Winning in Major League Soccer is never easy, a lesson Orlando City knows all too well after falling short in the playoffs for six straight years. While teams like Inter Miami have opted to spend big in order to compete, the Lions are taking a different approach.
Orlando City let go of key veterans like Luis Muriel and Cesar Araujo in the offseason, and fans were hoping to see big-name signings arrive in their place. Instead, Orlando has used both the MLS SuperDraft and U-22 Initiative to bring in a new, younger core of players that they hope will lead the team to glory and establish a long-lasting winning culture.
The biggest addition to watch this season is Tiago. The 20-year-old winger joined Orlando for a reported $3.9 million from Brazilian side Bahia, where he scored 20 goals in 81 appearances in all competitions. Tiago primarily plays on the left wing, where he faces competition from Ivan Angulo and Tyrese Spicer. He is also capable of playing centrally, where his main competition is Duncan McGuire.
While Tiago is the most obvious option to help add to the attack, Orlando has a bit of a secret weapon in 2026 SuperDraft pick Harvey Sarajian. The Florida native spent last season as a sophomore at Wake Forest, scoring twice and adding another two assists. While those stats might not jump off the page, the coaching staff has liked what they’ve seen from him so far. He knows the jump to MLS won’t be easy, but he is enjoying the challenge.
“The standards are different, for sure,” Sarajian said in an interview published by the club. “Every training you’re fighting for a spot, fighting for a job, fighting for everything. Going into preseason, I was just trying to stay composed and stay free, and I’m really enjoying it.”
Another young forward looking to become a household name might be more familiar to fans. Gustavo Caraballo burst onto the scene last season with two goals in the 5-0 US Open Cup victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Only 17, Caraballo spent most of the season in MLS Next Pro, scoring twice and adding four assists in 16 matches. He won’t be unseating Marco Pasalic anytime soon, but he provides much-needed depth on the right wing and could very well make that position his if Pasalic returns to Europe in the summer transfer window.
Orlando also welcomed Brazilian defensive midfielder Luis Otávio from Internacional. Only 18, the young midfielder has already appeared in 28 top-flight games. He will serve as an understudy to Wilder Cartagena, Joran Gerbat and Braian Ojeda, but there is enough talent there that he should earn more playing time as the year progresses. The Lions hope he will grow into the role, and they will give him time to get used to the step up before throwing him into the fray.
Luis Otávio comes to Orlando City from Internacional this season. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)
While more attacking and midfield options are always nice, Orlando’s real problem lies in replacing key defenders who departed in the offseason. Alex Freeman is plying his trade for Villareal in Spain, while Rodrigo Schlegel moved to Liga MX side Atlas. Replacing either of these two players is going to be difficult, but the Lions have several key young players ready to make the step up.
Iago is the obvious choice to replace Schlegel at center-back, signed from Flamengo as a U22 Initiative player. He only made five starts in his time at Flamengo, but he captained Brazil in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. His 6-foot-2 frame will serve him well in a league as physical as MLS, and he will be thrust into the starting lineup right away while Robin Jansson recovers from a foot injury.
Iago, here running during Orlando City practice on Wednesday, was signed from Flamengo as a U22 Initiative player. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)
Another player to keep an eye on is Nolan Miller. The defender was drafted by the Lions ninth overall in the MLS SuperDraft. The University of Michigan product spent four seasons with the Wolverines, and he brings plenty of experience for such a young defender. Orlando sees real potential in him both on and off the field, and he will be given the support needed to grow into that role.
“We’re excited to welcome Nolan to the First Team,” Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City SC general manager and sporting director, said after Miller signed his first-team contract. “He’s shown strong leadership and professionalism at a young age, and those qualities have stood out throughout our preseason preparations. Nolan has embraced the daily demands of the professional environment, and we’ve been encouraged by the potential he’s shown as he continues to grow within our group.”
Nolan Miller practices with Orlando City Soccer Club at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee on Wednesday. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando has several returning young players who were on the fringes of the roster last season as well. Winger Yutaro Tsukada is back after an ACL injury, and Zakaria Taifi will be fighting to take over Alex Freeman’s spot at right-back. Javier Otero is back as the club’s second-string goalkeeper as well.
Betting on youth is not without its risks, but the Lions are optimistic that their young cohort of players can grow into their roles for years to come. It is a bold move, but one that they hope will launch the club to new heights and establish them as one of the best in MLS.
Iago practices with his Orlando City teammate at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, on Wednesday. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/ Orlando Sentinel)