Head Coach: Hector “Coio” Almandoz
Venue: Showalter Field
2023 Season: 6-5-13, 23 pts, 7th in NISA Table
2023 Season Recap: Club de Lyon FC debuted in the NISA league last season, moving up from NISA Nation the previous year. It was a challenging first season for Club de Lyon, dealing with off-the-field financial and player contract issues. CDL also played across multiple venues in Central Florida throughout the year for various reasons to complete its first pro season. On the field, Club de Lyon started the 2023 season winless in its first five matches but finally got its first win on May 21 against Gold Star FC Detroit. CDL did get hot in the summer, going unbeaten in five matches. After not playing a match for 43 days, Club de Lyon FC returned to action on Aug. 5. They could only get one win out of its last twelve league matches before the conclusion of the NISA regular season on Oct. 25 and missed the playoffs by five points.
Offseason Recap
Club de Lyon FC was quiet for a few months during the off-season but began posting updates on social media in February to prepare for the 2024 season. The club has found a new home and will play its home matches at Showalter Field in Winter Park, FL. Club de Lyon FC will also have a new coaching staff this season, significantly changing its roster from last year as Head Coach Hector “Coio” Almandoz will lead the club this season.
Key Departures
GK – Nicholas Nelson
Forward – Victor Blanco
Forward – Ignacio Ten Lopez
Goalkeeper Nicholas Nelson played in 10 matches for Club de Lyon FC and kept two clean sheets. Nelson had previously played with Chattanooga FC. Forward Victor Blanco played in 17 matches for Club de Lyon, scored two goals, and added two assists. Ignacio Ten Lopez was the club’s top goalscorer last year with seven goals and one assist. He played in 12 matches but left the club in the middle of the 2023 season.
Key Returnees
Club de Lyon FC will have some familiar faces returning, such as midfielder Agustin Ortiz, Matias Pourrain, and defender Sebastian Mateus. Defender Christopher Clement is also returning to the club.
Key Arrivals
Club de Lyon will be bringing on new faces to the squad. Forward Malik Thom joins the team after playing with the Maryland Bobcats FC last season. He played in 22 matches for the Bobcats, scoring five goals and adding two assists. The club also adds a solid pickup at goalkeeper, bringing on Alvaro Rezzano. The 6’5 keeper previously played with Real Esteli FC. The last key pickup is Juan Manuel “Burrito” Martinez, who played at CA Independiente, Velez Sarsfield, and Real Salt Lake.
Player to Watch
The key player to watch is Juan Manuel “Burrito” Martinez. Martínez has an impressive resumé playing abroad with Al-Shabab, Corinthians, and Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer. Martínez also had a stellar career with many clubs in Argentina, such as Velez Sarsfield, Boca Juniors, and Independiente. Martínez has won trophies, adding a FIFA Club World Cup title, a Saudi Cup Winner, Copa Sudamericana, and four Argentinian Championships. He looked good last month, scoring two goals in their U.S. Open Cup match against AS Frenzi in the first round. If he can keep that form up and stay healthy during the regular season, I expect Club de Lyon to significantly improve compared to last year and be in the hunt for the playoffs.
NISA Today FC Podcast 