Orlndo City U23 News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City U23 have announced the signing of Goalkeeper Keneil Baker, pending USSF approval. Baker, a graduate of Ocoee High School in Ocoee, Fla., was the starting goalkeeper for the Central Florida Kraze in 2011.
During his freshman season in 2010, Baker played and started in 15 games between the posts, tallying seven shutouts for the Tars. Baker recorded an 0.7 goals against average, which was 10th-best in the nation.
Baker earned his first collegiate shutout in his first start against Flagler, leading the Tars to a 1-0 victory. The win started a 12-game undefeated streak for the Tars that culminated in an appearance in the 2010 Division II National championship match.
Baker followed up a stellar 2010 campaign with a strong sophomore season. He led the Tars to a Sunshine State Conference title. Baker equaled his seven shutouts from the previous season, but posted a slightly higher GAA of 0.91 due to playing in three more matches in the 2011 season.
In high school, Baker was chosen to the All-State First Team his senior season at Ocoee, posting 13 shutouts for the Knights.
Baker served as the Central Florida Kraze’s goalkeeper last season, advancing to the conference semifinals before falling to the Laredo Heat 1-0. The Kraze have since been renamed the Orlando City Under 23s. Baker himself earned PDL Player of the Week honors on May 5 after a standout performance against Fort Lauderdale Schulz Academy, making 11 saves in a 1-0 victory.
Orlando City U23 Head Coach Joe Avallone said he has big plans for Baker.
“We’re expecting big things from Keneil,” said Avallone. “He will have competition for the starting spot, but he has the work ethic to win it and be our goalkeeper on the U23 team this season."