Which Craft Beer is your Favorite 2017 Orlando City Player?

Pride Pub isn’t quite ready to open just yet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t talk about beer. Last year we figured out which craft beer matched up with some of the Orlando City players. Given the amount of turnover in the team’s lineup, I figured we should revisit the topic and update the record.

However, this year all the beers have been featured in previous Pride Pub editions, so you can go back and check them out. Just like last year, we’re going to start with the potential starting XI.

Joe Bendik, Brew Bus Last Stop IPA

The obvious reason for this pick is that Joe Bendik so often had to make the last stop to preserve some points. Let’s see how Brew Bus describes their beer:

Last Stop is our American IPA brewed with a copious amount of floral hops for a beer that’s bitter yet highly drinkable.

I’m not saying that Joe is flowery, but when he got here, Orlando City fans were bitter that Tally Hall had moved on. Despite that rocky start, the fans soon drank in the greatness that was Joe’s shot-stopping ability.

Jonathan Spector, First Magnitude Drift English Mild

Newly acquired Jonathan Spector might be of American and German heritage, but he made his name in the English Premier League. As such, we’re going with an English style beer that isn’t made in England. Spector is a very versatile player on defense, and Drift English Mild is a versatile beer no matter what you pair it with. Hopefully, Spector will pair well with his new teammates for a much improved defense.

Jose Aja, Central 28 Show Pigeon IPA

Central 28 brewer Dan St. Pierre once told me the story behind naming their IPA Show Pigeon. It seems there was this pigeon that came and stayed with them on their loading dock while they were developing and brewing the beer. The pigeon had no fear and stayed around the whole time. Jose Aja arrived last season and showed his worth on the back line — so much so that he earned a new contract. Take it as a compliment Jose. You’re our very own Show Pigeon!

Donny Toia, 3Daughters Bimini Twist IPA

Bimini Twist is a very solid IPA, and Donny Toia is a solid defender. Additionally, he’s worked with Head Coach Jason Kreis before. However, it took a twist of fate to bring him to Orlando City. When Atlanta United grabbed Mikey Ambrose in the Expansion Draft, Orlando City moved quickly to secure Toia to bolster the back line. Bimini Twist is one of my favorite IPAs, and I hope that Toia will become one of our favorite defenders.

Rafael Ramos, Orlando Brewing Right ON! Red Ale

Rafael had a promising 2015, and an injury-plagued 2016. Hopefully, he gets back on track in 2017, as there’s a good chance that he plays on the right side of the back line. Right On! Red is a well balanced beer, and we would all like to see Ramos provide some balance on defense for Orlando City.

Matias Perez Garcia, Gringolandia Fabulosa Porter

Gringolandia Fabulosa Porter has been described as being unique and spicy while still being smooth and exhibiting classic styling. That’s seems to be a pretty good description of MPG. Plus, we could start calling it GFP for short. Hey, someone get MPG a GFP!

Will Johnson, Southern Tier 2XIPA

Newly acquired midfielder Will Johnson has signed a two-year deal, is a two-time MLS Cup winner, and this is his second time playing for Kreis. It seemed appropriate to keep the theme going with Southern Tier’s 2XIPA. Plus, it’s a really good beer.

Brek Shea, Ocean Sun Brewing Bumby Blonde

Brek is easily the most interesting personality on the Orlando City squad. His wardrobe alone is worth several articles. Let’s see how Ocean Sun Brewing describes this beer:

Belgian blonde ale, gold in color, slightly sweet with a complex, spicy finish.

Well, other than the Belgian part, I think that’s a pretty good description of the golden haired Shea.

Kaká, Sixpoint Brewing Sweet Action

Sixpoint’s Sweet Action is described by the brewer as:

…a beer that your brain cannot categorize…

Some of the things Kaká does with a soccer ball cannot seem to be categorized. And there’s no doubt that when he makes opponents look silly, it could be described as “sweet action.”

Cyle Larin, Unibroue Trois Pistoles

As Cyle Larin heads into his third year with Orlando City, the striker hopes to climb back up to his rookie record for goal scoring. Trois Pistoles sounds like the perfect complement to his quest for goal glory!

Antonio Nocerino, Crooked Can McSwaggers Own Amber Ale

Last year, when we did this article, we were pretty rough on Nocerino when we compared him to Peroni beer.

Italian, but a bit overpriced and tastes like Bud Light.

We are hereby admitting we were wrong, and so this year we’re giving him one of the best beer names out there. Crooked Can’s McSwaggers Own Amber Ale. Known as Crooked Can’s “go to” beer, we feel that Nocerino came on to be a go to player as the season progressed. So, here’s to you, Antonio! Cheers!

Was there anyone we forgot? Do you think you have another player beer combo we should consider? Let us know in the comments section. Thanks for stopping by.