2020 Orlando City Season in Review: Alex De John

We continue our look back at all of the players on the Orlando City roster who played for the Lions over the course of the season. It even includes players that will not be with Orlando City next season, like Alex De John.

Following the 2019 season, Alex De John’s option was declined by Orlando City. However, he and the club negotiated a one-year deal for the 2020 season, which was announced on Nov. 27, 2019. Given how much he played in 2019, it was obvious that he was brought back for roster depth. Despite the numerous injuries and suspensions this season, center back was not a position hit hard and so De John didn’t end up playing much.

Statistical Breakdown

De John appeared in six games for the Lions — all as a substitute — for a total of 54 minutes played. He had no goals, shot attempts, or assists and suffered one foul. He attempted 18 passes at a 77.8% rate, with one key pass. Defensively, he made five clearances, and had one block.

Best Game

Given the amount of minutes De John played in most of his appearances, it was easy to pick his best match of the 2020 season. The veteran defender substituted on in the 59th minute of Orlando City’s 0-0 draw against Atlanta United on Oct. 7, playing 31 minutes. He completed 12 of his 18 pass attempts at an 83.3% rate, including his one key pass. Defensively, De John made an excellent block in the 85th minute, and one of his five clearances on the season.

2020 Final Grade

Given his limited games and minutes played, The Mane Land staff has to give De John an incomplete grade for the season. It is telling that he was never able to make it into Óscar Pareja’s plans for the club unless there was no other choice. I’m not saying De John didn’t buy into the system or give his all. He just wasn’t a piece of the puzzle for Papi. In his 2019 Season in Review De John earned an average grade of 5, also in six MLS regular season appearances, and three U.S. Open Cup appearances. In 2020, he only received grades in two appearances from The Mane Land staff, though the grades were 6 and 6.5.

2021 Outlook

De John’s option was not picked up by Orlando City, so the veteran defender will have to ply his trade somewhere else.

Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)

• Jordan Bender (12/2)