You find the Orlando City SC profile in plays by Cesar Araujo | OneFootball

Even nursing an injury, defensive midfielder Cesar Araujo can muster enough performance and skill to help Orlando City SC win.

Coaches had to measure how much time defensive midfielder Cesar Araujo can serve Orlando City SC on the pitch. One of those times came during the Lions’ match with the Colorado Rapids.

Araujo had missed training for two days with back spasms. He was subjected to care but cleared only for limited duty. Late in the Rapids match with a slim 1-0 lead, Orlando needed his skill and scrappiness.

The team had the heart to hold Colorado back through most of the second half. But they needed to stop losing territory and possession to the Rapids. They needed fresh legs and the experience of someone like Araujo.

Araujo got onto the pitch in the 58th minute. Soon, the Lions were able to start slowing Colorado’s movement.  They protected their 1-0 lead and won the three points.

Cesar Araujo maintains the element of aggression that fits the Orlando City SC profile. It’s not recklessness, although it does draw an occasional yellow card, which is the key measurement of aggression.

Mar 22, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; D.C. United midfielder Gabriel Pirani (10) controls the ball from Orlando City midfielder Cesar Araujo (5) in the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Araujo frequently leads the team in cards. Even during the period of limited play due to his back spasms, he ran a close second with six cards to Rodrigo Schlegel’s nine.

While maintaining his game, Araujo stays focused on contributing in every way he can. In his limited time on the field in the Colorado game, he completed 21 passes, including one key pass. He’s a counterattack threat and skilled at playing long balls.

After establishing himself with the Montivideo Wanderers in Uruguay, Araujo transferred to Orlando in 2022.

Since then, he’s tallied 97 starts in 105 games. He’s accumulated enough completed passes for a stellar 89.75% passing rate.

Cesar Araujo plays the game that Orlando City SC values and helps to accumulate wins. His player profile is a key part of what makes Orlando City an MLS power.