Orlando City
2025 Orlando City Season in Review: Tyrese Spicer
The newest attacker made the most of the minutes he saw with the Lions in 2025.
Orlando City acquired attacker Tyrese Spicer from Toronto FC on Aug. 1, sending $500,000 General Allocation Money the other way over the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The young Trinidadian forward was brought in to bolster the attack late in the season and showed signs of how he could help. It wasn’t enough to make a difference in the season, but it showed that he can help the team moving forward.
Let’s take a look back at what Spicer did for the Lions during his short stint this season.
Statistical Breakdown
Since he joined later in the season, Spicer didn’t take part in the U.S. Open Cup or the group stage of the Leagues Cup for Orlando City. However, he did take part in the regular season, playoffs, and Leagues Cup knockout rounds.
In MLS regular season action, Spicer made eight appearances with two starts and recorded 279 minutes. He scored one goal and added two assists while putting two of his nine shots on target. The attacker completed 64 of his 91 passes (70%), including seven key passes.
Spicer came on as a substitute in the lone MLS Cup playoff game this year, a 3-1 loss to the Chicago Fire. He came on as a sub in the 56th minute, playing the last 34 minutes of the match. He scored in the 89th minute, but the result was already beyond doubt. The goal was his only shot of the night and he completed seven of his 11 passes (60%) without any key passes or successful crosses. He chipped in an interception on the defensive end. Spicer committed one foul in the match.
The new arrival took part in all three Leagues Cup knockout games, but played sparingly. Coming on as a late substitute, he played 19 total minutes and didn’t put any shots on target. However, he completed five of his seven passes (71.4%), with all but one pass coming in the final game against the LA Galaxy. It included a key pass and a successful cross. However, he wasn’t on the field long enough to make much of a difference.
Best Game
Spicer’s best performance for the Lions this year came in his first start, a 3-1 win on Aug. 16 over Sporting Kansas City. The attacker played 77 minutes, his most in a single game since joining Orlando City. It was an ideal start for the forward, who scored his first goal for the club after just two minutes.
The goal was a nice piece of individual ability as Spicer used some nifty footwork to beat Shapi Suleymanov before finding Martin Ojeda in the box with space. A heavy touch by the usually sure-footed Ojeda resulted in a shot that bounced off goalkeeper John Pulskamp and right to Spicer. He took the attempt well, volleying the ball in to give his team the lead.
It might have seemed like a lucky bounce that allowed him to score, but the buildup made Spicer worthy of the result.
In addition to converting on his only shot of the game, there are other reasons why it was his best performance. He also had 46 touches and completed 18 of his 25 passes (72%), including a season-high two key passes and two crosses. He even led the team with four tackles, a rarity for the young attacker.
2025 Final Grade
Since Spicer only played 332 minutes in all competitions this season, he doesn’t reach the minimum requirement for a grade. As a result, The Mane Land staff has to give him an incomplete. However, he was graded well throughout the season with two 6.5 grades and a 7.0 for individual game performances.
2026 Outlook
Orlando City has plenty of control over Spicer for the next couple of seasons. His contract expires after this year, but it includes club options for 2026 and 2027. Spicer will undoubtedly remain with the club next season, due to both the price of the trade and the return he provided with his performances.
The attacker will likely play a similar role he did this year, starting occasionally but primarily coming off the bench. However, he showed his ability when given the opportunity and had some quality performances. He could play his way into the starting lineup, especially if there’s a shakeup in the roster next season, which could happen after the team’s poor finish to the 2025 campaign.