Orlando City Signs Goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh and Defender Kyle Smith

Orlando City has signed goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh and defender Kyle Smith. Ranjitsingh and Smith both came from Louisville City FC, and will be reunited with James O’Connor. The duo were both part of the USL side’s back-to-back titles. 

Ranjitsingh has played for Louisville since 2015. He only played in one game his rookie year, and became the full time starter in 2016. The Canadian earned 11 clean sheets in 24 matches his sophomore season. The past two seasons Ranjitsingh has been the first choice ‘keeper and has led Louisville to two USL championships.

Although he has no experience in MLS, Ranjitsingh helps fill Orlando City’s need at the goalkeeping position after the club did not pick up Joe Bendik’s contract option and Earl Edwards Jr.’s expired. The 25-year-old is coming off of two consecutive USL championships with Louisville and he has played in 81 matches and recorded 33 shutouts overall in his time there. The Canada native took to twitter earlier this morning to thank his former club.

Smith has been one of the most constant figures for Louisville City. he led the team in minutes in 2016 and 2018. He has played in 95 matches for Louisville. Prior to joining LCFC, Smith played at Transylvania University. where he found the back of the net 47 times from 2010 to 2013. The defender left the school as the all-time leader in goals and assists.

What It Means for Orlando City

While Ranjitsingh is far from a start-and-forget player at the MLS level, he brings much-needed depth to the position and helps bolster the Lions between the sticks. Given the revolving door of goalkeeper during the second half of the 2018 season, I imagine O’Connor will continue to experiment until finding the right fit for his team.

As for Smith, the 26-year-old American’s greatest asset he brings to Orlando will be his consistency. Through injuries and international breaks, the Lions’ defense failed to find any sort of stability but Smith could prove to be a reliable part of the back line and fill gaps as they come.

Most importantly, the two signings both already have a rapport with O’Connor and will help create the attitude and mentality he hopes to bring to the locker room next season.