With the United Soccer League regular season steadily approaching, Orlando City B has made some moves to bolster their roster.
According to a press release Thursday, the USL squad has acquired defender Zach Ellis-Hayden and goalkeeper Jake Fenlason. Per the release, the acquisition of Ellis-Hayden is pending his ITC and Visa.
The 23-year-old defender joins OCB after helping K-W United FC to a USL Premier Development League championship over the New York Red Bulls U-23 team.
From 2010-2013, the Canadian defender played collegiate ball for Cleveland State University, recording 78 appearances. While there, he earned spots on the All-Horizon First Team in 2013, All-Great Lakes Region Third Team and All-Horizon Second Team in 2012. Furthermore, in 2012, Ellis-Hayden was the second-highest scorer for his team.
Fenlason, who attended the University of Akron from 2011-2015, reunites with 2016 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick Richie Laryea after playing with him from 2014-2015.
In his final year, Fenlason led the Zips to an NCAA tournament semifinals appearance, recording an 18-3-3 regular-season record with career-highs in saves (105) and shutouts (nine).
As a junior in 2014, Fenlason earned All-Mid-American Conference First Team honors, after ranking first in the conference in saves (73) and shutouts (seven).
“The addition of naturally recognized college players like Zach and Jake is a big boost for the team as we continue building our roster for our 2016 season,” OCB head coach Anthony Pulis said. “Zach is a solid defender that can operate in a number of positions in the back four. He’s very athletic, hungry to learn and do well for us. Jake has shown a tremendous amount of talent and dominance in goal throughout his college career. We are really excited about both players and look forward to working and developing them with OCB.”
