As the year 2026 kicks off, another MLS NEXT Pro player is signed to Orlando City B and continues the pathway to a shot with the First Team.
Orlando City Academy Goalkeeper Juan Rojas signed a three-year MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B. Although known for his great potential, the Orlando City system never rushes athletes through the development pathway.
Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City SC General Manager & Sporting Director, said Rojas has earned this latest step for his development. Over his four Academy seasons, he’s made 94 appearances, recording 42 clean sheets and over 250 saves.
He was a 2024 MLS NEXT All-Star and on Orlando City’s 2025 Generation adidas Cup U-18 Championship squad. He also got the call to join Venezuela’s senior national team in October.
While he hasn’t gotten the call to Orlando’s First Team yet, he’s in position for a short-term contract sometime in 2026. All eyes are on Orlando City’s keeper position for depth now that Pedro Gallese has moved on.
The 17-year-old homegrown player joins fellow homegrown keeper Tristan Himes on the B squad. They will receive a lot of attention this season.
Rojas got closer to getting a look last season but needed a chance for a regular showing on the pitch with Orlando City B. He’s getting that this season.
Meantime, Rojas has clocked hours training with the first team. Scouts have watched him as he competed in the ever-intensifying environment of MLS NEXT Pro. A year ago, MLS Next added still another tier of competition as the elite development platform worked to sharpen its 16,000 players in 151 member clubs.
Their competition tiers now include regular-season games, regional tournaments, and national events. Added are coaching development and education programs to heighten talent identification and high-performance opportunities.
This ensures that when Orlando City SC needs him, Juan Rojas and his teammates will be more than ready.