2023 Orlando City Season in Review: Ramiro Enrique

Orlando City signed Argentine forward Ramiro Enrique on Jan. 26 from Club Atletico Banfield. The 21-year-old attacker was signed as part of the MLS U22 initiative and replaced Homegrown Player Benji Michel, who departed the club following the 2022 season. Enrique had to find his time with the team, but was a key player after Ercan Kara was sold to Turkish side Samsunspor.

Let’s take a look at Enrique’s first season with Orlando City.

Statistical Breakdown

Enrique took part in 30 regular-season games, with seven starts, and recorded 1,019 minutes. Eight of the striker’s 35 shots this year were on target (22.9%) and he finished his first season in Orlando with four goals. He completed 186 of his 255 pass attempts (72.9%) with two assists. Defensively, he had four interceptions and was booked four times.

The Argentine came on as a substitute in all three MLS Cup playoff games, recording 70 total minutes. He didn’t score any goals, but took two shots in the Eastern Conference semifinal, putting both on target. He completed 12 of his 20 pass attempts (60%), including two key passes. 

The striker started both of the Concacaf Champions League games against Tigres UANL, playing 115 minutes. He didn’t record any goals or assists, but took four shots with one on target and completed 17 of his 24 pass attempts (70.8%).

Enrique came off the bench in the U.S. Open Cup against Charlotte FC for the final eight minutes as the Lions searched for an equalizer. Unfortunately, the substitute had no impact on the game, failing to record any shots and not attempting any passes. 

In the Leagues Cup, Enrique came off the bench in all three games. He didn’t score any goals and took two shots, but both were off target. He completed 16 of his 20 pass attempts (80%) with one key pass but no assists.

Best Game

Enrique’s best game is undoubtedly Orlando City’s 4-3 comeback win over the Columbus Crew on Sept. 16. The usual backup striker got the start in the game for Duncan McGuire, who was injured in training, and made the most of his opportunity. He recorded an assist on Facundo Torres’ goal in the 73rd minute that cut the deficit to 3-2, but his biggest impact came in the final 10 minutes.

In the 86th minute, a poor clearance attempt by Columbus fell right to the feet of the Argentine striker. Enrique didn’t make any mistakes with it, putting his second touch into the corner to even the back-and-forth game at 3-3.

A goal and an assist would’ve been enough for his best game of the year, but Enrique made it a more memorable night seven minutes into second-half injury time. Again, the striker was in the right place at the right time. A free kick went into a group of players and Torres sent it back across the box. This time Enrique put his first touch on target, giving the Lions a last-minute winner.

In addition to his brace and assist, Enrique took three shots in 90 minutes, putting all three on target. He completed 16 of his 22 pass attempts (72.7%) with nine coming in the opposing half and seven in his own half. Our Michael Citro gave him an 8.5 grade for the game and named him Orlando City’s Man of the Match for his performance.

2023 Final Grade

The Mane Land staff gave Enrique a grade of 5.5 out of 10 for the 2023 MLS season. The striker was very good at times, but was too inconsistent. However, his inconsistency isn’t uncommon for a player as young as Enrique. It was also his first year on a new team and in a new country, so good things will be expected from him during his second year in Orlando.

2024 Outlook

Enrique signed a three-year deal with two additional option years, potentially keeping him in Orlando through 2027. He’ll likely go into the 2024 season as the primary backup to McGuire, a more solidified role after the club sent Kara to Turkey during last season. In most cases, he’ll come off the bench to provide energy and pressure, but can also play on the wing.

Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)

• Alex Freeman: (11/29/23)
• Abdi Salim: (12/1/23)
• Kyle Smith (12/1/23)
• Junior Urso (12/5/23)
• Favian Loyola (12/7/23)
• Jack Lynn (12/8/23)
• Mason Stajduhar (12/9/23)
• Antonio Carlos (12/13/23)
• Felipe (12/14/23)

Luca Petrasso (12/15/23)