He’s honed his skills with Orlando City B long enough. The First Team has called up versatile defender Bernardo Rhein.
Orlando City SC has signed previous short-termer Bernardo Rhein to a First Team contract.
The Lions got a brief but good look at what the midfielder can add to the team in their shocking rout of the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park. In those 11 minutes, Rhein rushed in off the bench and got in a tackle to help the squad preserve their 4-0 mastery of the home team.
It’s an explosive trait that he player has exhibited before.
He roared in as Orlando City B as they fought against a tie with Chicago Fire II last March. It was in the second half that Rhein fired in a pass from the left side of the box that forward Justin Ellis directed into the net for the game-winning goal.
It was Rhein’s first assist of his career. Now he works his strategy with Ellis on the First Team.
The homegrown talent will focus on service as a defender during his time on the Lions roster. His contract runs through the 2027-28 seasons with options through 2030. He’s the 19th Orlando City Academy product to advance through the club’s full development pathway.
Ricardo Moreira recognized Rhein’s explosive contributions on the pitch as adding flair and intensity to the Lions’ game. Moreira, club General Manager and Sporting Director, and the coaches want those qualities on the Orlando City backline. They knew that Rhein had that ability from his days in futsal, where he started.
On that smaller pitch with a heavier ball exhibiting a lower bounce, Rhein had to work harder and faster to make his plays.
He signed with MLS NEXT Pro in 2024, training with both the B side and First Team. He made 35 appearances, 27 starts. He scored two goals plus three assists.
He made his MLS debut on April 26 this year as a substitute as the Lions overcame Charlotte FC 4-1.
The scouts report that Bernardo Rhein has embraced every challenge as he grows as a contributor to Orlando City SC. He’ll maintain that intensity as he works with the squad to make something of this season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google