This article was written after recording The Designated Pundits‘ Orlando City preview for the 2026 MLS Season with special guest John Rawlins. You can find that video on Spotify below.
2025 Recap
Orlando City had a decent 2025, albeit one that lacked a trophy. They went 14-11-9 in the regular season, and made it all the way to the Leagues Cup semifinal. They were eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs by the wildly unpredictable Chicago Fire.
Orlando City had a top 3 offense in the Eastern Conference, but a very mediocre defense – at least in terms of goal concessions.
The scoring was led by Martin Ojeda with 16 goals and 9 assists, followed by Marco Pasalic with 17 total contributions.
The story of the year was Alex Freeman, son of former NFL receiver Antonio Freeman, who won MLS’sYoung Player of the Year. He was later rewarded with a club-record transfer this offseason to Villarreal.
Transactions
Orlando City has some shoes to fill with outgoing players, particularly goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. They tried replacing him with former RBNY keeper Carlos Coronel, but a handshake agreement turned into Coronel returning to Brazil. Orlando signed Maxime Crepeau instead, which leaves him with an average MLS shot stopper.
Other outgoing players include defender Dagur Dan Thorhalsson and center back Rodrigo Schlegel (best known for subbing in goal to stop a penalty and advance Orlando over NYCFC a few years back).
Luis Muriel (left) is gone, which opens a DP slot for Orlando. Cesar Araujo, once part of the best double-pivot in MLS is also outgoing this winter.
Incoming players of note are a trio of young Brazilians, with Tiago (20), Luis Otavio (18), and Iago Teodoro (20). Iago (from Flamengo) seems to slot in at center back right away, with Jansson missing time with injury. Otavio (from Internacional) is a talented defensive midfielder who should get some opportunities this season. Tiago (from Bahla) is a winger who may have the best upside of the group.
Orlando also brought in Braian Ojeda from Real Salt Lake, who should win one of the starting midfield jobs.
Depth Chart
Orlando City will fill a 4-3-3 attacking formation. Tiago and McGuire will compete for starts as a striker, with Marco Pasalic providing goals from the right side. Tyrese Spicer, former Toronto FC first-overall draft pick will compete with Ivan Angulo for the left wing. Martin Ojeda, an elite CAM who has no issues charging the box, rounds out the top 4.
Wilder Cartagena was half of the double pivot with Cesar Araujo, but could get off to a slow start after missing all of 2025. Orlando has at least 3 starting caliber players to occupy those two roles.
In defense, Adrian Marin will pair with Zakaria Taifi as fullbacks. Alexander Freeman was quite the attacking wingback, so only time will tell if these two have the same freedom to get up the field or have a shorter leash.
At center back, Orlando needs help. Brekalo and Iago are starters while Jansson recovers from injury. I expect at least one signing there before long.
Questions
- Which player, outside our projected starting 11, has the best chance to win a job?
- Tiago. He is a winger and striker. He is a direct player who attacks 1 vs 1s. He could become a starter at striker if McGuire transfers out or gets off to a slow start. He could also get time over Spicer on the left wing.
- What are some realistic expectations for 2026?
- Orlando will most likely be between 5 and 7 in the Eastern Conference.
- What are some storylines to follow throughout the 2026 season?
- Coach Oscar Pareja isn’t known for the “start your kids” mentality, but this Orlando squad is young. How many young players get meaningful minutes?
- What styles does this team match up well against?
- Teams who leave space for the wingers or between midfield and their backline.
- What styles does this team match up poorly against?
- Orlando struggles against teams who eliminate space and play behind the ball. They struggle sometimes breaking down a bunker.
- What player improves the most in 2026?
- Adrian Marin. He didn’t fully settle into MLS last season, and should do better with a full preseason.
- Which player regresses in 2026?
- Eduard Atuesta. He can disappear at times, and Braian Ojeda or Wilder Cartagena would gladly step in.
Hear more, and follow along as I preview all 30 MLS teams before kickoff of the 2026 season!
YouTube- youtube.com/@thedesignatedpundits
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Bob Ventimiglia is a leading soccer podcaster and handicapper, renowned for his sharp analysis and consistent success at the soccer sportsbook.
As a founding member and MLS expert on the BetUS MLS Show, he earned “Capper of the Week” honors four times during his debut season.
Now, he is producer for “The Designated Pundits” MLS podcast and “The High Impact Pundits” NWSL podcast.
💸 BetUS TV MLS Expert (4x Capper of the Week)
📝 Member- North American Soccer Reporters
