October 11, 2024

“Forge was just family” (Mac’s Access, ft. Orlendis Benitez)

11 minutes

This week on Mac’s Access, Mackenzie chats with one of Forge FC's newest additions, Orlendis Benitez. They discuss his journey playing professionally in Cuba, his experience representing his national team, and his return to Forge FC after his loan stint in 2022. Orlendis also opens up about his excitement to rejoin the team and shares some fun insights on which of his teammates can (and cannot) speak Spanish.

Key Takeaways:

Orlendis first came to Canada in 2019 while playing for the Cuban national team.
His standout season’s have been in 2018-2019, where he earned MVP in a national tournament and 2023 as a League1 First-team All Star & Midfielder of the year!
Moving to Canada just before the COVID-19 pandemic was a ‘crazy’ experience for Orlendis, especially since he couldn’t even say "good morning" in English at the time.
He shares a special bond with his uncle, who played in the MLB and has had a similar life path.
His loan experience with Forge FC in 2022 was pivotal in understanding the level of Canadian soccer, which helped elevate his game when he returned to League1 with the Simcoe County Rovers.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to Orlendis
2:00 Playing Professionally in Cuba
4:00 Winning the MVP Award
6:00 National Team & COVID Experience
7:15 Transition to League1 Ontario
8:00 Loan to Forge FC
9:00 Named First Team All-Star in 2023
10:00 Returning to Hamilton

Forge Audio Network
The Forge Audio Network delivers the latest news, updates, and in-depth content for Forge FC fans, featuring voices like Steve Milton, Mackenzie Barwell, Kyle Bekker, Mitch Houlahan, Bobby Smyrniotis, Forge players and coaches, and Canadian Premier League experts. Regular shows include Forge Daily, The Captain's Log, Behind The Beard, Mac's Access, and more. Tune in via the Forge FC YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or forgefc.canpl.ca, and be sure to follow Forge FC on social media to stay updated on all content.
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By Hamilton Forge FC

October 11, 2024

“Forge was just family” (Mac’s Access, ft. Orlendis Benitez)

11 minutes

Key Takeaways:

Orlendis first came to Canada in 2019 while playing for the Cuban national team.
His standout season’s have been in 2018-2019, where he earned MVP in a national tournament and 2023 as a League1 First-team All Star & Midfielder of the year!
Moving to Canada just before the COVID-19 pandemic was a ‘crazy’ experience for Orlendis, especially since he couldn’t even say "good morning" in English at the time.
He shares a special bond with his uncle, who played in the MLB and has had a similar life path.
His loan experience with Forge FC in 2022 was pivotal in understanding the level of Canadian soccer, which helped elevate his game when he returned to League1 with the Simcoe County Rovers.

Chapters: