Orlando City B Signs U.S. U-19 National Team Midfielder Ryley Kraft

In preparation for its second season in the USL, Orlando City B has signed U.S. U-19 National Team member Ryley Kraft. An 18-year-old product of the Sacramento Republic academy, the central midfielder joins the club following a recent call-up with the youth national team in early February.

“Ryley is a young central midfielder with good potential,” OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis said through a club press release. “He was brought to our attention after the last U.S. U-19 training camp and after doing our due diligence, we feel he will be a good addition to our group. He is technically sound, sees a pass and gets about the field well. He is only 18 so we will have to be patient and give him time to settle and adjust but we’re excited to work with him.”

The 5-foot-8 native of Roseville, CA, played the last two seasons in the Republic’s U-17/18 Pro Academy, where he netted 12 goals in 46 appearances. Kraft’s deal with OCB is his first professional contract.

According to his Twitter account, Kraft earned his first cap and start in a 2-1 win against El Salvador in February, celebrating it with his first international goal.