Orlando City Feature -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Monday, December 23, 2013
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City Forward Dennis Chin recently sat down to talk about his offseason training, expectations for 2014 and much more.
Q: What have you been working on to improve your game in 2014?
A: I’ve focused a lot on improving some of the aspects of my game that I believed I lacked at most points last season.
Q: The last few seasons, you have gone out on loan to different clubs, including the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer, how valuable is that for you personally?
A: Going on loan has been valuable for me personally because it gives me a chance to experience being a professional in a different environment, with different players, and obviously playing in a new system. Having only played professionally in Orlando in my career so far; it gives me a chance to experience these things while still being here at Orlando. It has definitely helped me grow as a player.
Q: Much has been made about the 2014 squad being a 'test' for the inaugural MLS season 2015. What are your thoughts on that development and does it change your mindset heading into 2014?
A: From our first season in 2011, the expectations of us as players and the club as a whole has always been high. Obviously these expectations have only increased throughout the years and especially now with the announcement of MLS in 2015. We have always gone into previous seasons expecting to win everything while playing attractive soccer, and I don't think that will ever change with the leadership we have. However, looking at it as a player only, we know that the team will only get better. In order to continue being a part of it, we have to improve and show that we are able to consistently provide something to a team looking to compete at the highest level possible.
Q: From a player’s perspective, is it a big change to move from a turf field at the Citrus Bowl to the grass pitch at the ESPN Wide World of Sports?
A: Players definitely prefer to play on grass pitches as opposed to turf for many reasons. On turf, the bounce of the ball can be unpredictable at times, which sometimes causes confusion when you expect a certain outcome from a pass and receive another. Players also complain about the health effects of playing on turf, such as joint pain and injuries due to playing on a surface with less "give" as they say.
But as a whole, turf is a faster playing surface, helping develop a fast-pace playing style (like Orlando). However, the well manicured field at the WWOS once watered before a game will yield similar, but more favorable results.
Q: What have you been up to outside of soccer this offseason?
A: Outside of the game, I have been working with my player cause (New Image Youth Center), coaching in the Orlando City Youth Academy, and trying to spend more time with my family and friends.