Orlando City SC signing signals continued emphasis on clean sheets | OneFootball

Kyle Smith has re-upped through 2025 with Orlando City SC. Whether back-three or four-four-two, he’ll be shoring up the backline.

Defender Kyle Smith has signed a contract for the 2025 season with Orlando City SC. In MLS he’s developed as a fullback. In this position, he’s responsible for picking up opposing wingers.

He prevents those wingers from breaking through the Orlando backline or crossing the ball into the penalty area. He did so well in defense – primarily as a right-back – during the 2024 season that he was tagged with no Goals Against in his 29 games played. He is also credited with 42 aerial duels and 17 clearances.

Especially with Orlando City, a fullback has to provide more than close-up open spaces the opposition wants to use. He must join in his teammates’ attack. Smith made eight key passes this season, plus three assists.

He has 180 appearances for the club through all competitions. That makes Smith second all-time behind team Captain Robin Jansson in appearances for Orlando.

Jul 31, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City SC executive vice president of soccer operations Luiz Muzzi (at podium) speaks during a press conference as development players from Orlando City look on before the 2019 MLS All Star Game at Exploria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images | Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Executive Vice President and General Manager Luiz Muzzi named Smith a vital part of Orlando City’s success because of his versatility and work rate.

Smith played college soccer with Transylvania University. There he set records as the all-time leader in goals, assists, and points. That explains why he’s also proved dependable as one of the team’s dependable penalty kickers when breaking a tie.

Every squad put significant pressure on Orlando toward the end of the 2024 season. Smith said his aim during this period was to help the team absorb that pressure and assist in creating chances.

He recognized that the team’s success in the playoffs was founded on maintaining its form through the end of the season. and then working to achieve clean sheets.

So from the beginning of the 2025 season, look for Orlando City SC to maintain their winning form and start collecting clean sheets early.