Vote For The All-Time OCFC Roster: Wingers

Written by Robert Kerr, Staff Writer

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The next position of the Oakland County FC All-Time Roster to be revealed is that of the wingers (also known as the outside midfielders). The figurative “Mega Tigerzord of OCFC” is now edging close to completion. The base and the body are formed with the previous presentation and selection of the midfielders, defenders, and goalkeeper. The winger position can perform a variety of tasks in a team, depending on the system and players involved. OCFC, has, in its short history, used wingers as a link from midfield to attack and as key additional runners into the opponents box. Each of the four All-Time Roster wingers selected are Michiganders, aggressive attackers, and clinical finishers. The selectees also range from a one season star, to the club’s appearance leader.

Alphabetically listed, they are: Robbie Cort (2018-’19), Kaveon Dux (2017-’18), Azaad Liadi (2017), and Mario Morana (2016-’19).

Over the next three days, supporters can vote via the poll below or on our Twitter page. The top two vote-getters will be named as the starters in our final XI.

Robbie Cort (2018-’19)

Cort was a force on the field and produced opening night magic. In his two appearances in season-opening games, Cort managed to score five times. He netted a whopping four goals in 2018, and then scored the game-winning goal, a year later.

Note to opponent: Don’t turn the ball over in your own third.

The result? Ask @Robbie_Cort. pic.twitter.com/QOn9Cx8uSL

— Oakland County FC (@OaklandCountyFC) October 17, 2018

Cort appeared in a total 11 games for County, and was a mainstay in the 2018 team. The Bloomfield Hills native came to OCFC on the back of his junior year at Michigan State University. He provided strength and technical quality to the team in wide areas of the field. Cort brought an aggressive, yet creative style, which made him a unique and eye catching player. He was also known to make late arriving runs into the box, which led to him scoring a number of game-changing goals for County. Cort sites his four-goal debut as his favorite OCFC memory. The Brother Rice graduate went on to score eight goals in total for the club. He now spends his free time camping, and works as an account executive for a consulting firm.

Kaveon Dux (2017-’18)

Berkley, MI native, Kaveon Dux earns his selection to the All-Time Roster in large part to his dynamic dribbling and finishing. The attacking wide player passed the eye test in each of his 16 club appearances. He raised the team’s level of play whenever he was on the field.

Yesterday’s hat-trick from Kaveon Dux was the first in #OCFC history. #goalaso pic.twitter.com/0Wzlop9Hb4

— Oakland County FC (@OaklandCountyFC) May 28, 2017

The former Oakland University winger was always willing to challenge the opponent defenders with his dribbling and footwork. Through his close-range finishing, and solid penalty kick taking, Dux managed to score seven goals in County purple, and recorded our first-ever hat trick. Dux remains in the metro Detroit area, and is a trainer and an assistant director of local youth soccer club.

Azaad Liadi (2017)

Sterling Heights native, Azaad Liadi, made nine appearances for OCFC in 2017. The highly talented and athletic winger came to County following his sophomore season at Saginaw Valley State University. He put on a show for the fans every time he received the ball, always eager to take on defenders with quick chops and aggressive turns.

Go on, @Liadi_10! A former OCFC midfield maestro is now going pro! Congratulations ?? https://t.co/PwYcI10m1x pic.twitter.com/v9KUqwEq1t

— Oakland County FC (@OaklandCountyFC) February 13, 2020

Liadi recalls his favorite OCFC moment as when he was honored with the Captain armband, to lead the team in his final appearance for the club. In 2020, the 22 year-old winger signed his first professional contract. The former OCFC winger has scored three times, in his nine appearances, so far, for FC Tucson, in USL League One.

Mario Morana (2016-’19)

Winger Mario Morana is essentially Mr. OCFC. The Sterling Heights, MI native tops the club records with the most all-time appearances and goals scored. Morana has been with club since the start, through thick and thin, always giving his team a chance to score and win. In addition to being quick, clever, and dangerous in the box, Morana possesses a number of unique skills. The winger has the special knack for popping up in the right place in the box to finish off an attack, can hit a free kick, and is a long throw-in specialist. His throw-in’s have regularly caused opponent defenders fits. Many times leading to chances and goals. Ultimately, though, it’s Morana’s leadership and dedication that has made him an OCFC legend.

Here’s a ? at our game-winner this past Saturday and @MMorana23’s 1️⃣0️⃣th goal of the season! #BleedPurple
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? | @ZerdsWorld | Magdiel Crisan pic.twitter.com/6mSixyWbmi

— Oakland County FC (@OaklandCountyFC) August 6, 2019