2020 Orlando City Season in Review: Alexander Alvarado

Orlando City officially added midfielder/winger Alexander Alvarado on Oct. 13, signing the Ecuadorian on loan from Sociedad Deportiva Aucas through the remainder of 2020 with an option to buy. The Lions have since acted on that option to buy, making Alvarado a Lion in 2021. But how did he perform in 2020?

Statistical Breakdown

Alvarado appeared in only two matches — back to back on Oct. 28 vs. Atlanta and Nov. 1 on the road against the Montreal Impact. Both appearances were off the bench, with Alvarado playing a total of 25 minutes. He did not score a goal or assist on one, nor did he register a shot attempt. He completed nine of his 10 total passes for a 90% passing rate. He committed one foul and drew two fouls from the opposition and did not see a card in his two games. Defensively, he chipped in two tackles and two interceptions.

Best Game

He played in just two games and performed similarly in them. They were nearly identical down to the number of minutes played — 11 and 14. Although he drew the free kick that led to Orlando’s fourth goal in a 4-1 win over Atlanta United on Oct. 28, I’m going to go with his slightly longer performance in the 1-0 win against Montreal. Playing 14 minutes against the Impact, Alvarado completed all five of his passes for a perfect 100% rating. He also registered one of his two tackles and both of his interceptions in this match as he helped the Lions see out the win.

2020 Final Grade

Given his limited games and minutes played, The Mane Land staff has to give Alvarado an incomplete grade for the season. Despite seeing only 25 minutes of action, the Ecuadorian showed glimpses of potential that makes him an intriguing signing for 2021.

2021 Outlook

Alvarado, as mentioned above, showed signs of what he can do. The 21-year-old appears to have a lot of upside. At his small stature — he’s listed at 5-foot-5 — we’ll need to see if he can stand up to the rigors of MLS life and the physical play this league offers. If he can, he could fill in on the wing for the regular starters and make spot starts during period of squad rotation due to injury or fixture congestion. I’m excited to see what he can bring to the club next year, as he didn’t have time to leave much of a mark in 2020.

Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)

• Jordan Bender (12/2)
• Alex De John (12/3)
• Kamal Miller (12/4)
• Matheus Aias (12/5)