Maxime Crépeau
Goalkeeper, No. 71
Age/Ht: 31/ 5-11
Citizenship: Canada
Previous Club: Portland Timbers
The buzz: Orlando parted with long-time goalkeeper Pedro Gallese in the offseason, and Crépeau faces a tall task to replace the club’s all-time leader in clean sheets. He spent the past two seasons with the Portland Timbers and also plays for the Canadian national team, bringing plenty of experience to anchor the Lions at the back.
Javier Otero
Goalkeeper, No. 12
Age/Ht: 23/ 6-6
Citizenship: Venezuela
The buzz: The Orlando City Academy product has been in the club system since 2017 and has been the backup goalkeeper since 2024. Otero is unlikely to see much playing time behind Crépeau, but he has proven to be a capable deputy in the past and will carry on in that role in 2026.
David Brekalo
Defender, No. 4
Age/Ht: 27/ 6-1
Citizenship: Slovenia
The buzz: Brekalo spent much of 2025 playing as a left-back, but the loss of Rodrigo Schlegel in the offseason means he will shift back to his favored role in central defense. He has a strong physical presence and has proven to be a capable MLS defender, although he will need to find an extra gear to help lead Orlando far into the playoffs.
Griffen Dorsey
Defender
Age/Ht: 26/ 6
Citizenship: United States
Previous Club: Houston Dynamo
The buzz: The American spent the last four years in Houston, where he was a stalwart defender with the ability to influence the attack as well. He will slot right into the starting right-back role where he will be expected to develop a partnership with Marco Pasalic. His flexibility in attack and defense, as well as his experience, makes him a vital asset for the Lions in 2026.
Iago
Defender, No. 57
Age/Ht: 20/ 6-2
Citizenship: Brazil
Previous club: Flamengo
The buzz: Iago is a young prospect with some serious potential. He will be thrust into action early with Robin Jansson out injured, and he will have to adapt quickly. He does not have a ton of experience at the top level, but he has shown for the Brazilian U-20 side that he can perform under pressure.
Robin Jansson
Defender, No. 6
Age/Ht: 34/ 6-1
Citizenship: Sweden
The buzz: Orlando’s captain will miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery on a broken toe, but the Swedish center-back is a vital player for the Lions. His command of the defense will be sorely missed in the short term, and any hopes of lifting the MLS Cup rely heavily on him returning to form quickly once he returns.
Adrián Marín
Defender, No. 3
Age/Ht: 29/ 5-11
Citizenship: Spain
The buzz: The Spanish defender joined halfway through last season and made five appearances for the Lions in 2025. He looked shaky, but he has already looked much better in preseason. If he has truly acclimated to what Orlando expects from him, he will be a key cog in defense at left-back.
Nolan Martin
Defender, No. 21
Age/Ht: 21/ 6-2
Citizenship: United States
The buzz: The rookie out of Michigan was drafted with the No. 9 pick in the MLS SuperDraft. He was a four-year player for the Wolverines and was one of the best defenders in the Big Ten. He has the ability to work his way into the team, but he will likely start off primarily with Orlando City B.
Tahir Reid-Brown
Defender, No. 29
Age/Ht: 19/ 6-2
Citizenship: United States
The buzz: Reid-Brown signed a homegrown contract in 2024 but has yet to make a senior appearance for Orlando City. He has spent four seasons playing for Orlando City B and is likely to remain primarily with the MLS Next Pro side in 2026. He still has plenty of time to improve and break into the MLS side, but this year presents an opportunity to show he is capable of doing so.
Zakaria Taifi
Defender, No. 19
Age/Ht: 20/ 6
Citizenship: United States
The buzz: Taifi made eight total appearances for Orlando City last season, but primarily played for Orlando City B. The right-back spot is wide open for the Lions, presenting Taifi with a great chance to show he is the right man to take over the job. The Orlando native can play on the right or as a center-back, making him a great young prospect for his hometown team.
Eduard Atuesta
Midfielder, No. 20
Age/Ht: 28/ 5-11
Citizenship: Colombia
The buzz: Atuesta made 28 MLS appearances for Orlando City in 2025 and is a certain starter again in 2026. He is able to pick out passes with ease and should partner well with Cartagena, as he did with Cesar Araujo last season. His positional flexibility allows him to be used as either an attacking or defensive midfielder, making him a vital piece for Oscar Pareja’s side.
Wilder Cartagena
Midfielder, No. 16
Age/Ht: 31/ 5-11
Citizenship: Peru
The buzz: Cartagena missed all of 2025 with an Achilles injury, and it remains to be seen if he will be the same player he was before he was hurt. If he can return to full strength, he is a clear-cut starter for the Lions. He is an excellent defensive midfielder and, at his best, can be a top player in MLS.
Joran Gerbet
Midfielder, No. 35
Age/Ht: 24/ 5-11
Citizenship: France
The buzz: Gerbet made 20 MLS appearances in his rookie season, and he will be looking to build on that in 2026. He sits behind Cartagena and Atuesta in the depth chart, but he should still see plenty of playing time as he continues to develop. He is calm with the ball at his feet and strong defensively, making him an excellent option off the bench when Orlando needs to close out games.
