ORLANDO, Fla. – When Stéfano Pinho led Miami FC to a U.S. Open Cup victory over Orlando City SC last season, he had every intention of making an impression on the Central Florida side.
That impression came in the form of a 55th-minute hat-trick, as Pinho’s North American Soccer League side beat the Lions 3-1 in what Orlando head coach Jason Kreis called “the most disappointing night” of his City stint.
“It was amazing game for me, I think. I could play well and score and help Miami,” Pinho reminisced after training on Jan. 23. “I was think about to play for Orlando City on the next season, so I give everything I had. So, now, I’m here and very happy to be here.”
Pinho dominated the NASL in the three seasons he was a part of it.
When he joined the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on loan in 2015, he scored a league-leading 16 goals in 23 matches en route to a league MVP award. Two seasons later, he led the NASL in goals, again, scoring 17 for Miami and earning another MVP award.
Since then, Pinho decided it was time for a new challenge. He found one with the Lions, as the 27-year-old was one of Orlando City’s first two offseason acquisitions.
“Yeah, I was looking for a new challenge in my life, so I see Orlando and I give more to be a top player in a top league, too,” Pinho said. “So, I give everything and just look for a new opportunity.”
The Lions had kept their eye on Pinho even before his explosive scoring output in the Open Cup. Because of the proximity and Miami being a part of the NASL, City coaches and scouts regularly stayed updated on potential prospects.
Assistant coach Miles Joseph said Pinho was one of those prospects the team couldn’t pass on.
“We follow the Miami team, and we knew what he was capable of doing, and the timing was right to get a talented attacker like Stéfano,” Joseph said after training Jan. 23. “I think it was all about the opportunity and the timing to get him. And when you have somebody like that available, you have to grab ’em right away.”
In his arrival to Orlando City, Pinho reunites with an old Strikers teammate: left back Victor “PC” Giro.
PC has been Pinho’s guide around Orlando since his arrival. He’s also helped his fellow Brazilian get acclimated with his new teammates and coaching staff, as the Lions are now in the midst of a 10-day, team-bonding trip in Jacksonville.
Pinho and PC also share another distinction, as PC scored an extra-time, game-winner against Orlando City in a 2-1 win in the 2016 Open Cup. Together, Pinho hopes to transform the Lions into a winning side and to make the MLS playoffs for the first time ever.
“Yeah, we played together in 2015 with Strikers, so was a good combination,” Pinho said. “And we hope do it again to help Orlando now. So, he helped me a lot here… He can pass for me, and I can score with that. So, I’m happy with him here.
“I expect more to win the games and go to MLS playoffs.”
Now, the final touches of Pinho’s move to Orlando regard his family. Pinho’s wife and son have already moved to Orlando, but now it’s a matter of finding a home.
He and his family are thinking the Baldwin Park, Winter Park area will do nicely.
“My wife and my son is here with me. So we look for some place. We look around Baldwin Park and Winter Park,” Pinho said. “So we move to there. It’s a nice area.
“The wife happy, life happy.”
For more on Pinho and the Lions, as they embark on a 10-day, team-bonding getaway, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.com.
