Orlando City SC starts assembling the next team | OneFootball

Defender Kyle Smith is out of contract. That’s why he is not among the Orlando City SC roster actions announced by the team at the season's close.

Smith has made 181 appearances for Orlando across all competitions. He first appeared in 2019 and has performed in 10 MLS playoff matches from 2020 to 2024. He’s one of the more active players engaging in aerial duels with 245 – most seasons his duel rate is at 50% or better.

On a squad not known for aerial duels, his is a significant contribution. He also managed four goals and nine assists, along with clearances and dribbles.

With Smith and his teammates, the Orlando City defense showed significant advances this season.  Over a 24-match stretch, they tallied 15.2 tackles, 7.2 interceptions and 9.2 fouls. This pressure preserved the team’s growing momentum during the regular season.

Then in the MLS Cup playoffs, this momentum converted to three clean sheets. Smith appeared in those three matches.

Smith has proved his value to the club. So the organization is talking with him about a new contract.

While Orlando pursues Smith, they have given up on U22 forward Gaston Gonzalez. He was on loan from Uruguay Nacional.

Gonzalez didn’t appear in any MLS matches for Orlando last season. In 18 appearances in 2023, he contributed two assists, made seven starts, and played 712 minutes.

They’ve also declined options on midfielder Jeorgio Kocevski, defenders Luca Petrasso and Abdi Salim, as well as goalkeeper Carlos Mercado.

Midfielder Felipe is out of contract with no known movement yet by the club or player.

They’ve exercised performance-based options on midfielders Cesar Araujo and Nico Lodeiro, plus goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Options have been exercised for forward Jack Lynn, defenders Rafael Santos, Rodrigo Schlegel and Thomas Williams, plus goalkeeper Javier Otero.

Each year the organization has to put teams together once the season ends. The organization has been putting together strong ones.

This season, the team made their first conference championship match. Orlando City SC will now put together a squad that will reach the league championship.