Which Craft Beer is your Favorite Orlando City Player?

Well, I know by now you’re familiar with our very own Pride Pub, and for over a year now we’ve brought you some of the best craft beer suggestions from around Florida, North America, and the world for your watch parties or tailgates, or even just an evening home with friends, watching the games.

One thing we’ve yet to do is let you know which craft beer represents which Orlando City player. We’re going with a potential starting 11 so, without further ado...

Cyle Larin - Don de Dieu, Unibroue Brewery

This really wasn’t hard to figure out. Don de Dieu means, "Gift of God." With 28 MLS goals through last night, it’s quite obvious that Larin has been a gift to the Lions. Not to mention that some of his goals have that deus ex machina flavor. Of course, it must be said that both the beer and the player are Canadian, though to be fair Cyle is three years older than Don de Dieu.

Brek Shea - White Wing, Shiner/Spoetzl Brewery

Well, this one was a good choice for multiple reasons. First, Jason Kreis has moved Brek back up on the "wing." Of course, Shiner beers (Spoetzl Brewery) is from Texas, just like the blonde bandit of the left. Finally, it’s how Shiner describes White Wing, "It’s a delightfully odd bird." If that doesn’t describe Brek Shea, I don’t know what does.

Kaká - Xingu Black Beer, Xingu Beer

What beer do you choose for an award-winning player from Brazil? An award-winning beer from Brazil, will do nicely. Xingu Black Beer won a Gold Medal from the Beverage Tasting Institute in 1998 and 1999. Kaká, of course, was the Ballon d’Or winner in 2007. I’m willing to bet that our captain has had a few of these over the years.

Kevin Molino - Carib, Carib Brewery

Well, to be honest, this one is really just on the fact that both the beer and Kevin are from Trinidad and Tobago. I mean, the beer has been around a lot longer than he has. Though both the man and the beer are smooth, refreshing, and finish well. Sorry, that’s all I’ve got.

Darwin Ceren/Cristian Higuita - Dos Equis, Dos Equis Brewery

We’re giving up the props to our own Andrew Harrison on this pick. There are two of them, so...dos. Equis means "X," and both have that x-factor. And I don’t mean they have mutant powers. Any given day, they can be fantastic or completely not fantastic. Stay thirsty, my friends!

Luke Boden - Boddington’s Ale, Boddington’s Brewery

Let’s face it, it’s right in the name! Bodz and Bod’s. They’re both from England, they’re both regular and steady, without being flashy. However, you know you can count on it even if you want something else.

David Mateos - Estrella, Estrella Damm

One Spaniard deserves another. Let’s face it, there are very few Espana brews available here in the U.S., and there are very few Spanish players in Orlando. I’d have been remiss if I hadn’t made this connection for Mr. Mateos. Regardless, enjoy the crisp taste.

Seb Hines - Old Leg Over, Daleside Brewery

Well ol’ Seb is from across the pond, and so it Old Leg Over. The brewery describes it as "balanced," "mature," and "a slight nuttiness." Now I know that they mean taste, but heck we’ll just take their words and use them for ol’ Seb.

Kevin Alston - Snake Dog IPA, Flying Dog Brewery

OK, Flying Dog is technically in Maryland, but as a person who grew up there, I can attest that the lines between D.C. and Maryland are ephemeral at best. So why, Snake Dog? It’s a beer that, according to the brewery, emphasizes heat and citrus. Well, if that doesn’t describe a D.C. player in what was once known as the Citrus Bowl, then what does?

Joe Bendik - Moo Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout, Terrapin Beer Co.

Let’s face it. Joe Bendik is stout in goal, just as the Moo Hoo is a stout (thanks to The Mane Land’s own Andrew Harrison again for this one). Plus, let’s not pretend that the words he’s been shouting at the defense aren’t similar to moo(re) Hoo(elp). What does that remind me of? Hodor.

Subs

I’ll let you in on a little secret. As we at The Mane Land talked about which beers went with each player, we had some suggestions for some substitutions.

Antonio Nocerino - Peroni

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

Tommy Redding - O’Douls

Young and tastes like the real thing, but can’t quite get you drunk yet.

So, did we forget anyone you wanted to see? Let us know in the comments.