matt Stith & Devin L’Amoreaux)
Florida Soccer Report 