Orlando City acquired Rafael Santos from Brazilian club Cruzeiro on a two-year deal with additional club options for 2025 and 2026 on Jan. 5, 2023. Santos has served as the team’s primary choice at left back during each of the past two seasons, though in each season he started slowly before fully grasping the starting role as the season reached late spring/early summer. According to whoscored.com, Orlando City attacked down the left side on 45% of its possessions during this past season, and the Brazilian left back’s ability to whip in dangerous crosses was one of the primary reasons for the clear preference to attack down his side.

Let’s take a look back at Santos’ performance this season.

Statistical Breakdown

Santos participated in all four of the competitions Orlando City played in during 2024, and started at least one match in each competition. He was the team’s primary starting left back during the MLS regular season and playoffs, though during Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup matches he more frequently was used as a sub.

In MLS regular-season play, Santos appeared in 32 matches, starting 23 games and playing a total of 2,072 minutes. Offensively, he scored one goal and added three assists, taking 12 shots and placing five on target. He completed 84.8% of his passes, with 16 key passes, 22 successful crosses, and 50 completed long balls. On the defensive side he had 34 tackles, 22 interceptions, 46 clearances, and three blocks. He committed 12 fouls, suffered 12 fouls, and received two yellow cards.

During the MLS playoffs, the Brazilian started all five matches, playing 434 of the 450 possible playoff minutes. He did not score or have any assists. He took two shots, placing one on target, and he completed 84.1% his passes with seven key passes — nearly reaching half of his regular-season total in only five games. He took one penalty kick during the decisive third game penalty shootout against Charlotte, and his goal on that kick sent Orlando City through to the conference semifinals. Defensively, he recorded six tackles, six interceptions, 20 clearances, and zero blocks. He drew four fouls and committed one, and he was not booked.

Santos played in three of Orlando City’s four Concacaf Champions Cup matches, starting one and coming in off the bench in the other two games, playing a total of 101 minutes. He did not record a goal or an assist, taking three shots and placing none on target. He completed 81.5% of his passes, including one key pass. Defensively, he tallied two interceptions and two blocks, and he did not commit or draw any fouls. He was not booked.

During Leagues Cup play, Santos started one game and subbed in during the other two, playing a total of 96 minutes. He did not have any goal contributions, though he did score a penalty kick during the penalty shootout against Atlético de San Luis. He took one shot in each game for a total of three, placing none on target, and completed 80.9% of his passes with one key pass. He chipped in with two clearances and one block on defense, and he committed one foul, suffering none. He did not receive any cards.

Best Game

Set plays often are not run for left backs, but it is a little different when the left back has the type of cannon that Santos does with his left foot. The Lions hosted New England on Sept. 14, and in the 23rd minute they ran a set play off a corner kick that resulted in a pass to Santos, standing all alone about 30 yards from goal. He took one controlling touch and then unleashed a missile to the upper left corner, placing it perfectly past the outstretched hand of Aljaž Ivačič. According to tracking from Opta, it was the goal from the longest distance during MLS play for Orlando City this season and the fourth-longest for the Lions this decade.

Santos played the full 90 minutes during this match, leading the team in touches (66) and adding two successful take-ons, and he also contributed two tackles and three clearances to a clean sheet from the defense, as Orlando City went on to shut out the Revolution 3-0, finalizing the team’s first ever season sweep of New England.

2024 Final Grade

The Mane Land awarded Santos a composite rating of 6.5 out of 10 for the 2024 season, which is the same grade that we gave him for the 2023 season. His statistical performance was pretty similar this year as compared to last season, both in terms of minutes played as well as his contributions offensively and defensively. Opposing teams once again had to game plan for his runs up the left side of the field, knowing his propensity for whipping dangerous balls into the box from left to right. He struggled a bit in the beginning of the season, something that was also true in 2023, but once he settled in, he was the clear first choice at left back and helped the Lions to the deepest playoff run in their MLS history.

2025 Outlook

Orlando City chose to exercise the Brazilian left back’s contract option for 2025 while simultaneously declining the option for the club’s other player who primarily played left back, Luca Petrasso. Kyle Smith played around 900 minutes at left back in 2024, and he signed a new contract with the Lions, but it appears that going into 2025 left back will be Santos’ job to lose.

