Photo by Reinhold Matay/USA Today Sports

By MIKE GRAMAJO

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City’s 2-2 draw against the New England Revolution may have not gotten Adrian Heath’s men the three points at home for the very first time this season, but it was Luke Boden’s performance on Friday night that left a bold statement in Orlando’s starting XI for games to come.

Boden, who naturally played as a left back during Orlando’s USL days, answered the call in the dying minutes of the game, assisting veteran center back Aurelien Collin for the game-tying goal, drawing praise from coach Heath after moving away from the Brek Shea-left back experiment in favor of the Englishman.

“He did well, I expected. He’a good player,” Heath said on Boden’s performance on Friday night. “He waited patiently for his opportunity and he did well. Second half, he put some great balls in the box, played on the front foot, but I’m not surprised at that. He’s a good footballer. We expect him when he gets in the final third to deliver decent quality on that great cross.”

Despite his performance tonight against the Revolution, it marked the second time he started and played for Orlando City this season, tallying up 180 minutes played so far this campaign. When asked if he ever felt pressure when the time came to deliver a pivotal play, he told reporters that’s just part of the game.

“There’s always pressure,” said Boden. “Obviously, playing soccer there’s pressure day in and day out. If you want to play, and want to be in the team, you have to take the pressure. It’s in training, it’s in games, so I think you have to cope with that.”

Boden’s insertion into left back meant pushing Brek Shea up to left wing – a position the American international is familiar with. The duo combined for several passes, and has led to Shea saying he prefers playing higher up at the left, saying he feels “freedom” when playing in that familiar position.

Orlando City recently lost midfielder Kevin Molino last week after a torn ACL ruled him out for the remainder of the season. But according to Heath, the way Boden and Shea are starting to mold on the left side, it will only make his decision on who starts less stressful after injuries has plagued the team early this season.

“I think I’ve proven myself,” concluded Boden. “I try to work hard and earn my place, and the manager has thankfully given me the nod. All I can do is give my best, and start next week. I just want to play at highest level I can, and, thankfully, I’m getting the chance to do that.”