Colin Guske
Midfielder, No. 25
Age/Ht: 19/ 5-11
Citizenship: United States
The buzz: Guske made a handful of appearances for Orlando City last season, but he primarily played for Orlando City B. He sits on the fringe of the MLS roster in a position with plenty of depth, but he could still make a few more appearances in 2026. Expect him to continue developing in MLS Next Pro, but keep an eye out for a potential breakthrough.
Braian Ojeda
Midfielder, No. 8
Age/Ht: 25/ 5-8
Citizenship: Paraguay
Previous club: Real Salt Lake
The buzz: Ojeda spent the past four seasons with Real Salt Lake and has shown he is a capable MLS midfielder. He won’t light up the scoresheet, but his ability both on and off the ball makes him a solid addition for the Lions. He has looked at ease in preseason and should be an important contributor for Orlando.
Martín Ojeda
Midfielder, No. 10
Age/Ht: 27/ 5-9
Citizenship: Argentina
The buzz: Ojeda took the No. 10 jersey in 2025 and made it his own, scoring 16 goals and adding 15 assists in MLS. He remains the club’s focal point in attack, and he needs to show that 2025 was not a fluke. If he can build on what he did last year, Orlando could make the leap toward becoming a true title contender.
Luis Otávio
Midfielder, No. 5
Age/Ht: 18/ 5-11
Citizenship: Brazil
Previous club: Internacional
The buzz: Otávio has already made 28 appearances at the top level, and he has the potential to become a real star. He won’t unseat Cartagena or Atuesta easily, but he has the tools to be a long-term option in midfield for the Lions.
Iván Angulo
Forward, No. 77
Age/Ht: 26/ 5-7
Citizenship: Colombia
The buzz: Angulo took a step back in 2025, only scoring one goal in all competitions. The pacey winger has the ability to unlock defenses, but his control of the ball can be hit-or-miss. He will need to improve if he wants to keep his spot in the starting lineup, as the Lions have several young players waiting in the wings.
Gustavo Caraballo
Forward, No. 65
Age/Ht: 17/ 5-9
Citizenship: Venezuela
The buzz: Caraballo had a surprising debut for Orlando City last season, scoring twice in his first-ever start in the U.S. Open Cup against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Most of his time was spent developing with Orlando City B, and he has shown the potential to be a true superstar. Orlando does not need to rush his development, but he has the ability to work his way into the team.
Duncan McGuire
Forward, No. 13
Age/Ht: 25/ 6-1
Citizenship: United States
The buzz: McGuire struggled for playing time after a second shoulder injury at the start of the year, but he has shown in the past that he is more than capable of leading the line. With Luis Muriel gone, the starting striker spot is his to lose. He will need to show that he can get back to scoring ways, but if he can, he will be instrumental for the Lions.
Marco Pašalić
Forward, No. 87
Age/Ht: 25/ 5-10
Citizenship: Croatia
The buzz: Pašalić was a huge hit in 2025, scoring 12 goals in league play. His partnership with Alex Freeman was crucial on the right, and he will need to develop a similar rapport with Freeman’s replacement there. Clubs in Europe have been sniffing around, so he could leave after the World Cup, but Orlando will hope to hang on to him until the end of the season.
Harvey Sarajian
Forward, No. 23
Age/Ht: 20/ 6-2
Citizenship: United States
The buzz: The Florida native joins Orlando as the No. 5 pick in the MLS SuperDraft and has been impressive in preseason. He has the ability to challenge McGuire for playing time up top, and the coaching staff is excited about what they’ve seen from the young American so far.
Tyrese Spicer
Forward, No. 14
Age/Ht: 25/ 6-1
Citizenship: Trinidad and Tobago
The buzz: Spicer joined Orlando in the middle of last season from Toronto FC and immediately showed some serious potential. He has the ability to play in attack or as a wing-back, so he will have plenty of opportunities to earn playing time. He likely won’t be a long-term starter, but he is a vital option off the bench or as a relief player if anyone goes down injured.
Tiago
Forward, No. 7
Age/Ht: 20/ 5-10
Citizenship: Brazil
Previous club: Bahia
The buzz: The young forward was an important player for Bahia before making the move to MLS. He won’t be expected to contribute right away, but the hope is that he will grow into a top-level forward. He is good going forward, but he needs to improve in his willingness to track back on defense and press if he wants to be an elite player.
Yutaro Tsukada
Forward, No. 34
Age/Ht: 24/ 5-11
Citizenship: Japan
The buzz: Tsukada looked ready to break out last season before a devastating injury cut his year short. He is a sneaky contender to take the starting left-wing position, but he will have to beat out Ivan Angulo and Tyrese Spicer in order to do so. He has great attacking vision and the ability to slip past defenses, something that will serve him well in MLS play.
Oscar Pareja
Head coach
Age/Ht: 57/ 5-8
Citizenship: Colombia
The buzz: Pareja enters his seventh season with Orlando City already on the hot seat. Making the playoffs for six straight seasons is impressive, but the Lions regressed in 2025. He will need to get the most out of his young players in order to prove that he is the right man to lead the club going forward, and he has shown in the past that he is more than capable of doing so.
Orlando City defender David Brekalo (4) dribbles the ball during a match against Chicago Fire at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando on May 31, 2025. (Orlando Sentinel file)
Orlando City fans clap for Orlando City midfielder Martín Ojeda (10) after his score during the soccer match against CF Montréal at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando on July 12, 2025. (Orlando Sentinel file)