This was the case going into 2024 as well, and in the early season Santos started slowly, which contributed to his losing his starting role for most of April and May, as well as a short spell in July. Eventually, he found his form and was the clear starting choice, but he will want to figure out a way to avoid a similar slow start in 2025, lest he find himself again in a battle for minutes.

The depth chart alongside Santos at outside back will also include, as of right now, Dagur Dan Thórhallsson, Michael Halliday, Alex Freeman and Smith, and while historically only Smith has played on the left side, that could change if Halliday or Freeman continue to develop and Head Coach Óscar Pareja believes they deserve some minutes. Either of those two players could learn how to play on the left, as Smith did, or Thórhallsson could as well. I expect Santos to make some improvements as well in his third season in MLS, and barring injury he should play the majority of the team’s minutes at left back in 2025.

Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)

• Alex Freeman (12/5/24)
• Michael Halliday (12/6/24)
• Yutaro Tsukada (12/7/24)
• Mason Stajduhar (12/8/24)
• Javier Otero (12/9/24)

• Jack Lynn (12/11/24)
• Shakur Mohammed (12/12/24)
• Luis Muriel (12/13/24)
• David Brekalo (12/14/24)
• Facundo Torres (12/14/24)
• Rodrigo Schlegel (12/15/24)

Hello, Mane Landers! I hope all is well with you down in Florida. I’ve been busy working at Under Armour and am pushing through as we get close to Christmas. I also have high school basketball and ice hockey to cover later this week, so that will keep me busy as well. There is plenty to cover today, so let’s get to the links.

Palmeiras Reportedly Finalizing Deal to Sign Facundo Torres

Orlando City forward Facundo Torres looks set for a move to Brazil, as Palmeiras is reportedly finalizing the deal to sign him. The Brazilian club will reportedly pay Orlando a club record fee of $14 million, and Orlando will retain a sell-on clause. Last week, Orlando City reportedly reached an agreement with Palmeiras, which still had to sort out personal terms with Torres. Liga MX side Cruz Azul was also in the mix, but Orlando remained committed to its deal with Palmeiras.

Duncan McGuire Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

Orlando City announced on Friday that forward Duncan McGuire underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder, which will sideline him for four to five months. McGuire sustained the injury during Game 3 of Orlando City’s playoff series against Charlotte FC on Nov. 9 when Djibril Diani pulled him down. The forward played a crucial role this season, recording 10 goals and three assists to help the Lions make the playoffs. With McGuire set to miss the first half of the 2025 season, the Lions will have to consider its options to replace his production until he can return. The Lions could draft a striker, sign a free agent, start Luis Muriel as the main striker, or move Jack Lynn into the attack.

Lions Sign Defender Kyle Smith to New Contract

Orlando City defender Kyle Smith will return for another season. The club announced on Friday that it re-signed Smith to a new one-year contract through the 2025 season. The club had negotiated with Smith since Dec. 5 to bring him back for a seventh season. Orlando City Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi gave some insight on the importance of bringing Smith back for another run with the Lions.

“Bringing Kyle back to Orlando for 2025 is a great step in our project for next season,” Orlando City Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said in a club press release. “He’s been such a vital piece of our successes over the last few seasons with his versatility and work rate both on and off the field. He’s a player that we know we can always depend on, and we’re excited to have him back with us next year.”

Smith has played six seasons with Orlando City, making 180 appearances for the club across all competitions. Having Smith back will be a huge boost to the back line with his versatility. He fits in with the team’s culture, can play several positions, and can come off the bench late to help close out matches for the Lions.

MLS Transfer News Recap

We have some MLS transfer news to catch you up on from over the weekend. The New England Revolution acquired center back Brayan Ceballos from Brazilian side Fortaleza. Ceballos signed a deal through the 2027 season, with an option for 2028. Atlanta United re-signed defender Ronald Hernandez through 2025, with an option for the 2026 season. Greek clubs Panathinaikos and Olympiacos are reportedly targeting Toronto FC Designated Player Federico Bernardeschi for a possible transfer move. The Chicago Fire are reportedly close to signing former Philadelphia Union center back Jack Elliott as well.

