Netminder Carlos Mercado steadily works out a shot with Orlando City SC | OneFootball

A player can appear on the roster like they’re beamed in from the Starship Enterprise. Or they gradually work their way to starter-dom. Goalkeeper Carlos Mercado is a worker.

Orlando City SC has re-signed goalkeeper Carlos Mercado for the 2025 season, with options through 2027. When supporters think netminder for the Lions, there’s starter Pedro Gallese. After that, what else does the club need?

But Pedro Gallese sometimes gets called up for extended international duty. Another capable keeper must always be ready to move in and save shots for Orlando City. Carlos Mercado has worked since first signing with the team to provide that option.

Mercado first signed with Orlando ahead of the 2024 season. He immediately became Orlando City B's primary goalkeeper in MLS NEXT Pro. The squad he anchored progressed to that league’s playoffs. He made 83 saves in 20 starts for a 1.50 goals-against average.

The team earned nine wins and six draws in those matches.

Luiz Muzzi, Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager, recognizes that Mercado is part of the club’s strong goalkeeping unit. The keeper was given a short-term look in Aug. 2024. He signed on to the first team in September.

These signings follow scouting reports tracking how quickly Mercado is developing his skillset – especially concentration.

One of the highlighted areas in these reports is his best match with Orlando City B. That was a Sept. game against Crown Legacy FC. Mercado got chances at two saves and made them. The match ended in a 0-0 draw in regulation.

It was Mercado’s first clean sheet of the season as well as the team’s first since late May.

His previous background includes time with San Antonio FC in the USL. His college soccer is also in San Antonio. He was in the FC Dallas Academy.

He has the background. He can work in highly competitive conditions, such as in the match against Crown Legacy FC.

He has earned this shot with Orlando City SC.