2024 MLS Draft: Orlando City Selects Jeorgio Kocevski at No. 21 Overall

Orlando City began its 2024 MLS SuperDraft by selecting midfielder Jeorgio Kocevski from Syracuse University. The club traded $50,000 in 2024 General Allocation Money (GAM) and $25,000 in 2025 GAM to the Colorado Rapids for the 21st overall pick.

A native of Liverpool, NY, Kocevski made 71 appearances with 65 starts and logged 5,599 minutes for the Orange in four seasons. He scored seven goals and had 18 assists while putting 33 of his 93 shots on target. The box-to-box midfielder was a starter on the 2022 team that won the NCAA national championship. Kocevski played all 90 minutes in the 2-2 national championship game against Indiana, but missed his penalty in the shootout.

Kocevski made an impact for Syracuse from the time he arrived on campus, playing 12 games and starting 10 during his freshman year. His time increased during his sophomore season, playing 17 games with 14 starts and he had his breakout year in 2022, helping his team win the ACC Atlantic Division, the ACC Tournament championship, and the NCAA national championship.

Individually, Kocevski was named to the United Soccer Coaches’ All-South Region third team, All-ACC third team, NCAA All-Tournament team, and ACC All-Tournament team during his junior year. He was named captain for his senior season, starting a career-high 20 games and his 14 points (one goal and 12 assists) were the second-most on the team. He was named All-ACC first team and ACC Co-Midfielder of the Year in his final collegiate season.

Kocevski is the third former Syracuse player Orlando City has drafted in its history. The club previously selected versatile defender Kamal Miller in 2019 and center back Abdi Salim in 2023. Kocevski and Salim were teammates on the Syracuse team that won the national championship.

What It Means for Orlando City

Following the 2023 MLS season, Orlando City said goodbye to club captain Mauricio Pereyra and Junior Urso, leaving the need for a box-to-box midfielder on the roster. Kocevski fills that role, as he played the position at a high level for one of the best college teams in the country. While he can score, his 12 assists last season show that he’ll set up players when given the opportunity.

Where the Lions place the midfielder depends on other moves they make this off-season. Later first-round picks generally don’t contribute right away with the first team, but Orlando City clearly liked the player, trading up to acquire him. He also plays a position in which the club currently needs help, potentially enabling him to make an impact with the first team during his rookie season.