Orlando City DP Bryan Rochez To Be Loaned to Real Espana

Reports out of Honduras are stating that Orlando City has loaned striker Bryan Rochez to Real Espana in Honduras, his former club. Club spokesman says a loan deal is in the works but that no paperwork has been signed. The club could potentially open up a Designated Player spot with the loan, depending on how much of Rochez’s salary Real Espana will pay and whether or not the deal indicates the Lions can recall him from the loan.

Prior to the 2015 MLS season, Rochez was signed by Orlando City along with Colombian Carlos Rivas as Young Designated Players. The two players were signed originally to be key players for the future. However, Rochez has found life difficult since joining the club. In June of last year, Rochez lost his passport while in New Zealand for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup which significantly delayed his return. When Rochez did return, he found himself behind starting rookie striker Cyle Larin.

This year, Rochez suffered an injury with the Honduran U-20 national team prior to the season. The failure of the federation or the player to inform Orlando City of the injury meant that it went improperly treated at first, setting back the second-year Lion. As a result, Rochez needed more time to prepare for the USL season with Orlando City B after missing all of preseason. He’s taken part in 10 games this year in the USL, mostly as a late substitute, netting two goals with one assist in 440 minutes of action.

In his first year with Orlando City, Rochez played in 16 games and scored three goals, completing 68.4% of his passes. His play was instrumental in a late-season run that gave the Lions a shot at reaching the postseason.

The news of the potential loan was announced by Real Espana via a Twitter post featuring the popular game Pokemon Go.

We’ll have more on this story as it develops.