![\"Orlando](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/TOS-L-Orlando-City-Chicago-06.jpg\")
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)<\/p>\nMaxime Cr\u00e9peau<\/p>\n
Goalkeeper, No. 71<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 31\/ 5-11<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Canada<\/p>\n
Previous Club: Portland Timbers<\/p>\n
The buzz: Orlando parted with long-time goalkeeper Pedro Gallese in the offseason, and Cr\u00e9peau faces a tall task to replace the club\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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Javier Otero<\/p>\n
Goalkeeper, No. 12<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 23\/ 6-6<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Venezuela<\/p>\n
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 Cr\u00e9peau, but he has proven to be a capable deputy in the past and will carry on in that role in 2026.<\/p>\n
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David Brekalo<\/p>\n
Defender, No. 4<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 27\/ 6-1<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Slovenia<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Griffen Dorsey<\/p>\n
Defender<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 26\/ 6<\/p>\n
Citizenship: United States<\/p>\n
Previous Club: Houston Dynamo<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Iago<\/p>\n
Defender, No. 57<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 20\/ 6-2<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Brazil<\/p>\n
Previous club: Flamengo<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Robin Jansson<\/p>\n
Defender, No. 6<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 34\/ 6-1<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Sweden<\/p>\n
The buzz: Orlando\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Adri\u00e1n Mar\u00edn<\/p>\n
Defender, No. 3<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 29\/ 5-11<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Spain<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Nolan Martin<\/p>\n
Defender, No. 21<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 21\/ 6-2<\/p>\n
Citizenship: United States<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Tahir Reid-Brown<\/p>\n
Defender, No. 29<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 19\/ 6-2<\/p>\n
Citizenship: United States<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Zakaria Taifi<\/p>\n
Defender, No. 19<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 20\/ 6<\/p>\n
Citizenship: United States<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Eduard Atuesta<\/p>\n
Midfielder, No. 20<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 28\/ 5-11<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Colombia<\/p>\n
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\u2019s side.<\/p>\n
Wilder Cartagena<\/p>\n
Midfielder, No. 16<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 31\/ 5-11<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Peru<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Joran Gerbet<\/p>\n
Midfielder, No. 35<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 24\/ 5-11<\/p>\n
Citizenship: France<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Colin Guske<\/p>\n
Midfielder, No. 25<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 19\/ 5-11<\/p>\n
Citizenship: United States<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Braian Ojeda<\/p>\n
Midfielder, No. 8<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 25\/ 5-8<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Paraguay<\/p>\n
Previous club: Real Salt Lake<\/p>\n
The buzz: Ojeda spent the past four seasons with Real Salt Lake and has shown he is a capable MLS midfielder. He won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Mart\u00edn Ojeda<\/p>\n
Midfielder, No. 10<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 27\/ 5-9<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Argentina<\/p>\n
The buzz: Ojeda took the\u00a0 No. 10 jersey in 2025 and made it his own, scoring 16 goals and adding 15 assists in MLS. He remains the club\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Luis Ot\u00e1vio<\/p>\n
Midfielder, No. 5<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 18\/ 5-11<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Brazil<\/p>\n
Previous club: Internacional<\/p>\n
The buzz: Ot\u00e1vio has already made 28 appearances at the top level, and he has the potential to become a real star. He won\u2019t unseat Cartagena or Atuesta easily, but he has the tools to be a long-term option in midfield for the Lions.<\/p>\n
Iv\u00e1n Angulo<\/p>\n
Forward, No. 77<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 26\/ 5-7<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Colombia<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Gustavo Caraballo<\/p>\n
Forward, No. 65<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 17\/ 5-9<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Venezuela<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Duncan McGuire<\/p>\n
Forward, No. 13<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 25\/ 6-1<\/p>\n
Citizenship: United States<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Marco Pa\u0161ali\u0107<\/p>\n
Forward, No. 87<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 25\/ 5-10<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Croatia<\/p>\n
The buzz: Pa\u0161ali\u0107 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Harvey Sarajian<\/p>\n
Forward, No. 23<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 20\/ 6-2<\/p>\n
Citizenship: United States<\/p>\n
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\u2019ve seen from the young American so far.<\/p>\n
Tyrese Spicer<\/p>\n
Forward, No. 14<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 25\/ 6-1<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Trinidad and Tobago<\/p>\n
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\u2019t be a long-term starter, but he is a vital option off the bench or as a relief player if anyone goes down injured.<\/p>\n
Tiago<\/p>\n
Forward, No. 7<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 20\/ 5-10<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Brazil<\/p>\n
Previous club: Bahia<\/p>\n
The buzz: The young forward was an important player for Bahia before making the move to MLS. He won\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Yutaro Tsukada<\/p>\n
Forward, No. 34<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 24\/ 5-11<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Japan<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Oscar Pareja<\/p>\n
Head coach<\/p>\n
Age\/Ht: 57\/ 5-8<\/p>\n
Citizenship: Colombia<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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)<\/p>\n
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![\"Orlando](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/TOS-l-orlando-city-montreal-20_56b041.jpg\")
Orlando City fans clap for Orlando City midfielder Mart\u00edn Ojeda (10) after his score during the soccer match against CF Montr\u00e9al at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando on July 12, 2025. (Orlando Sentinel file)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Maxime Cr\u00e9peau Goalkeeper, No. 71 Age\/Ht: 31\/ 5-11 Citizenship: Canada Previous Club: Portland Timbers The buzz: Orlando parted…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":162908,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[28,1335,139,4788,141,140,2062,76046,110],"class_list":["post-162907","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-orlando","tag-florida","tag-orange-county","tag-orlando","tag-orlando-city-sc","tag-orlando-headlines","tag-orlando-news","tag-soccer","tag-social-sports","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/162907","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=162907"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/162907\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/162908"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=162907"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=162907"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=162907"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}