Free Kicks

• The Washington Spirit reached an agreement to sign former Orlando Pride goalkeeper Kaylie Collins to a new one-year contract for the 2025 season.
• The MLS Cup final between the LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls reportedly drew a record-low viewership of 533,000 viewers from MLS Season Pass, FOX, and FOX Deportes.
• The Vancouver Whitecaps’ ownership group, which includes Greg Kerfoot, Steve Luczo, Jeff Mallett, and Steve Nash, has announced plans to sell the club.
• Atlanta United has reportedly named Chris Henderson as the club’s new sporting director.
• Pachuca defeated Al Ahly 6-5 on penalties after a scoreless draw in the Challenger Cup and will face Real Madrid in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final on Dec. 18. in Qatar.

• AC Milan is reportedly negotiating a new contract for USMNT star Christian Pulisic.

• Gio Reyna scored the opening goal for Borussia Dortmund in his first Bundesliga start of the season, but Hoffenheim fought back with a late equalizer to escape with a 1-1 draw.
• Celtic defeated Old Firm derby rival Rangers 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 draw to win the Scottish League Cup.
• Manchester United defeated Manchester City 2-1, getting two late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo to seal the victory in the Manchester derby. Pep Guardiola’s side has now lost eight of its last 11 matches across all competitions.
• Wolverhampton has fired manager Gary O’Neil after a 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town on Saturday. The club is winless in its last four matches and remains in the relegation zone, sitting 19th in the Premier League table.
• In another coaching change in the Premier League, Southampton has fired manager Russell Martin after its 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

That will do it for me today, Mane Landers. Enjoy your Monday and I’ll see you next time.

Orlando City originally signed center back Rodrigo Schlegel on loan from Racing Club on Dec. 30, 2019. The Argentine defender signed him to a new permanent deal on Jan. 19, 2022 and then re-signed him again a year later on Jan. 25, 2023 on a deal through that season with option years for 2024 and 2025. City picked up his 2024 option and the 27-year-old native of Remedios de Escalada, Argentina ended up a regular in the starting XI during the team’s strong playoff push in the second half of the season.

Let’s take a look at one of the best seasons yet, and possibly the best season, for the man they call Godrigo.

Statistical Breakdown

Schlegel started a career-high 26 times among his 28 appearances (second-most in his career) this season, logging a total of 2,297 minutes — another career high. He scored one goal — his second career regular-season goal — in 2024 but did not register an assist. The defender attempted 14 shots, putting just four on target. Both of those shots numbers are career highs, with the latter equaling the four shots on goal he fired during the 2021 campaign. You want some more career highs? OK, he set new career marks in pass attempts (1,284) and passing accuracy (90.7%). His four key passes did not set a new career mark, as he eclipsed that mark in 2022, with six. Schlegel did not attempt a cross, but he completed 46 long balls. On the defensive end, Schlegel recorded 41 tackles, 46 clearances, 26 interceptions, 61 aerial duels won, and 10 blocks. He committed 27 fouls, suffered 13, and was shown four yellow cards and one red card.

In the playoffs, Schlegel started all five matches Orlando City played, racking up 449 postseason minutes — just one minute short of the available time the Lions officially played. The defender did not provide a goal contribution but managed to get two of his three shot attempts on target — both numbers are also career highs. He improved his passing rate from the regular season to 91.5%, including a key pass and three successful long balls. Defensively, Schlegel chipped in two tackles, three interceptions, 15 clearances, and two blocks. He committed six postseason fouls, drawing five, and received a pair of yellow cards.

Schlegel appeared in two Concacaf Champions Cup matches (both starts), playing 180 minutes. He didn’t score or assist on a goal, attempting one off-target shot. He completed 90.9% of his 99 passes without a key pass or a cross. Defensively, he chipped in five clearances. The defender committed three fouls, drew one, and wasn’t booked.

In Leagues Cup play, Schlegel made one appearance off the bench, playing just 45 minutes against Atletico San Luis. He did not contribute to a goal, attempting one off-target shot. Schlegel completed nine of his 11 passes (81.8%) on his 22 touches without a key pass or cross. He recorded no defensive stats, committed two fouls in the game, did not draw one, and wasn’t booked.

Best Game

Schlegel was strong defensively in a number of games, including early season narrow losses to the New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew and the playoff win over Atlanta United. However, I’m going to go with a match in which he helped at both ends of the pitch — Orlando City’s 3-1 road win at FC Dallas. Schlegel started and went the full 90 minutes, scoring a goal on two shots, putting just the one that went in on target, as the Lions got their first-ever win on the road against Dallas. His 93.2% passing rate was on point, although there wasn’t a completed cross or key pass among his 59 attempts. Schlegel contributed three tackles, an interception, and two clearances on the defensive end. He committed two fouls, drew one, and wasn’t booked.

Schlegel’s goal was a great effort on a corner kick taken by Martin Ojeda in the 51st minute, with the Lions up 1-0. Ojeda made a good delivery to an onrushing Schlegel, who came running up from a deeper position than usual. Schlegel made good contact with the cross and guided his header into the upper right corner to make it 2-0, providing some breathing room early in the second half.

Schlegel wasn’t at fault for the Dallas goal, as that came from the penalty spot after a foul by Nico Lodeiro. It was a great night at both ends for the defender.

Although he didn’t win Man of the Match from our own Andrew DeSalvo (that went to Ramiro Enrique), Andrew gave Schlegel an 8 out of 10 and said this about his performance:

Schlegel was everywhere during this match, and a serious contender for Man of the Match. His bullet header that doubled the lead for the Lions will be what is remembered most, but he also had three tackles, two clearances, and one interception, and his partnership with Jansson was excellent in keeping FC Dallas’ pairing of Jesus Ferreira and Petar Musa off the scoresheet. I thought Schlegel was excellent throughout the match, and his right side pairing with Kyle Smith was effective in limiting Dallas’ attacks down their left channel.

In fairness to Andrew, Dave and I didn’t give him MotM either, and maybe all of us should have.

2024 Final Grade

The Mane Land awarded Schlegel a composite score of 7 out of 10 for the 2024 season. This is the same score he received last year, but it looked like a better year on the pitch, and he set a number of career highs, so maybe we just graded too leniently last year or were tougher on him this year than was warranted. Either way, it was a solid year for the veteran defender, and based on his game-by-game match grades, our 7 seems pretty good. He received a 6.5 both in 2022 and in 2021 after earning a 6 out of 10 in 2020 — his first season with the club.

2025 Outlook

Schlegel entered the off-season as the favorite to start alongside captain Robin Jansson in 2025, but he’ll likely get a strong push in preseason by Slovenian international David Brekalo, who did not get to go through a full preseason camp with the Lions in 2024. The Argentine has had a habit throughout his career of playing well for stretches before something derailing it — a random red card or second yellow card, conceding a penalty, or just having a howler of a game where he can’t seem to get himself into the correct position. Many of these are momentary lapses of composure or an act of over-aggressiveness. The 2023However, he mostly played under control throughout the 2024 season, which is a big part of why he managed to hang onto the starting job in the second half of the year.

There is a lot to like about the way Schlegel plays. He isn’t always the best defender on the field, or the most attentive, but he never lacks for effort, plays with an edge to his game that can ruin an opponent’s night, has decent pace to be able to play at this level, and is beloved by his teammates. Obviously, there are center backs who are better in the air or more physically capable of handling the league’s bigger forwards, and his lack of ability to finish on the number of set piece crosses he gets his head onto can be maddening for fans, but he is a solid player. If he’s your third-best center back (in a standard, four-man back line, anyway), you’re thrilled. If he’s your second-best, you might want to upgrade the position.

Time will tell if Brekalo can displace him or if the Lions ever decide to bring in a fourth capable center back rather than relying on Homegrowns in case of emergency. But with Schlegel, you get a solid, if unspectacular, center back option who can either start regularly or spell the starter with quality minutes.

Previous Season in Review Articles (Date Posted)

• Alex Freeman (12/5/24)
• Michael Halliday (12/6/24)
• Yutaro Tsukada (12/7/24)
• Mason Stajduhar (12/8/24)
• Javier Otero (12/9/24)
• Jack Lynn (12/11/24)
• Shakur Mohammed (12/12/24)
• Luis Muriel (12/13/24)
• David Brekalo (12/14/24)
• Facundo Torres (12/14/24)